When keeping birds in an aviary, it is important to consider compatibility between species. Some birds do better in species-specific aviaries, while others can be kept in mixed collections. Factors like size, temperament, diet, and social needs should be evaluated before selecting aviary mates. With proper planning and precautions, many types of birds can live harmoniously together in a well-designed aviary.
What Makes Birds Good Aviary Mates?
Here are some key considerations when selecting aviary companions:
- Size – Birds of similar size are less likely to bully or injure each other.
- Temperament – Docile, social species generally do better together than aggressive or territorial birds.
- Diet – Species with similar nutritional needs are easier to care for in one aviary.
- Social needs – Highly social birds should be housed with compatible companions.
- Native habitat – Birds from similar natural environments often cohabitate more comfortably.
Additionally, aviary design can help facilitate positive interactions between species. Ample space, roosts, nesting areas, and food/water sources reduce competition. Providing visual barriers and multiple escape routes also minimizes confrontation.
Mixed Aviaries
Certain birds can be combined in mixed-species aviaries with proper precautions, including:
Finches
Finches generally cohabitate well together and with other passive birds. Suitable finch aviary mates include:
- Other finch species like Gouldian, owl, parrot, and zebra finches
- Waxbills
- Parrotlets
- Softbills such as mynahs and starlings
Overly aggressive finches like green singing finches should be avoided. Male finches may fight over females during breeding season. Provide ample space and roosts to minimize confrontation.
Parrots and Parakeets
Small, non-aggressive parrots like budgies, cockatiels, and lovebirds can be kept with compatible softbills and doves. Larger parrots are often best housed with their own species. Monitor for aggression and compatibility issues.
Doves
Peaceful doves like diamond doves can cohabitate with passive softbills and parrots. Larger doves may dominate smaller species. Aggressive male doves should be separated during breeding season.
Softbills
Sociable softbills like starlings, mynahs, and toucans generally tolerate finches, parrotlets, doves, and small parrots. Monitor mynahs and starlings for bullying. Avoid mixing softbills from different geographic regions.
Aviary Layout Considerations
Proper aviary design is key to housing mixed bird species:
- Space – Provide ample cage volume and floor space. Overcrowding causes stress.
- Visual barriers – Items like plants, branches, and curtains create safe zones and minimize confrontation.
- Multiple food, water, roosting, and nesting sites – These resources should be plentiful and spaced far apart to reduce competition.
- Predator protection – Use sturdy aviary construction and small gauge mesh to keep predators out.
- Hygiene – Keep the aviary clean to prevent disease transmission between species.
Provide adequate enrichment and supervision as well. Know your birds’ personalities and watch for mounting tensions between incompatible species. Remove aggressive or stressed individuals as needed.
Quarantine Period
Any new aviary additions should be quarantined for 30-45 days first. This prevents introducing contagious diseases to the aviary population. Use the quarantine time to evaluate the bird’s temperament as well.
Aviary Cleaning and Disinfection
To prevent disease transmission in a mixed aviary, the habitat should be cleaned frequently:
- Remove droppings, leftover food, feathers, and other debris daily.
- Disinfect perches, feeders, and waterers weekly.
- Use disinfectants safe for birds like vinegar, chlorhexidine, or F10SC.
- Rinse surfaces thoroughly after disinfecting.
- Deep clean the aviary monthly by removing all items and scrubbing down with soap and water.
Provide fresh food and water daily. Having a foot bath at the aviary entrance helps prevent tracking waste inside. Practicing good hygiene is critical when housing multiple bird species together.
Ideal Mixed Species Aviary Examples
Here are some suggested combinations of compatible aviary birds:
Small Mixed Aviary
- 3-4 Budgerigars
- 6-8 Zebra or Society Finches
- 1-2 Cockatiels
- 1-2 Diamond Doves
This small mixed flock contains passive, social species of similar size. Provide ample space, roosts, and hideaways to prevent squabbles.
Medium-Large Mixed Aviary
- 6-10 Budgerigars
- 8-10 Gouldian Finches
- 4-6 Starlings or Mynahs
- 3-4 Lovebirds
- 4-6 Diamond Doves
This larger assortment can work well if space and resources are abundant. The starlings and mynahs may require extra supervision for bullying.
Parrot Aviary
- 4-6 Bourke’s Parakeets
- 2-3 Princess Parrots
- 1-2 Rosellas
Stacking smaller, passive parrot species works better than mixing large, aggressive parrots. Provide lots of visual barriers and hiding spots.
Special Considerations for Mixed Aviaries
Here are some additional tips for safely housing different bird species together:
- Introduce juveniles – Raising birds together from a young age increases compatibility.
- Choose only compatible species – Never combine predators with prey or extremely aggressive birds together.
- Separate by gender – Male finches or parrots are likely to fight over females.
- Isolate breeding pairs – Bonded pairs may attack others entering their nesting area.
- Have backup housing available – Remove aggressive, stressed, or sick birds immediately.
- Avoid overcrowding – More space and resources can reduce interspecies squabbles.
Monitor mixed aviaries closely for mounting tensions. It is safer to start with fewer species and individuals and gradually add more as you observe compatibility. Have a plan to separate birds if conflicts arise.
Conclusion
Creating a thriving mixed aviary requires careful selection of temperamentally compatible species, ample space and resources, and proper precautions to prevent disease transmission. Passive finches, softbills, parrotlets, doves, and small parrots often cohabitate successfully. Monitor for aggression, overcrowding, and hygiene issues which can be problematic. With attentive management, a diverse mixed aviary can be safely enjoyed. Proper planning and species selection allows bird enthusiasts to curate an aviary with their favorite compatible companions.