Friday, July 31, 2009

Can a java rice finch get along with parakeets ?

java rice finch or rice finch or java finch or java sparrow. those are all it's names i was wondering if one will get along with three parakeets in the same cage.
http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/474j...
Answers:
NEVER EVER mix hook bills with finch species. The hooked bill of the parakeet or the cockatiel is no match for the finch's straight bill. Hook bills tend to be all round dominant animals that can inflict serious wounds on a defenseless finch with its comparatively small beak. Mixing these species is only asking for major dominance problems and a lot of blood, fighting and eventual death, especially if there will be only one finch in the cage with 3 parakeets.
Parakeets are also known (in the exotic pet clinic where I worked) as the little "rottweilers" of domestic bird-dom. They do not back down from a fight they've started unless their opponent is bigger, badder and meaner. They will attack and ceaselessly harass your finch until it dies from exhaustion or from its injuries. There are, of course, rare, isolated cases where a lone parakeet accepted a finch as a friend, but in general, parakeets consider themselves too high-minded to socialize with the likes of any "lowly" finch, whether it's the noble Java sparrow or the talkative zebra finch.
So please express caution and keep the two species housed in separate living quarters, if you really must have that Java finch. Also, remember that Javas (as with most finches) tend to do better when housed with several other Javas, as they are sociable birds.
Good luck
There is quite a debate about mixing finches with hookbills. Some never have problems for years and years, while some do have problems.
If this is an indoor cage that is small enough that it can be moved around, then it is probably too small to mix these types. If you are going to do this, it needs to be in a large aviary where they all have their own space and can stay right away from each other if they want.
Also know the personalities of the parrots you already have. If you have any grumpy ones that like to pick on others, then it might not be suitable.
Also, three budgies vs one finch is not a good idea either. It would be better if it was the other way around. Even though java sparrows are quite big and tough for finches.
And make sure you keep an eye on them and separate them the moment something happens.
I have kept parrots, finches, doves, and quails in mixed aviaries for 11 years and there has been not even a whisper of a problem. That includes mixing javas with both budgies and cockatiels. But I am careful and I make it as safe as possible.

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