Ask Lafeber

Zebra finches compatibility

I have 5 zebra finches, 3 male and 2 female. I had 2 pairs in separate cages but one pair I lost the female. That left the male by himself for about 4 weeks till today as bought him another companion though male. He is younger than the other male aswell. Just wondering if they’ll get along as he’s only used to living with a female as had to separate him and his deceased partner from the other pair when they were together I just don’t want him bullying the new male he’s got.

One more thing with my other pair is that I’ve just added another young female to their cage which has baskets. The female did start chasing the new female around but male didn’t. I added a new nest basket and the new young female gone into her basket leaving the pair to their’s. Will this be ok with them as I wouldn’t want to put her in with the male pair. If all goes pear shaped would I be safe housing the 2 females together and the 3 males together in separate cage. The 2 older males are normal type and about 6 months old as is the older female who is white then the 2 new birds are also white and about 3 months old.I’m new to keeping finches as I’ve always had budgies and pigeons so still learning. Also nearly forgot, are finches OK to be let out of cage to fly around the room as you do budgies as tried asking this on other forums but didn’t get a decent answer just want them to be out if they can. Don’t think it’s fair keeping them locked in and they’ve been stuck in for a couple months while I’ve had the sweeties. Thanks in advance. Apologies for long post just need clarification.

Hi,

You need to remove the baskets or anything that can be used as a nest. They should not have anything they can get inside of. These birds can do fine in groups as long as you have an even number of birds and you do not let them have nests. Once nests are introduced, the fighting over territory starts. Birds do not need a nest unless they are actively breeding, and you can only have one pair per cage for breeding. Even if the birds are all the same sex, do not provide nests or huts or houses of any kind. This is not something they would use in the wild, outside of breeding season once a year. If you avoid breeding triggers, the birds should get along as long as you have an even number, a large cage, and things like toys, swings and ladders to keep them busy.  As for letting them out, it’s much better to have a large cage they can fly in. If you let them out, they may panic and get hurt. They will also poop everywhere. And you will have trouble getting them back in the cage.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda