FINCHforum

Does there tend to be certain times of the year that Gouldian finches are more available than others? If so what times are they most easily found.

Gouldians become available in Australia around December/January.

In the US, a lot of people breed their Gouldians during the winter, but it takes them 4-6 months to molt into their mature colors, so you are looking at late summer into fall. You definitely don't want to buy any Gouldians till they are colored up.

Sally,

It seems your about two steps ahead of me posting. LOL.

I agree with Sally that you will see the most Goulds available in the summer and fall. There are exceptions to that in the southern states. Because of the more temperate climates in the southern states breeders have less of a specific season for breeding. This is the first year for us that it looks like we'll have Goulds breeding year round because some of the birds we imported are on an exact oppoiste breeding and molting cycle from our resident flock.

You should never buy uncolored Goulds for a couple of reasons.
1. Unless it has learned how to sing already you can't always identify the sex. Many young males will learn to sing before the first moult, but not all do.
2. The first molt is extremely stressful on a young bird, and combining that with moving to a new home can be enough stress to kill them. This especialy true of birds that are not from a strong healthy blood lines.

Sean