Aussie Finch Forum

Recently I have observed some of my Gouldians (Hens in particular) gorging on maggots that I have offered in abundance for the Long-tails and Red Cheeked Cordons. I note that the hens are either on eggs or laying at the moment. It seems that they are looking/and or needing more protein in their diets at this stage of the breeding season? Has this been observed by others that keep Gouldians? I was under the assumption that Gouldians weren't interested in live food.

spot on, my avairy that has gouldians has maggots availabe 24/7 during the breeding season and regulalry feed on them when raising young. while the pic attached is to do with crimsons note the female gouldian as well. So yes your right they must need extra protein - most of her clutches were 5-6.

Hens of most species will opportunistically protein load prior to & during egglaying in order to make up their little packages. Whilst most captive Gouldians don't need or get the opportunity to even try livefood, many will take it if given the opportunity. My breeding Gouldians have constant access to live termites provided for other species & they occasionally (& only occasionally) take a few. I haven't yet seen a Gouldian gorging on them as you would regularly expect more insectivorous finches to do though.

Thanks for the input guys. Glad my observations were on the money. It makes the effort in producing live food well worth it, especially when the least likely of inhabitants take advantage of whats on offer