I have some questions about housing gouldians in Melbourne's cooler climate.
I live in the inner suburbs of the city so I don't get frosts or really bad cold spells like the bayside and inland areas do, but it certainly does get chilly and I will definitely worry about them if I am not sure they are comfortable.
The aviary will be a colourbond, sprayed pale eucalypt (I know that metal isn't the best but I have to go with it) facing east (only direction practical), with the north side covered by a fence. It is 2.26m Wide x 2.22m deep. On the south side there will be some wire (not much though) of the aviary exposed to the yard, so I am concerned that cold drafts will come from there and chill the birds. I know the nights can get very cold in some of their native habitats but I am going to cover the wire in clear plastic. I want to know if it should be down all day on really bad days, if 100% of the wire should be covered due to not having a separate area for them to roost, whether or not it will block the UV if its down all day etc I don't really want to hook up a heater or lights because I want them to be tough, unless it is actually necessary of course.
Anyone keep and breed gouldians in Melbourne that can give any advice? Do you know where I can source pure blooded original head colours?
Thanks as always!
