Juvenile Gouldian Molting

[Vera]

I already received some helpful information about this from another thread, but thought I would start a new one for a bit more discussion because it didnt really apply to the original thread.
I understand that unlike other types of finches, Juvenile Gouldians should not be rehomed until after their first molt.
I am just wondering approximately how old that would be. I want to give a pair to my aunt who was recently widowed and I need to plan a trip around when they would be ready to go.
They are beautiful chubby little birds. I love them!
Thanks!

[paul-inAZ]

Figure as early as 2 maybe 3 months although a molt can take 6 months.

Once they are few months old and fully independent I don't know of a solid reason for the conventional wisdom of not moving them. Maybe someone can inform me.

Hope you are enjoying Canada Day.

[Vera]

Figure as early as 2 maybe 3 months although a molt can take 6 months.

Once they are few months old and fully independent I don't know of a solid reason for the conventional wisdom of not moving them. Maybe someone can inform me.

Hope you are enjoying Canada Day.

Thanks Paul! Canada Day is awesome! Love this country.

So is that two to three months when it starts and then can last up until six months?

[lovezebs]

Vera

It's difficult to place a time frame on these kids.

I have had some chicks from the same clutch finishing their moult, when others were just starting.

All you can do, is offer lots of eggs, lots of greens, the best seed mix, a bit of vitamins 2 or 3 times a week, warmth and peace and quiet.

The best I can say, is that you will know they've finished when they look like shining brand new adult Gouldians.....

There are several stages to the first moulting. They will look like this, then this, then this, and then.....

[debbie276]

Once they are few months old and fully independent I don't know of a solid reason for the conventional wisdom of not moving them. Maybe someone can inform me.

The molt is a very stressful for for the young so you should not add to it by changing their diet and environment. Doing so can easily lead to them getting sick, being stuck in molt for a year or more and even death.

[debbie276]

I want to give a pair to my aunt

As in pair I hope you don't mean a male and female. They will definitely mate and inbreeding is never a good idea. 2 males would be great though.

[paul-inAZ]

I'm still curious.
Not moving a juvie during a molt is conventional wisdom and seems sensible but I wonder if moving one that is fully independent and not yet molting is any more stressful or dangerous than moving juvies to a separate cage.
Has anyone personally experienced trouble with this?
I'm asking about a local move and not air shipments.

I would certainly never buy or sell a juvie at any time but it does happen.

[lovezebs]

paul-inAZ

Before I knew any better, I have had one female youngster that I bought as an unmoulted juvie basically go into a decline and die on me. Another got stuck in moult and took close to two years to get into normal feather condition.

I'm not saying that it always happens, but why chance it?
It is a stressful time for them anyway, why take them away from their familiar environment and all that they know and are comfortable with, creating more stress?

[Vera]

Parents are moulting like crazy they look pretty bad.
I am not sure if the juveniles have started their moult yet although they now have some blue tail feathers but their heads are still black, they have some purple on their chests, but they dont have the pin feathers on their faces yet. They are almost three months old now - is there a time frame on when to expect their moult to be complete.
My recently widowed aunt is lonely and is asking when they may be ready?
Thanks

[lovezebs]

Vera

What you're describing Vera, is definitely not ready to go yet.

Keep them warm and offer loads of nutritious food.

There really is no time frame, lol, they have their own internal clock. Warmth, calm, quiet surroundings, and good food will keep them on the right track.

Have you considered a little Canary boy for your Aunty in the meanwhile. They have a friendly disposition, and their song just fills up the house with cheer.

[Vera]

She did have a canary in the past but she will probably be moving to a condo and was concerned about their singing and if that would be too loud.
I didnt think they were ready I just feel bad for my aunt waiting for them but I certainly dont want to do anything to jeopardize their health.
In fact if it wasnt my aunt I would keep them, I am quite attached to them by now.

[lovezebs]

Vera

Those babies are adorable, aren't they?

[Vera]

Oh yes they are so sweet.... oh my heart .....

[lovezebs]

Vera

At least they're going to family, so you can visit them .

[Vera]

Vera

At least they're going to family, so you can visit them .

Sorry havent been on here for a while. They are done moulting and two of them will be going on Tuesday. I did post a question regarding best way to travel on an airplane - they will be going in the cabin with my cousin and have to go in a soft sided kennel that fits under the seat - but any suggestions would be appreciated!