Breeding Gouldian finches?

[teg33]

I've heard they are difficult, and hard to keep and breed. Both my dad and I are in LOVE with them, but we are too scared to keep them because they are No.1 expensive, and No.2 we are afraid they might die.

What are your opinions?

[VR1Ton]

Buy birds breed locally, from breeders not the pet shop, there are a few members down your way who will be able to help you out. The biggest problem with them is draughts, your setup needs to be draught free, again the locals are the best to look at in this respect as well. Apart from that, they are no harder than any other to breed, a good quality seed, fresh greens & your all set.

[Diane]

Totally agree, local breeders all the way, the birds will accustomed to the climate that way. Once you have made your five posts you will be able to see the aviary section and see how others keep their birds.

[Misso]

I've heard they are difficult, and hard to keep and breed. Both my dad and I are in LOVE with them, but we are too scared to keep them because they are No.1 expensive, and No.2 we are afraid they might die.

What are your opinions?

disagree with them being hard to keep and breed, give them a well sheltered aviary free from draughts and good tucker and they will breed for you. yes every now and then you might lose a bird, but thats with most finch species.

give them a go. start with some normal green backs and go from there. they are a lovely bird... plenty of gouldians will be for sale towards christmas time.

you can get a pair for around 50 dollars from a breeder.

[teg33]

I've heard they are difficult, and hard to keep and breed. Both my dad and I are in LOVE with them, but we are too scared to keep them because they are No.1 expensive, and No.2 we are afraid they might die.

What are your opinions?

disagree with them being hard to keep and breed, give them a well sheltered aviary free from draughts and good tucker and they will breed for you. yes every now and then you might lose a bird, but thats with most finch species.

give them a go. start with some normal green backs and go from there. they are a lovely bird... plenty of gouldians will be for sale towards christmas time.

you can get a pair for around 50 dollars from a breeder.

Thanks! Its just that I've heard from a lot of people that have kept them, that they catch the first virus thats out there. For me, birds are my pets, like a dog or a cat, so I would be so upset if one died on me But I will definitely take your advice. I would love to give them a go! Which colours would be cheaper though? Reds, blacks, or yellows?

[TheFinchMan101]

Thanks! Its just that I've heard from a lot of people that have kept them, that they catch the first virus thats out there. For me, birds are my pets, like a dog or a cat, so I would be so upset if one died on me But I will definitely take your advice. I would love to give them a go! Which colours would be cheaper though? Reds, blacks, or yellows?

All those colours should be the exact same price, around $20 each. But for when your getting into the back colours like Australian yellow and blue te prices do go up a lot.

[Misso]

head colour shouldn't make a difference with price when it comes to normals. some finches are not longed lived anyway so you will have deaths in your flock (even if its from old age) sounds bad i know but the fact is it happens, so you have to be prepared for it.) mabey keep breeding the zebs etc then in a few years give them a go.

[djb78]

Being from Vic as well there are some good breeders down here and as everyone has stated cold drafts will definitely kill them ij the long run. Gouldians are a bit tricky at the start but once they start breeding they go very well and the best part about breeding gouldians are they don't require live food so good seed and greens with seeding grasses are about the essentials. The main problem with sickness which gouldians are prone to is airsac mites.

[vettepilot_6]

All of the above plus dampness.... Free breeding....No dampness...no draughts....Check for Air Sac Mites regurlarly (hold them to your ear rasping or clicking sound when breathing).....Worm when required....Correct feeding and husbandry... and they are a great little finch

[teg33]

Being from Vic as well there are some good breeders down here and as everyone has stated cold drafts will definitely kill them ij the long run. Gouldians are a bit tricky at the start but once they start breeding they go very well and the best part about breeding gouldians are they don't require live food so good seed and greens with seeding grasses are about the essentials. The main problem with sickness which gouldians are prone to is airsac mites.

How do you prevent air sac mites? Also, unfortunately, if we were to keep Gouldians, they would have to stay outside. Preferably in a mixed aviary. We are prepared to do all the necessities to keep them warm, but what is the best design to keep them warm in the winter?