Tough

[lardles]

Hi, it has been freezing here in Central Vic this winter, and I have been amazed at the toughness of the Goudlians I have. I swapped them for some other finches over Xmas having never kept them before as I beleived they would struggle in outside avairies in winter here. The breeder did have them outside although more in greeenhouse-like set ups, he bred many and they were in excellent condition.

They are housed in a 5m x 2.5m planted avairy with other species, totally enclosed with laserlight down both sides and an open flight section of 2.5 m (half). A large shrub (pottostrum?) takes up most of the open section, also acting as a wind buffer i suppose.

As I said the weather has been chilly ( - 1 or 2 degrees, maximums below 10 & frosts) and I half expect to find deceased Gouldians ( or others) in the morning, but no, they are out in the open sections signing away or grabbing some sun when it ( rarely!) comes out theses days.
So I reckon it supports the idea that cold winds/draughts do the damage, keep it out and the finches can tolerate the cold.Also know the provenence of the birds you are buying as locally bred birds obviously come from parents who tolerate the local conditions.

[COUNTRY CAPITAL]

good luck to you and your finches lardles, the winter is really kicking in about now!
similar mornings here too, except days normally make it to 18 or so, hope yours get to thaw out and recharge a bit with tops of about 10 degrees.
you are doing something right so keep it up!