FINCHforum

Went to to the petshop today and much to my shock they had one lone gouldian finch. I have wanted some forever, however I am wary of getting them from a petstore. This little guy was all puffed up and at the bottom of the cage. I even stuck a finger in to see if it would move and it sort of scootched over and still wouldn't go on the perch.
They said they had just gotten him in this morning and he was right next to 2 lovebirds. I know they can be nervous at first, but does this sound like normal/healthy behavior?
Also ~ they "thought" he was $99 and one guy was pretty sure it was a canary!
He was a RH WB normal and I was still very tempted. Wish I had my phone to take a pic to show you all.

Does not sound like he's healthy at all. They should not be puffed up, on the bottom of the cage or not try to get away from your finger. I wouldn't walk away, I would run.

I agree with Debbie. A gouldian in that condition usually means they're not far off from birdie heaven. I have something going around in my flock right now and have already had 1 pass and another this morning that I found on the floor all puffed up and did not even try to move away when I caught him and put him in the hospital cage. A gouldian that does that is a very sick gouldian.

I feel sorry for the gouldian, but I'm also relieved you decided to come home without the bird. He doesn't sound healthy at all and the fact that the store people thought he was a "canary" just speaks volumes about the care the bird is/has been receiving.

You live in Florida? Goodness, you have a wealth of bird hobbyists and breeders in your neck of the woods!!! There are probably the most finch breeders in Florida, Texas, Georgia, and California because of the stellar weather conditions. You can easily find healthy, wonderful, and beautiful gouldians for half the price the pet shop was asking from reputable breeders in your state. I hope that one day you will find your dream gouldians -- they are nature's jewels.

Thanks you guys ~ I had a feeling he wasn't well but didn't know if maybe he was just stressed from the new arrival.
I feel bad for the bird as well ~ I'm typically the sucker who takes the poorly animal cause I want to make them better.

I agree we have a lot of great breeders here in FL. I will definitely get them from reputable sources so I know they're healthy and how old they are.

Thanks again for the info!