Thinking about a small avairy

[JenBreese]

We are moving and I'm going to have to get rid of my chickens. I do love watching birds so I was thinking of a large outdoor cage with some finches/budgies/etc to watch. What would be a good way to go? We live in northern Cal so the weather is pretty mild year round. I don't really want to handle the bird so I don't want a parrot that needs the attention. What about canaries?

I'm going to miss my chickens.

 

[JaeG]

Budgies can be trouble but birds such as Bourkes Parakeets are sweet enough to keep finches company, and you can get some beautiful finches. Bourkes are naturally calm and sing beautifully. Canaries are best as a pair or as a bigger group but do your research about the best types of finches to go with them as some finch species are more aggressive and even though canaries are larger they are docile so easily bullied.

You could get some Japanese/Coturnix quail for the bottom. They are so docile and friendly and nosy and a good substitute for chickens, especially the females. Sorry about having to give up your chickens.

 

[JenBreese]

Thank you! A Bouorke wouldn't be lonely? They'd be ok in a big cage without a lot of human handling? They are really pretty!

 

[JaeG]

Thank you! A Bouorke wouldn't be lonely? They'd be ok in a big cage without a lot of human handling? They are really pretty!

You would probably be best with a pair. They really are pretty and sing so beautifully. They don't need people interaction but are naturally calm so don't tend to fly away if you get close. They love having space in an aviary to fly in.

 

[Flight Feathers]

We are moving and I'm going to have to get rid of my chickens. I do love watching birds so I was thinking of a large outdoor cage with some finches/budgies/etc to watch. What would be a good way to go? We live in northern Cal so the weather is pretty mild year round. I don't really want to handle the bird so I don't want a parrot that needs the attention. What about canaries?

I'm going to miss my chickens.

I have pair of canaries housed with zebra finches, cockatiels and Chinese quail Depends which birds you’re after? Would you prefer finches, canaries or grass parrots?

 

[Flight Feathers]

I have pair of canaries housed with zebra finches, cockatiels and Chinese quail Depends which birds you’re after? Would you prefer finches, canaries or grass parrots?

Also when canaries are breeding they “can” get aggressive and pluck finches etc so watch out if you plan to breed them! And I say “can” because not all canaries will do this.

 

[Flight Feathers]

Sorry that you have to give up your chickens

 

[JenBreese]

I am sad about the chickens. I really enjoyed them but now I am working in an office, have a 4 yr old, a horse, husband and a dog. It is really overwhelming. The chickens are the easiest ones to go.

 

[duncan5]

How big of an aviary are you thinking about? Pheasants are a great "hands off" bird. Finches are nice aviary birds also.

 

[Flight Feathers]

Budgies can be trouble but birds such as Bourkes Parakeets are sweet enough to keep finches company, and you can get some beautiful finches. Bourkes are naturally calm and sing beautifully. Canaries are best as a pair or as a bigger group but do your research about the best types of finches to go with them as some finch species are more aggressive and even though canaries are larger they are docile so easily bullied.

You could get some Japanese/Coturnix quail for the bottom. They are so docile and friendly and nosy and a good substitute for chickens, especially the females. Sorry about having to give up your chickens.

Yes budgies can definitley be trouble! But each individual bird is different! My male budgie just out of the blue attacked my Turquoisine yesterday and now she has blood all over her head! Poor girl I hope she’s going to be okay!