Aussie Finch Forum

Hi folks, I have some young Gouldians that fledged around 3 months ago and are still not showing any signs of moulting. When can I expect this to happen? It has been a cold winter here in Adelaide so I wonder if that could be the cause.

Anyone else from Adelaide having the same experience with their Gouldians?

Being in Adelaide too cranberry, I have have a late start to the molting. This cold weather is not helping.
Last years didn't start till november if my memory is correct. All should get there by end December.
Wouldn't surprise me if we get a heat wave soon and that will set them off.
Only one that dindn't finish their moult last year were the young that fledged in mid November so 3 months should be fine.

A couple have the racing stripes of yellow and the odd chest and head feather coming through. Thats on the ones hatched out April. The later ones still only in the juvenile feathers. They have been quite slow.
Warm weather will do thanks Will, dont want anymore of last years heatwave.

Hi cranberry,

3 to 4 months depending on the quality of the diet, temperature and amount of sunlight / (Vitamin D). If they are ill or have air-sac mite it can slow down their first moult. Try administering a “moulting aid” in their water.

Thanks for the advice.

i just noticed it hasn't actually been said... the full colour change of the gouldians depends entirely on the time of year, not the age. generally starts around november and is done by the end of december unless they were born late in the year. not only will the young moult at this time, but so will every gouldian in Aus!! very stressful time for them, best not to transport or breed them at this time in my experience. just to be safe