Aussie Finch Forum

Have seen many posts about RFPF's and am considering getting a pair next season. What do they need -are they aggressive, live food, compatible with goulds/stars/painteds and just a general overview would be appreciated. Or would one pair do OK in a flight 180 deepx90 widex180high by themselves? Avairy is very warm, has perspex shades and is fully enclosed for winter warmth. Any advice would be appreciated.

I mix my RFPFs with Stars, Gouldians & Painteds & all breed together very well. RFs are not aggressive, just very active. Extremely adaptable re diet - will try anything. Absolutely love anything in the greenfood dept. Don't need livefood for breeding but will give more consistent breeding results if you do give some regularly. Prefer a low nest site - box or vegetation (around 1m or less preferred). They are slightly more prone to internal parasites than most foreign finches due largely to messy feeding habits - regular worming therefore required. A truly beautiful, active species which show themselves off nicely in an aviary and breed freely when all their needs are satisfied. Good choice.

Thanks Tiaris,
The information supplied has help me make the decision which is a big YES. Will just wait until after this season and work out bird numbers etc.

I love the red faces, beautiful and boisterous. they love just about anything to eat, great for introducing birds to a new food source, they love mealworm,s breed mostly in boxes, and are monomorphic but the cock sings.

RFPF, very active bird, mixes well, one pair in the aviary you discussed would be fine. Make sure when you buy a pair, they are going non stop any RFPF that is sitting still on a perch may have problems. Excellent breeders.

Great bird. Very active and quite sociable. I keep mine with Gouldians and tricoloureds. If anything the Gouldians are very slightly agressive towards the RFP. Mainly because they are buzzing around the place so much. Would prefer a longer flight than 1.8m but don't fret to much about that. They will quickly become your favourites because of their activity. You will spend ages watching them.

Bob,
If thats the case I'll just put them in the 2 flights next door with the interconnecting door open making it 180x180x180 with the Goulds, stars and painteds.
Will need wait until after this season to get the numbers down in the 2 connected flights as it is getting a bit crowded with fledglings, breeding pairs etc.
Thanks.