Favorite birds by personality

[sierranomad]

Hmmm. Don't know if this is a reasonable question to ask.

I have room in my little aviary for one more pair of birds and was planning on getting Stars.

But then I read the thread on St. Helena's and they seem to be such great little birds. I'd thought about Stars mostly because of their color but am wondering if I'm overlooking a more enjoyable species?

Like I said, I don't know if this is a reasonable question. But since I seem to be limited to one more species I wanted to throw it out there.

[Myzomela]

I reckon that the Cuban finch has one of the best finch personalities going around, but wouldn't necessarily recommend it for a mixed collection.

I think the best advice is to buy what you like the most. If you can, try to visit an aviculturist who has both species, see how they behave in the aviary and buy the species that impresses you the most. Birds can behave quite differently in aviaries than what they do in holding cages.

[Tiaris]

cubans for exotic. painted for native. Both tame and inquisitive. Cuban more active.

[MadHatter]

You should also carefully consider compatibility. You have Zebs, Bengalese and Goldfinches, correct? All of these are quite pushy species, so you wold be well advised to select a species that can hold it's own against them. Personally, I'd be leaning toward Java Finches (AKA, Java Rice Birds).

cubans for exotic. painted for native. Both tame and inquisitive. Cuban more active.

LOL Tiaris, Sierranomad is in the United States, so both species are exotic there...

[toothlessjaws]

cubans.

without a doubt the most personable little birds (and i mean little - they are tiny) i have ever owned. fearless and inquisitive. my pair are always hopping around my feet whilst i'm filled seed trays or flying over to the wire to see what im doing in the garden. gorgeous little birds and i would never be without them.

i personally have never had any problems whatsoever with interspecies aggression and find them to be rather peaceful little birds. mine have been kept with weavers, fires, orange-breast's, cordons, gouldians, saints and strawberries all with no problems. still despite their titchy size i read they are more than capable of standing up for themselves, but the gregariousness societies, zebs etc might still inhibit breeding?

java sparrows are probably a good suggestion.

[sierranomad]

Thanks for the suggestions and input. Java's are illegal to own in California out of concern that if they escaped they would survive in the wild and cause problems to the balance of nature.

I'll take a look at Cubans. If I remember though, they are a bit on the expensive side (out of my budget).

Thanks again!!

[sierranomad]

Do you think that Stars would be unhappy with Societies, Zebras and Goldfinch?

I don't want to add a species just for the sake of adding a species. I'd like to either add some color or a personality. The Cubans sound great, and I've looked at them before, buy they are $150 each.

So I probably shouldn't be looking for a passive species? Maybe since I already have 2 pushy species in there I shouldn't add any more period?

Thank you,

[toothlessjaws]

$150 each?

here you are looking at less than that for a pair. whilst some rare species here are far more affordable and common overseas, i was pleased to recently discover that compared to northern hemisphere prices, finches in Australia are relatively affordable. probably due to our warmer climate being more suitable for outdoor breeding. its hard to recommend birds therefore not knowing how your prices range over there, but yes, i would suggest that you stick with more robust species - particularly if you wish to breed. cutthroats are tough. again though having not kept them i have no idea how they will breed with your combination and i am not sure how they are priced in the US....

[sierranomad]

$150 each?

here you are looking at less than that for a pair.

Yeah, when I look at your prices for various birds I get a bit envious.

its hard to recommend birds therefore not knowing how your prices range over there,

I understand.

cutthroats are tough. again though having not kept them i have no idea how they will breed with your combination and i am not sure how they are priced in the US....

Cutthroats aren't too bad in price, and I do like them. I'll take a look at them. However, after having it pointed out that I have 2 pushy & 1 gregarious already I'm thinking maybe I don't have room to add another species. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm assuming that the less room they have, the more "pushy" they will be; and that they would be more inclined to harass a species other than their own.

For your amusement, here is a list of a broker's prices not far from me. This list is out-of-date, actual prices about 20% higher than listed (on the few that I inquired about, anyway). http://www.exoticfinch.com/price.htm

Maybe I'll take a trip "down under" and come back w/ a suitcase full of finches (JUST KIDDING!!!) ;)

Thanks again for your time and input.

[toothlessjaws]

you dont need to smuggle them. the non-australian finches are exported legally en mass. theres a good chance those at your local brokers come from here!!