Old pair vs. new pair... zebra finches

[Diane]

I have one aviary with several pairs of gouldians and several other species pairs= no problem
I have one aviary with one pair of gouldians in and couple of other species pairs = no problem
one pair gouldians on their own = no problem
two pair in together and they are chasing each other all the time, Im just waiting for the 3 babies to fledge and be weaned then one pair are getting moved out.

[Buzzard-1]

I suggest one of the best things you can do is buy (when you can afford it)is a book called keeping and breeding finches and seed eaters by Russell Kingston can be picked up second hand at times.I and many others call it the finch bible.Full of information that helps beginners to seasoned old birdies.

[finchbreeder]

General concensus of opinion from those who have kept/bred any type of bird over time is. 1 pair is good, 3 or more pairs is good, 2 pairs is bad. Why? Because one pair has no competition. 3 pairs a challenge is issued, the boss is established then the other pairs figure the other guys will issue the challenge to the boss of the flock and settle down. 2 pairs there is frequently a constant battle of wills to be the boss. Yes you can keep 2 pairs together, but unless you fluke 2 very placid pairs this battle of wills will occur. Your judgement call on their stress levals. But from what you say maybe best to put them in seperate cages till you can afford a 3rd pair.
LML

[finch_begginer]

that sounds groovy.. ill just seperate them, but another question... if i took them out and rearranged the cage would they still fight??

[finchbreeder]

The only honest answer to that question is try it and find out. It is less likely, but if your existing pair is particularly dominant yes.
LML

[finch_begginer]

Update on my latest bird news. found an egg today, i think it was from my old pair. im not sure, because all pairs are sharing the same nest even though other nests are available. will i have to take out my baby bird now. oh i took all birds out today and rearranged the cage a bit. not to much. its enough for them to hide from each other.

[finch_begginer]

Im prettu sure they have stopped fighting now. so thanks for al your support and help

[finch_begginer]

hmmmm.... after my lengthy problem, i just seperated them today. however i realised that the cage is way small. i mean its not that small, but its small. it doesnt reach the limits anyways. Um.... so basically i seperated the pairs and now im just concerned about the size of the cage. They havent been flying around the cage, they stick to the floor, when their is enough room and a swing. although i only put them in the cage like 20 minutes ago.

[Buzzard-1]

How small is not that small. I have had them in breeding cabinets with out any problems. They may be on the floor investigating their new environment Zeb's are hardy little buggers.

[finch_begginer]

um well its smaller than the smallest recommended. Its about half i think.