Got some new kids!

[Sheather]

For those who've followed my situation, I had a lot of birds but had to move in with family early this year and sell almost all of them.

Well, that situation hasn't changed, but I've been able to get back into the hobby a little, as long as I stick to smaller birds and a few cages which fit mounted in a nook in my bedroom which is basically a doorless closet set up with lights (and also near a south facing window, so it's not dark). I had seven societies, two canaries, and two budgies, between three cages. Well last week, I gave away five of the societies (some to a older and somewhat lonesome neighbor, who really loves them, and some to another bird-keeping aquaintence) and kept just one pair and this week, I picked up two new species in their place. A male and female orange-cheek waxbill (the cutest little things!) and two male zebras, a big pudgy penguin zebra and a little chestnut flanked white. At the moment, the new guys are with the societies and everyone is really amicable. These zebras seem to have really good temperaments, but I have space to move them if that changes and will keep a close watch. There are NO nests, and everyone seems to be fine together. The three pairs sleep each perches together on their own roost at night, but during the day there is lots of preening across species lines, some of the cutest being the tiny, dainty waxbills grooming the big penguin zebra.

Indeed, so far, the male waxbill rules the roost and doesn't let the larger finches push him or his girl around - they go right into the food dish and if someone is sitting where they want to sit, they squeeze right in and make them move over. I recall the pair I had several years ago being similarly able to take care of themselves.

I may also be adding another pair of Javas in the future (not in the same cage though) as I've been offered two babies for free from that aforementioned acquaintance in exchange for the society kids. I'm considering it!

I miss my bigger birds and will have them again one day, but I started with finches and now return to them. They still hold a place in my heart.

[lovezebs]

Sheather

Welcome back Dylan, and a hearty congratulations!

Now that's the Dylan we know and love, lol.

The Orange Cheeks, are adorable little birds, and I have several of them. They are busy, inquisitive, and oh lord are theyv ever fast once they make a run for it.

The Zebras, well.... so far so good, so I'll be keeping my toes crossed for you that it'll last

[Sheather]

lovezebs Thanks dear!

You know, I've had a number of zebras over the past few years and can honestly say, only one was a terror, the rest were pretty generally sociable and some were downright sweet. But I've made an effort to avoid the little wild-type guys and go for the bigger birds, and I do think these are more laid back, even if they aren't all out big English-types.

[Babs _Owner]

Sheather

Congrats!! Glad you are still able to create a nice bird haven for you to enjoy.

[lovezebs]

Sheather

I hope they all work out well together.

I know that my Zebras and Socies are housed together and ( most of the time ) get along quite well ( although my damn serial plucker has been striking again lately ).

Do we have names and pictures yet?

[Sheather]

lovezebs

The waxbills are Peter and Sarabi. They're banded, so I can distinguish them, and so far I've only seen Peter do any singing.
The penguin zebra is Achilles, and the CFW is Atlas. Thus far Achilles is much more outgoing and Atlas is very subdued. Achilles sings his heart out to his friend, but I haven't yet seen Atlas sing back. They nonetheless are very affectionate with each other.

My camera's not working well at the moment though, so no pictures yet.

[lovezebs]

Sheather

Those are fine names indeed,
Just out of curiousity, why Peter and Sarabi?
Why not Mufasa and Sarabi, or Peter and Wendy???

[Sheather]

I don't know Elana, that's what they wanted to be called.

[lovezebs]

Sheather

Well then, who am I to argue with that.....

[Sheather]

lovezebs Babs

Got some pictures.

The zebra boys are really sweet. They're a super bonded pair and do everything together. But they were a bit too much for the waxbills, and have been better roommates with the parakeets - indeed, the younger budgie Ollie's first reaction to meeting Achilles was to preen him, and the finch not only tolerated it but turned his head so Ollie could reach the best spots. Wish I got it on film.

They're really into playing with toys, interestingly enough, as much as the budgies are. They preen and tug on anything stringy that feels like nesting material but also spend a lot of time ringing bells and poking at the parakeets' other shiny toys. I've never had other finches as "playful" as these two. It's pretty cute, they never seem to get bored. They hop up and down the ladders and love to jump on swings and get them rocking back and forth. A very different temperment to societies, which seem more calm and contemplative. These two are like ADHD kids on caffeine.

The waxbills are doing well with two society finch roommates, no tension between those four cuddly happy-go-lucky little guys. But they're very nervous. I let them out, and they fly around a bit, but always go back to the cage pretty quickly. The zebras however love out of cage time and make the most of it.

This is Atlas.



This is Achilles.



And here's Peter, and Sarabi's backside. Not liking the camera at all.

[lovezebs]

Sheather

They are lovely Dylan.

Your Atlas looks so much like my little Max that it's almost uncanny...what do you think?