Is this big enough for 4 spice finches?

[pandabear]

Hi all,

I'm very new to this, so I have a few questions. I'm planning to get spice finches sometime in February and am beginning to gather my supplies. This is the cage I have my eye on: http://www.amazon.com/Brand-Aviary-Bird ... dpp_img_in

Will this be big enough for four of them? This is as big as I can go for the moment.

Another housing question: would it be OK to get 4 of the same sex? Does it matter which? I really don't want babies. I've read that if I just don't provide a nest they won't have them, is this true, and in that case would it be better to get two pairs?

Thanks so much!

[ac12]

GEEZ $30 for shipping.
Look for a bird mart near where you live.
There are several places that sell by the case (4 cages) shipping included.

From what you are asking, to NOT have eggs & chicks, YES it is better to get all the same sex. But according to the FIC it is difficult to tell between M and F.

According to the FIC calculator, a 30x18 cage will comfortably hold 2 birds. Can you put more than that, yes, depending on the type of birds and the individual birds. Just be careful, as they get cramped, the aggression level goes up.

[dfcauley]

I believe that cage is too small for four finches. Welcome to the forum!!!

Also if you shop around I think you can get that cage cheaper as stated.....

[franny]

...
Another housing question: would it be OK to get 4 of the same sex? Does it matter which? I really don't want babies. I've read that if I just don't provide a nest they won't have them, is this true, and in that case would it be better to get two pairs?

Thanks so much!

I agree that 4 might be a bit crowded in that size cage. As far as the sex issue, if you can, watch to see if any of them sing. Hopefully they'll have bands, so once you see one sing you'll be able to have them catch the right one! Having males is great, because of the song, and also because you don't have to deal with tossing out eggs, or the hens possibly getting egg bound. (Yes, even without a nest they will often try to lay eggs in seed cups, etc.)

[pandabear]

Thanks for all the replies! Since reading them I asked my roommates how they felt about birds in the living room, and they seem totally cool about it. That gives me much more space to work with. This way I can get a 42" long cage, so depending on how wide it is I'm sure I can fit at least 4 comfortably, maybe more, but I'll probably start off with fewer.

As far as the sexes, I'm definitely going to try and get males if I can. Thanks for the tip on that.

I did some googling and found two pet stores within driving distance. One is specifically a bird mart so I'm going to check that out first and see what they have, and I bet the employees will know more/can help me sex the birds better than Petsmart anyway.

[FinchDegg]

Welcome to forum ....

Main thing to consider is width and length ... height isnt as important (just so you know, dont think its been mentioned)

[ac12]

If you want MALES, wherever you get them from, ask if you can return it, if it turns out to be a FEMALE. Or expect to deal with eggs.