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Post by christine on Feb 21, 2012 4:31:40 GMT 10
Hello, I have Zebra finches. Would I be able to put Society and Gouldian finches in the same cage? I recently had a problem with two Zebra males who wanted the same female. I had to separate them. Would a Society or Gouldian finch mate with a Zebra finch? When do finches mate? I have had babies but it was several years ago.
Also my daughter just acquired a pure white dove - very docile - male. Could she mate this dove with a different species dove and, if so, what species of dove? Thanks so much. Montana
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Post by avinet on Feb 21, 2012 9:26:00 GMT 10
How big is your cage/aviary? A vital bit of information  My general rule is to allow one pair of finches to 1 cubic metre of aviary space. So an aviary 2m x 2m x 2m would be 8 cubic metres and so could house 8 pairs of compatible finches. It may be possible to get a Zebra hybridizing with either a Bengalese (Society) or Gouldian but is unlikely as long as they have a mate of their own kind. Hybridizing is of course very undesirable, and it is illegal in most states to hybridize any Australia species.. Gouldian Finches in general have very poor breeding results when housed with Zebras or Bengalese Finches. The Zebras and Bengalese are very disruptive of Gouldian nests and the poor Gouldian usually gives up in the end. They can be housed together without a problem, as long as breeding isn't the main objective. Your White Ringneck Dove will only mate and breed with another of it's species - colour doesn't matter so the normal coloured Ringneck Dove will be fine. Where do you live? I know of some white doves on the Sunshine Coast for sale. cheers, Mike |
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Post by christine on Feb 21, 2012 21:27:59 GMT 10
Hello and thank you for replying. I live in North Eastern US. Very cold winters but some people do have heated outside aviaries. I guess I will skip on the Gouldians, I didn't know it was illegal. I was just considering housing them together because they are pretty. Thank you also for the information on the white dove. I read that if you wait too long to introduce a mate for your dove the won't accept a mate because they have already imprinted on their owner? This dove is about 6 mos old. Have a great day! Montana
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Post by avinet on Feb 22, 2012 21:22:01 GMT 10
It would be a challenge to keep finches in your climate - so keeping them inside in cages is the only way to go. Gouldians actually are probably one of the best finch species to be kept in cages. Most finches are quite nervous birds and if they are in a cage inside a house they can be quite stressed. Gouldians however, and Zebras as well, seem to be able to handle it OK.
As always the bigger the cage the better, but an absolute minimum for a pair of Zebras or Gouldians that I would recommend is a cage 24" long by 18" by 18". They need flying space and a 24" long cage is the minimum to achieve that.
The no hybridizing rule applie sin Australia with out nativ ebirds - in the USA the authorities likely couldn't care less - they aren't native to the USA.
Doves do become pretty strongly "humanized" and yes, it can be a problem if you try to introduce another dove into their life after a while - 6 months would be marginal for that I would think. I suggest keeping him a a single pet bird.
cheers,
Mike
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Post by christine on Feb 24, 2012 22:15:11 GMT 10
Hello and thank you! I have a huge flight cage for the finches. As I said I had to separate my two male zebras from fighting. He looked very unhappy in that huge cage since they are social birds. I purchased two females for him and a pair of Society Finches. Everyone seems happy for the moment. I also have the Zebra pair in their own cage and they are always together like two "love bugs". Thank you for the information about the dove. It belongs to my daughter neither of us have ever had a dove before but its a "lovie". Good Day! Montana
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Post by avinet on Feb 25, 2012 10:52:07 GMT 10
Hello and thank you! I have a huge flight cage for the finches. we always like to see photos - especially interesting to see how you keep finches in the colder parts of the USA cheers, Mike |
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Post by christine on Feb 25, 2012 22:02:46 GMT 10
Hi Mike, If I can figure out how to post the pics I will. I am not very good with the computer but life literally passes you by if you don't have one or two. I am in the wrong era. I would much prefer a slower paced, non-tech life style but you have to adapt. I will try. Have a great day! Montana
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My general rule is to allow one pair of finches to 1 cubic metre of aviary space. So an aviary 2m x 2m x 2m would be 8 cubic metres and so could house 8 pairs of compatible finches.