Zebra Finch: colony vs cage breeding?

[TailFeathers]

Hello all,

I'm womdering if colony breeding is better as opposed to cage breeding?

What are the pros and cons of each method?

How big should an indoor aviary be for them and maximum bird count? What is the general rule of thumb when it comes to bird per cage or square foot?

Can you share your personal experiences as well?

[Niki_K]

I use cages for pairs that I especially want to breed (to ensure they don't swap partners), and keep others in a colony. My cages measure 1.3 m long, 45cm deep and 50cm high, and I keep a single pair in each. I wouldn't breed birds in anything smaller than say 90cm long (as I usually keep them in those cages for a couple of months), even though they will often try to breed in small holding cages.
The main benefit of colony breeding, IMO, is less maintenance per pair (in terms of cleaning, replacing water etc) than keeping single pairs in cages, and the birds get to remain in a more natural environment. However, you cannot always guarantee parentage, which could be an issue if you want to figure out who threw that oddly coloured youngster.

[Tiaris]

I use single pairs of Zebras in small aviaries (1mx3m) housed with single pairs of Scarlet Neophemas.

[finchbreeder]

1 or 2 pairs in each breeding avairy. e.g. at the moment avairy 1 contains 1 pair each of pieds and fawns. Will be able to tell from the results who got together with whom. avairy 2 contains 2 pair both hens fawn both cocks full black fronted. Due to parentage they can take their pick. Avairy 3 Dilute cock to normal/dilute hen, cause i want more dilutes. This is how I find it works best.
LML

[TailFeathers]

So it seems that maybe using both methods is a bit better for quality control as long as the numbers are low?

[Norse]

I run three pairs in a 2 by 2 by 2 aviary, which is my holding cage for young from parrots, just fledged 3young 2days ago, but in nor breeding for any particular colours, i like the surprise

[Niki_K]

So it seems that maybe using both methods is a bit better for quality control as long as the numbers are low?

It depends what you want from your breeding stock. If you're selectively breeding for size/colour etc then you need to know parentage- if its just for fun, then it probably doesn't matter so much. I have an aviary of colony breeders (5 pairs housed together, and 1 spare hen) where I'm not fussed what I get, as they're all attractive, good quality birds in a few different colours. I know a couple of hens are splits, so I sometimes end up with very surprising results!

[TailFeathers]

Very nice niki