FINCHforum

The head colors of my male Gouldians seems to be fading, mainly around the eyes. Do I need to change my light bulbs? What vitamins promote color?

Are you sure they are not going into their molt?

Are they fading, or are they actually losing the little feathers around the eyes? What is their diet? Could be they need a little boost of iodine. I keep a dish of granulated kelp in my gould cages.

Very interesting Hilary, I never though iodine shortage could cause the feather loss. Is there anything else you can give other than kelp (I've never seen kelp in any of our pet stores)

I believe I got mine from TammyS. You can also buy liquid kelp online. I have to admit, though, that one of my males started losing those feathers after raising a pair of chicks (also lost the feathers around his beak). Once the kids weaned the feathers grew back in without any help from me. I had to wonder if it was the bird equivalent of bags under his eyes from being tired! (Joking aside, I do think it was related to the stress of raising the chicks.....)