FINCHforum

This morning they are both sitting on the bottom of the cage (Gouldians).
Not beside each other either, in separate corners. I don't want them to start nesting, they are far too young, but is this ok or do they need something else to sleep in?
I thought they stayed on the perches to sleep!

Hi Lynn,

Typically Gouldians will sleep on perches - not the floor.

Are they fluffed at all? Did they get "caught" when the lights went out? When the lights go out and it's dark - they won't fly. How are they this morning? Are they alert and acting normal now?

This is not normal for a finch...are they fluffed up?...a sign of sickness.If not then give them some cover around a high perch..fir branch or similar to give them a feeling of security.Finches normally roost on the highest perch available.Gouldians usually roost on the perch not in a nestbox,unlike societies/bengalese.
Paul.

Thank you for the quick replies!

They are absolutely normal now, not fluffed, buzzing around, eating and drinking.

I guess they must have gone onto the floor while the lights were out, or as the lights were dissappearing at night.
Although that room is never completely dark, it does get moonlight (if there is some) and an outdoor light shines in through another window.

I guess I will just see if it happens again?

Glad to hear they are back to normal. A nightlight in the room might help them find their way back to their perches if they get caught off guard again.

Gouldians can suffer from night frights, so it's important to always have something like a 7 watt night light so they can see. Their vision is worse at night than humans, so just because you can see when the lights are out, doesn't mean they can.

I've put a night light beside the cage, I'll see how it looks when the lights are out, if need be I'll put something stronger up.

Thank y'all for the help!