Helpful Tips for Finches (Colony Breeding)

Advantages: May help to encourage breeding in those species which are stimulated by group interaction.

Colony breeding is best when limited to one species (as opposed to mixed species)

However, if you wish to breed mixed species in a communal aviary, select birds that are compatible yet have very different plumages as well as different nesting habits to reduce the sources of potential fighting.

This set-up requires that at least 3-5 pairs of birds be housed together, so the enclosure must be large enough to accommodate them.

Keep the enclosure in a low traffic area where the ambient temperature is at least 65 ° F.

Provide a cuttle bone or another safe source of calcium at all times.

If direct access to natural sunlight is unavailable, provide a full spectrum light on a timer

Take steps to reduce aggression:

Provide at least two nests per pair of finches (all nests should be placed at similar heights in the enclosure.

Provide adequate cover (live and/or silk plants, especially around the nesting sites. This allows the birds to be somewhat hidden from one another which is important because some birds become very defensive of their nest and need their area to be visually isolated from other birds.

Provide plenty of perches but do not crowd the enclosure and encroach on flying space.

Provide at least two feed and water stations.

Watch for hostility and remove any birds which seem to be terrorizing the rest.

Place some nesting material inside each nest and the rest on the floor of the enclosure, but not directly under any perches so that it does not become soiled.

When the birds (at least 3-5 pairs) are ready to be added to the enclosure, add them all at the same time.