Gouldians as step parents?

[deegs]

Hi all. My mate had to leave his home yesterday and gave me 4, week old Blue Faced Parrot finch babies and their parents. Unfortunately the parents abandoned the nest in the move so I have had to put the babies in with a clutch of Gouldians of about the same age. I checked them yesterday afternoon and all were being fed. Any advice on how successful this might be? Cheers.

[GregH]

I have no idea but using Gouldians as a foster for other parrot finches but it sounds like it could work and is a little closer to home than using Societies. I guess you'll find out if their usual diet whihc includes fruit and higher protein sources is an obligate requirement or a conditioned response. Keep us informed

[Buzzard-1]

I checked them yesterday afternoon and all were being fed. Any advice on how successful this might be?

They have taken them on Keep up copious quantities of food for them, and try some different types of softer easy digestible foods, not that goulds take all that much apart from seed but trial and see what they will take,

[deegs]

Deegs here to report that the baby Blue faced Parrots are still alive and seem to have been accepted by the Gouldians although the baby Gouldians seem to be getting fed a little more than the parrots given their crop size. Anyway, all good so far. Thanks for your interest.

[Diane]

Thats great news.

[deegs]

Update on babies not good. Of the 4 babies only one remains. Lets hope it makes it but not looking too good, only wish I had the time to handraise, will have to wait until I retire to have the time.

[Diane]

Thats a shame, if you think they are dying because it isnt getting fed enough are you able to "top him up" might just make the difference and wouldnt take too long.
If I had some success with handrearing I would offer to try.

[deegs]

All babies gone as of yesterday, too bad. Will hope the adults have a big year next season as I have put them out to pasture for the winter down here in Adelaide.

[Myzomela]

Hi Deebs,

Sorry to hear of your loss, but thanks for sharing experiences. It all adds to our knowledge...

[jusdeb]

You did your best ....yes hand raising is time consuming . Better luck next time around.