Ask Lafeber

Waxbill finch

My Female red eared waxbill lost her mate. She is presently in a cage with two pairs of zebra finches. Do I need to replace a male wax bill or could she live harmoniously together with the zebra finches?

Hi,

It is generally not a good idea to have an odd number of birds in the same cage. Regardless of gender, they tend to pair off, leaving an odd bird out. That bird is often bullied and lonely. I would try to find another waxbill, or even another zebra find and they will most likely end up being companions. I do want to warn against providing nests or trying to breed them when you have several pairs in one cage. They do not need nests unless they are breeding, but breeding birds get territorial and end up fighting with other pairs.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda