Mixing head colours

[tbird]

I have been reading a lot in the forum regarding different head colours and breeding. I have only had my finches for about 20 months and bought my original 6 from Nunawading birds & pets. I really didn't know anything about gouldian or any type of finches but a friend suggested I get gouldians. So I bought 3 BH hens. 2 YH cocks (1 has since died) and 1 RH cock. I have since had 4 jouveniles that are approx 5 months old and still are in various stages of moult so I am not sure of their sex or colours, although I'm pretty sure 1 is a RH cock. As I mentioned I have been reading related articles in the forum and was wondering if I am correct in that I should not breed different head colours. My aviary is a colony, very close to a natural habitat (see below) so I have left the birds to breed without any interference. I know the RH is the father of the jouveniles and I only have BH hens. Does this mean I need to purchase 3 BH cocks for my 3 BH hens, I RH hen for my RH cock, and one YH hen for my YH cock. I am also wondering if I can leave the jouveniles in the aviary or should I remove them so they don't breed with each other or their parents. I don't want to continually breed, I just want to have around 12 birds at any one time. Is it also correct that if I want to stop the birds breeding I just need to remove the breeding boxes? What happens in the wild when they have to figure it out for themselves?? Sorry lots of questions but I am really confused as is loof.

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[dano_68]

Hi tbird,

just out of curiosity, were do your birds go when it rains?

As for your questions, mixing head colours just dirties up the head colour in reds and yellows. Black face will get lots of white flecks through their face feathers.

Thus, you will find it very hard to sell your birds to any serious breeders.

In the wild Gouldian hens defiantly prefer same head colour. This has been proven scientifically by Dr. Sarah Pyke.

So if it is better looking birds and larger clutch sizes you are after then I firmly recommend separating the head colours.

The best way to restrict Gouldians from breeding is to separate the sexes! You can remove the nest boxes, but very often their strong natural urge to reproduce will take over and they will attempt to build nests almost anywhere.

By getting your birds from the pet shop probably means they are oldish birds so their reproducing days will decline every year they survive.

[tbird]

Thanks for the info Dano, there is so much to learn. In answer to your question of where do my birds go when it rains, I have covered 1/3 of the roof with laser light and there is a large branch attatched to the wall just underneath it, where they all huddle together. They also sit on the perches of the breading boxes.

[desertbirds]

Thats a great aviary and something very different, well done.Im suprised you get away with so much glass.Best breeding results and really stunning looking Gouldians are generally produced by same head colour pairings.They do cross in the wild but there is greater percentage of black heads to start with.Pure head colour is something we strive for but Gouldians left to their own devices havent worked that out yet.A good pair will probably have a go in your grasses if you pull the boxes out.Your aviary is a great inclusion to a very modern looking home and a good use of available space.If its just for looks you could keep all cocks but theres not much wrong with seeing some youngsters in there,mixed head colour or not.

[monotwine]

Sorry I don't have much to add re Gouldian head colours, but wanted to say that I don't think I would get any house work done if my aviary was as included into my home as yours. Lovely use of space and definately one of the best choices of finches to colour up that space.

[dano_68]

hey tbird - I used to live in a 2 story townhouse in Bond street - right near Eastland Shopping Centre.

I played pool for Fastbreak, and ate a lot at Taj Agra lol - not sure if they are still there. I also used to go up to Daisy's a bit too.

I used to get my brush and fresh seed etc. from Ringwood lake (right up the back) or Mullum Reserve and occasionally at Norwood Reserve.

I had to channel hot air from the central heating directly into the aviary most of the year!

I lived in Ringwood for about 5 years (for work) until I moved back to Brisbane in late 2006.

[tbird]

Hi Dano
Bond St is about 5 minutes from where I live. Taj Agra is still there, although Eastland is supposed to be having a huge makeover. Patterson Cheney, Ringwood Honda and Ringwood market have all been bulldozed. I find it funny that you had to continually heat your aviary. I guess as mine is so protected the cold never crosses my mind. Although with all the glass I sometimes worry about the heat when the temperature reaches in the 40's in summer. Last year I covered the laser light with shade cloth and they all survived. They all sit on the ground near the water hole as it must be the coolest place. I will be taking a trip to Ringwood lake to get some grasses for my birds. Is Mullum reserve the track down the end of Oban Rd near Maroondah Hwy?
Thankyou also to monotwine and desertbirds for your comments on my aviary. Your right, I often stop the housework as I am passing thru the dining room and just stand for ages watching the birds.Fingers crossed I have been pretty lucky with the glass. The birds learned really quickly where it was and the jouveniles have watched the adults and don't seem to go anywhere near it. Mind you they fly around in there at a very rapid pace at times, but tend to stick to the top part of the aviary.