| In my opinion, these aren't what I would call a "fragile"species. If you have done your homework and can properly care for them, they are a hardy bird. They do seem to need a bit more time getting acclimated to new temperatures. My aviary is temp is always 59-75 degrees and mine do just fine. Keep in mind that taking them from 90 degrees and placing them right into 60 or 70 degrees will probably cause your bird to die. My Goulds always want to come to the cage front to see what I'm doing. As a matter of fact I would have to put them under my "nosey neighbor" classification. They are quite laid back and don't mind me being nosey when I service their cages or flights-as compared to some species. This is my absolute favorite finch. Not just because of their exquisite coloring, but their personality. They are a peaceful finch and should be housed with others of that nature. When it comes to pairing up my breeders each fall, I put compatibility before what mutation of baby will be produced. Of course I always cross my fingers that the initial pairing will be a good match as I do initially make the attempt to breed for what I want to produce, but it doesnt always work the way I want it to. The pairs that are the happiest with each other, normally do the best job with their little ones. Always in the flights and breeding cages we keep White Millet, Flax seed, rape seed, and Niger seed. About 2 weeks before eggs are laid I sprinkle Breeders Blend in the sprouted seed and egg foods. I leave fresh egg food in the cage in the morning for about 3 hours. If the pair is feeding babies, then I bring another fresh dish down for 3 more hours. I give soak seed to all of my Gouldians everyday. That usually gets gobbled up fast. Depending upon what part of their cycle they are in, depends upon what supplements I sprinkle on the soak seed. I also keep in the cage in a small treat cup Miracle Meal, and CHEMI-VIT Muss . This is soft food that can be served dry or moist (I don't moisten this food) and is a great nestling food to give especially for folks that don't have the time, or don't want to make their own nestling food. My Gouldians LOVE this stuff. I also put whole wheat bread or a piece of a whole wheat roll in their cage for evening. This way they have nestling food, wheat bread/roll, and Finch seed all evening and until I start my work day in the aviary in the morning. Fresh, clean water is always important. A couple days before the first egg is to be laid I start the pair on Calcium Plus. |
| YH-PB-NB male in a molt |
| YH-PB-DB fella having a bite to eat |
| Click on the rainbow to visit a very nice site on Lady Gouldian genetics. |
| BH-WB-NB female Gouldian |
| We do this for fledgings that are weaned and that have been moved away from their parents. The only thing different is the second round of egg foods. As the kids get older, I only give the homemade egg food once a week, sprouted seed is still served everyday. During this time is when I start to sprinkle Feather Fast on their sprouted seeds. This does an excellent job helping them through their first molt. Feathers always turn out so shiny and well developed. Once that's done, then Hearty Bird is sprinkled daily onto their sprouted seeds. This is perfect for daily maintenance and has NO added sugars or preservatives. Also, with the Goulds, we add Liqui-Kelp Iodine supplement to their water daily. I also like to give them fresh corn, shredded carrots, broccoli tops, kale, romaine lettuce. It varies from day to day and season to season. Twice a week, usually on Tuesday and Friday I add Organic ACV to their water (Apple Cider Vinegar). I do 1 tsp per quart of water. NOTE: if you are giving antibiotics discontinue use of ACV. |
| We breed Lady Gouldian Finches. All of our Gouldian babies are raised by Gouldians. Males and females are kept in separate flights until breeding season in which then are paired up and placed in their own individual breeding cage. Our finches will not be sold or shipped until they have completed their first molt. Any Gouldian purchased from us, was hatched and raised here. NOTE: This is usually in between 5-7 months of age. CLICK HERE for availability. |