Zebra finches getting along with other breeds of finches

[FinchyGal]

Hi there,

Can any one please tell me if it is a good idea to keep Zebra finches in with other breeds of finches like Codron's, Chestnuts, Jacarines, Double Bars & Diamond back firetails?

I have been told that they can be aggressive & other pairs won't breed if you also have Zebra finches in your avairy. I was looking at some nice white zebra finches & a pair of red zebra finches.

Thank you

[framed]

I have zebras in with some gouldians and stars and quail and find them to be a real pain in the bum. They soon take control and disturb any other birds that are breeding and then you end up with an aviary full of Zebra finches.
Cheers
Framed

[Diane]

I sold my zebras and within a week the gouldians were in the nest and laying eggs.

[jusdeb]

sadly the zebs I had were too in your face , hypo , annoyng and drove the other finches nuts.

[GregH]

I would concur with the other answers that zebs can be too assertive especially if you have too high a density but it comes down to the individual involved. I may have been more "successful" if I hadn't kept zebs however it depends on the definition of successful. I have kept and bred, Hecks, Doublebars, Gouldians, cut-throats and diamond fire-tails ( & for the latter I know I shouldn't count my birds before they fledge but I'm making a point) so you can keep them with other species and have them breed. All the Australian species are found sympatrically (together) so keeping them together isn't without precident or success. Captivity is however slightly different and you will be able to breed more of each species if they are housed separately but keeping your own interests in finch aviculture is more interesting with the challenge of diversity unless you are turing what is a hobby into a business.

[FinchyGal]

Thank you all for your responses they are very informative & helpful...I think we'll leave the Zebras & concentrate on our others.

[finchbreeder]

I have also had my Zebs in avairys with other finches, and while the population of Zebs was low all was well, but yes they do breed rather more rapidly than most other finches and take over the avairy. I now keep them in their own avairy without nests and select pairs to put where there are nests, or in seperate small cages 60cmx60cm to breed. So if you like them despite their quirks, which I do, that is a way of having multiple finches and breeding them.
LML

[FinchyGal]

Thanks so much for that, I do like the sounds that they make & are fun to watch. I have a large unused patio cage that I might keep them in.

I love this forum!! To a novice Finch starter it is terrific!!

[Jayburd]

and to the experienced keeper and evryone in between!
I found zebs to be the most lovable birds in my aviary. they never were aggressive, or ever had a stickybeak.

My 9 year old male died the other day, and i'm most upset about it

[Diane]

sorry to hear about your zeb