Aussie Finch Forum

Hi,

I'm wonder if are any diferences in behaviour between parsons and long tails.
I read that parsons are more agressive but that is all.
Can someone tell me if the behaviour of this 2 species are much different?
Thanks

Hum ... No one?

Parsons would be the most troublesome...Masks the least....and the Longtail somewhere in between...I only ever keep Masks in a mixed Aviary....Parsons and Longtails I would put with Diamond sparrows etc... But I see you cage breed so it probably doesnt matter..if you only keep single pairs to each cage..

In my experience Parsons are disturbers, rather than aggressors......as are Longtails, but to a slightly lesser degree. My Masks are ten-fold more timid by comparison.

I have just re-organised and housed what I believe to be "aggressive/territorial" species with my Parsons........That is, my Stars (which I rate as territorial) with two pairs of Parsons and a pair of Purple Crowned Lorikeets.........and three pairs of Parsons with a pair of Crimsons.....which I rate as "tough"....and "territorial" and Little Lorikeets......neither of these species will take a backward step when a Parson decides to interfere

After moving things around my Yellow rumps are nesting again .........they are now with White Eared Masks......My Parsons would parasitise the Yellow Rumps nest.....my Yellow Rumps were good foster parents .....raising 4 Parsons

If I had the space I wouldnt have any other species with Parsons........they do not drive or hurt other birds, they just interfere ...........and I have learnt the value of removing young Parsons.....they too interfere and have an impact on production......but thats a general rule we all learn......and break

I dont have longtails at the present.....they'tre on the list for later.....But I did have them and bred them in mixed collection in the 80's.........showy birds, great mannerisms.....but also interfering, not killers..........but my other birds still bred in the company of Longtails, whereas I rate Parsons as having more impact on other species breeding performance..........IMO................And why have I picked Parsons to specialise in

Thank you mickw and vettepilot_6

Yes I breed my finches in cages and only put 1 pair for cage, but after the breeding season I put all finches in larger cages for moulting and recovering energies.

And regarding breeding difficulty, they are the same? And the food supplies are the same for the 2 species?
Thanks

I found Parson finches easiest to breed...very willing to go to nest...thats not to say the Longtails were hard though..just not as free breeding....Goodluck

vettepilot_6 wrote:I found Parson finches easiest to breed...very willing to go to nest...thats not to say the Longtails were hard though..just not as free breeding....Goodluck

Thanks
I'm thinking in get a pair of parsons (and a pair of normal masked too) for the next year.
I really like the 3 Poephila species, this year with 3 longtails pairs I have 2 successfully feeding the chicks, which is good for young pairs breeding in cages.