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Juvenile Gouldians Not Coloring Up.

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:04 pm
by jls7453
I had a clutch of three Gouldians hatch in late July of last year. One didn't make it,but the other two have done well. However I was wondering why it is taking so long to color up to their adult plumage.
They were born and raised outside,along with their parents. During winter,they are supplied with heat and out of the elements. (had a few weeks of cold weather,sometimes low as 17,but they are all good). Parents were...cock,OH PB GB Dilute and the hen is BH(gray) PB YB.
Both Juvi's sing and jump up and down on the perch,so I assume they are males.They are provided with Eggfood daily,Millet,Grit Cuttlebone,Greens etc. One seems to be a GB Dilute,and the other is a YB.
They both have a tiny spot of Orange on their head,and a speck of Purple on their breasts.

Just wondering if the cold weather has anything with their coloring up?
And,what colors I might expect.

Re: Juvenile Gouldians Not Coloring Up.

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:13 pm
by CandoAviary
Yes, any stress can cause what is referred to as "stuck in the molt". The cold weather of winter would be enough stress to prevent the molt. Is is great that you had 2 that made it through the cold. They will most likely get their colors with this years molt.
Though I have seen some birds not get their adult colors for a couple of years due to other stresses on the feather production. Breeding could play a negative factor in a birds ability to molt. Make sure these young yearlings aren't in a situation where they can breed. Breeding and growing new feathers at the same time is detrimental to the birds health.

Re: Juvenile Gouldians Not Coloring Up.

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2012 10:36 pm
by jls7453
thanks for the info.