How to tell a female and male society finch apart?

Society Finch With One Leg?

• So I brought home a new addition to my family and he (not totally sure on the sex yet) is a very alert and sweet Society Finch. And surprisingly gets along very well with my mating pair of Zebra Finch. (Bonnie and Clyde) So the reason I fell head over heels for him is he only has one leg. Does anyone have any helpful tips I can apply to my cage for him to have easier access to everything: water, food, spray millet... things of that nature. He does have a hard time keeping in flight and perching on the perches I have available. I do have a wooden latter that I found he easily could perch on so I have that leaning down for him. But the other finches have taken a liking to it as well, and I would rather have them off the floor away from their poop... Another thing I noticed recently is the male Zebra Finch (Clyde) getting a little aggressive with his mating female Zebra Finch (Bonnie). Is there a reason for this? Will it pass? Anything helps! Thank you, Whitney

• Answer:

  Good for you for taking in this little guy. I have had two "special needs" Cockatiels and had to make cage adjustments for them as well. The best thing I found is to make a few platforms instead of perches. Also make sure there is at least one really fat perch. Much fatter than a Finch would normally need. I'd suggest getting one of the twisted rope styles that is fat enough it's almost like a flat surface for him. It will be easy to grip with the one foot and will be gentle since he is putting all his weight on one foot all the time. Best of luck with the little sweety. As for the aggressiveness, I'd urge you to get one more Finch. It's always best to have them in pairs to prevent that kind of jealousy and protectiveness. An uneven number of Finches is never a good idea because you don't know which way the aggression will turn. Maybe on the odd man out, maybe on the mate.