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Conference 7.286::pet_birds

Title:Captive Breeding for Conservation--and FUN!
Notice:INTROS 6.X / FOR SALE 13.X / Buying a Bird 900.*
Moderator:VIDEO::PULSIFER
Created:Mon Oct 10 1988
Last Modified:Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:942
Total number of notes:6016

500.0. "Cage size for Finches/canaries" by SALSA::DEFRANCO () Fri Feb 15 1991 11:36

    I've read that finches used for breeding need a cage that's between 20
    and 30 inches long.  If I were to get 1 pair of zebra finches, as pets
    only, would I still need a cage that large?  All the finch cages that I
    have seen in the stores are quite small.  My hubby would like to
    purchase two (finches) that we saw at the grain store and put them in
    a small parakeet cage that we have (15L x 15H x 10W) but I think this
    may be too small.  
    
    I would probably let them out in the bird room a few times each week to
    fly around.  Is this a good idea with finches or do they prefer to stay
    in their cages?
    
    
    Thanks,
    
    
    Jeanne
    
    P.S. I would rather buy the canary (again, at the grain store) but I've
    also read that they need large cages.  It's amazing, the smaller the
    bird, the bigger the cage.  Maybe I'll get a 30 inch flight and put a
    singing canary and 1 pair of finches in it.
    
    
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
500.1Parakeet Cage for FinchesBAGLDY::SIPILACan I go home now?Fri Feb 15 1991 11:5125
    I have a parakeet cage for my two little Zebra Finches.  One of
    the tall round ones.  It seems to suit them just fine.
    
    When looking for a cage for them I found that regular finch
    cages seemed to small. They have been in it for over a year now
    and seem to be quite content.
    
    Of course if I were to breed them, a larger cage would be more suited.
    Right now they are just spoiled little brats!
    
    You will enjoy your finches.  They are so cute!  Each one has their
    own little personalities!
    
    I could go on about my two but will close and leave room for other
    people's notes.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    Some one who always thought a bird was a bird until she got two
    of her own!!!!!!!
    
    Regards,
    
       Susan Sipila
    
    
       
500.2Yup.....CLOSET::COMPTONLinda DTN381-0687 ZKO1-2/C21Thu Feb 21 1991 19:2617
    The dimensions for the breeding cage are correct.  I had one little
    bronze-wing mannikin finch (about 2 1/2 inches, including tail) that
    I posted for adoption in this file, but got no takers, so I got him/her
    a mate.  He is definitely a he and is doing the cutest mating dance and
    chirping.  What I don't know yet is whether I lucked out and got him a
    female or he is just the dominate male over another male.  They are in
    a cage such as you describe...it is actually called a budgie/parakeet
    breeding cage, but suits them just fine.  Seems most of the smaller 
    birds (and many of the larger ones) need horizontal flying space, not
    vertical space.  Unfortunately, most stores carry the pretty,
    space-saving, vertical types....I have seen lovebirds do nicely in
    the vertical cages...they like to climb as well as fly, so this works
    out for them.  I agree with you also on the larger cage for the canary.
    We have a breeding pair in a large Hoie cockatiel cage, and they are
    thriving.
    
    Linda