Star finch and Shafttail fich, need quick answer....

FrenchieFinch · Post by **FrenchieFinch** » Sun Jun 14, 2009 9:22 pm

Hi everyone, hope your having a great weekend.....
Have a dillema, ideas or thoughts are really appreciated, as I don't want to leave these birds in this predicament...
I am now the proud owner of a female star and a male Shafttail...they were given to me, as the owner could not or would not keep them anymore, he had them housed with a bunch of society finches...he stated that each one's mate had passed away for different reasons,(he didn't elaborate) and that these 2 seemed to get along....
I see a high energy and busy finch in the Star, where the shafttail seems kind of stoic and alone....I don't think he is happy byhimself with the Star...I won't put him in with my Gouldians, as it seems my male is over his "nervous" moult and the look like they are ready to mate....
So, what do I do? The previous owner says the birds are "old"....over a year.....the Star has a band, I haven't bothered her so she can get used to the surroundings....
I can do 3 of the following:
1) find a mate for each
2) leave them as they are, (Shafttail looks depressed, but he is eating)
3) combine them with the opposite sex.......
What would you do with this, I feel like I need to change the 2 finch surroundings, but as they have already been through that, don't want to stress them out any more....
Not Knowing the bird's age, do you add a female/male in each case or do you leave them as be? The Shafttail seems to favor the nest.....he keeps hiding in there, I'm sure its from being frieghtened....

any help quick will be appreciated,
Nick

MLaRue · Post by **MLaRue** » Sun Jun 14, 2009 11:36 pm

I would find them a mate of their own kind. If you don't want to breed them then the same sex would work.

I feel they are happiest with their own species.

Finch Fry · Post by **Finch Fry** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:12 am

Finches are social birds. They enjoy being in flocks of their own kind (for the most part). So whether you get them an opposite sex or same sex friend, it will do them good. Just decide if you want babies or not and make the sex decision from there.

Make sure the "stoic" bird is not sick before you toss him a partner or introduce him to your finches.

GL!!

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 6:45 am

I agree with Misty and Chris. I have a lone shaftail, but it is big buddies with my society finhes and even sleeps in the nest with them.

If it hasn't bonded with the star, I would find it a mate. Either sex depending on what you want to do. (breed or not)

Shaftails are very busy birds so if it is not as you say..... it is either depressed or sick.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 7:19 am

When you find mates or friends for these birds, you should quarantine the newest birds for a minimum of 30 days (4 weeks).

Congrats on your current new birds - I hope all is well with them.

lovemyfinch · Post by **lovemyfinch** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 7:50 am

Congrats on your new fids.

I separated my 2 females shaftails, but my reaction was a bit different. Although I must say that they can still hear and see each other. I am imagining that he is more than likely depressed, these birds do seem to get rather attached, just like us humans.