Shunned Society Finch?

[LGer]

I raised many Society finches in the past and have never seen this behavior. I currently have four Society finches (2 male - 2 female) and three of them get along famously but the fourth (a female) is not allowed to hang with the other three. She sits alone, eats alone, and sleeps alone in her own nest box. I was thinking that she may be sick but she stands tall on a perch, has bright eyes, and is as fast as the wind when chased by the others. I caught her the other day (not an easy task - she did not tire easily) to see is she would prefer to be alone in her own cage. She wanted back with the others....

Any ideas? I am thinking of taking her and one of the males and putting them in a different cage to see if they can get along as a couple. I COULD purchase another male (maybe the female in the threesome wants two males for herself ). I probably should mention that I have a bully pair of zebras (somehow I ALWAYS get bullies ) in the flight cage with them (they chase but do no harm) and four nest boxes.

Thanx in advance!

Leon

[DanteD716]

Hey Leon! I'm thinking maybe the two males prefer one female, and that's why she is left out. I'd definitely try splitting then up into pairs. It will be easier for them to bond and keep track of the going as well. As for the zebras, just be sure they aren't interrupting the nesting of the other birds. They can be very territorial, mine had the entire aviary and were still difficult!

[slwatson]

LGer

I'm having the same problem....I'm got four female and two male society finches in one cage with two nests. There are over 10 eggs in a nest, and the birds are all allowed to sit on the eggs except one of the females. She gets chased away by one other female every night. She's allowed to help sit during the day, but that's it. She seems ok, but I'm separating once I get my new cages.

[Babs _Owner]

slwatson LGer

When I had 5 adult society finches, they had all sat in the petshop for a long time and bonded. When I added a 6th from a private owner)to even it out they treated excluded him from everything but nightime in the nest.

They are very into their "own group", like cliches, and I noticed my CackleJax getting more and more sad and depressed.......although he did EVERYTHING to be a part of the group.

I lost 4 of those 5 finches almost overnight and good ole CackleJax stepped up and raised 7 of their kids, with the help of a strange finch who he has since pair-bonded with

I would get a smaller cage (and another society finch male or female depending on your breeding status) and let the "outcast" form a new relationship with a new finch in another cage.

OMG that finch will be reborn! Good luck to you!!

[Babs _Owner]

LGer Both your males have one females attention by the way.


It really doesnt matter if you get an extra male or female, buy another cage and get an extra male or female.

Your little lonely one will find a new friend without competition from the cliche.