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Guidelines
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Only put one breeding pair, per species, in the cage. One of the basic guidelines for successfully mixing finch species is that all species should be around the same size. They should also have the same general temperament and similar dietary needs. For most species you only want one breeding pair, per species, in a cage. Certain finches are highly social. Zebra, society and waxbill finches are an exception to the single-breeding pair rule, according to Finchniche.com.
Zebra and Society Finches
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In a 1996 issue of Bird Talk Magazine, Jayne Yantz suggests that beginner finch fanciers start with zebra finches and society finches. Both finch species are reasonably priced, hardy and easy to breed. These species are very compatible, meaning they will likely get along with other finches you acquire and can be successfully housed in mixed cages when given enough room.
Silverbills
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Unmated silverbills will interbreed with other species. Silverbills also do well in community aviaries, says Yantz. They breed easily and are hardy too. Note that unmated silverbills will interbreed with other closely related finches (known as mannikins), so only put established breeding pairs in a community cage. Java rice finches do well in community situations too, as long as they are housed with birds about the same size.
Compatibility of Pairs
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Sometimes an established breeding pair of finches becomes incompatible. When this happens the birds squabble and are less tolerant of each other. While the details of every situation are different, Yantz suggests that stress on breeding pairs as well as the natural mate selection process may be at play. In nature, finches select their mates carefully. Finches form breeding pairs to raise young, and it seems that a potential mate's ability to raise healthy offspring is an important factor in the mate-selection process. Depending on the species, finch females may choose males with the most colorful plumage or most elaborate song. Unfortunately, when finches are paired by humans, their chances for compatibility decrease.
Stress
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When exposed to long periods of stress, finches can become incompatible or even hostile to their mates. Stress can be caused by cages that are too small or overcrowded or noisy environments. To ensure finch compatibility, make sure their environment is comfortable and free of stressful elements and noise. Improve their environment by moving the cage to a better location or by acquiring a bigger cage.
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Compatible Finches
Not all finches will get along together when housed in the same cage. Before attempting to mix finch species or subspecies together consider their temperament during breeding season, their overall size and their diet. Certain very aggressive finches - bullfinches, weavers, pekin robins, tanagers, saffrons and combassous - should never be housed with other species, unless in a massive, house-sized aviary. Compatibility issues can also arise among established breeding pairs of finches when they are faced with stress.