Back into Finches

[Aurora]

Hi all, am pleased to be here and back into a Finches again. I used to breed Zebras as a kid and have also kept Gouldians... I have built an outdoor planted aviary which is about 3.2 m high 3.5 wide and 4 m long. A good portion of it being enclosed from the weather. I really love the Aussie Finches like the chestnut breasted mannikins, star finch, Gouldians, double barred etc. and am hoping for a mixed pairs setup..... I live in the Northern rivers of NSW and was wondering what numbers of each species would be a good start for my aviary taking into account the fact that I'd like to attempt to breed them and the climate.. also I am looking at starting to purchase birds in late July and was wondering if anyone knows reputable breeders in my area... Any help would be much appreciated

[finchbreeder]

Welcome to the forum. Most finches breed best in single pairs, or small flocks of 3 pairs. Those that are hard to sex visually go with the 3 pairs. Those that are easy to sex go with a single pair. This allows for maximum success. And you should have just about the right size avairy for the birds you have listed too.
LML

[finches247]

Hi Aurora & Welcome to the Forum

[Aurora]

Thanks for the info , will try and track down a breeder in my area. Any suggestions would be much appreciated

[roma9009]

Welcome to the forum

[finchbreeder]

Once you have your 5 posts up you will be able to access the Classifieds and put up a wanted add. Till then tell us more about your avairy, like which direction does it face.
LML

[Aurora]

Once you have your 5 posts up you will be able to access the Classifieds and put up a wanted add. Till then tell us more about your avairy, like which direction does it face.
LML

Great thanks... My aviary has a north easterly aspect so it gets plenty of sun but it has bangalow palms that partial shade out the roof during the hottest parts of the day. It's planted out with wallaby/ kangaroo grass, a small tea tree, golden cane Palm, and a host of native ferns as well as a small water feature...On my property I have a fair bit of sataria grass and was going to tie bunches of fresh seed to the sides of the aviary as I've noticed small flocks of wild chestnut breasted manikins feeding on the seed heads. Do you know if other native finches eat that sort of grass seed?

[finchbreeder]

Don't know that grass, but usually if one type of finch eats it others will. So good idea. Sounds like you have things well thought out.
LML

[Aurora]

Welcome to the forum

Thanks , good to be here

[Aurora]

Hi Aurora & Welcome to the Forum

Thank you, its great to see people sharing their experiences. Knowledge is not a burden