FINCHforum

Hello,

I just sold some gouldians and had them shipped through Continental. They were shipped out yesterday. I got a phone call from the guy who purchased them and one of the hens is losing her feathers. She should not be molting yet and should be coming into breeding condition. Does anyone have any ideas on what this could be or what we should do. The birds were healthy birds...Do they do this due to stress?

Please anyone give me some advice.

I really don't have the answer where are you located and where did you ship to maybe she got to hot,I am sure one of the experts on gouldians wlii be here soon

Stress, change in diet, and temperature can all cause a Gould to molt prematurely.

Stress......Feather loss in Gouldians is a pain in the **** I have at least 8 birds that are perfectly healthy but look terrible and couldn't be sold in a month of Sundays and yet they breed Ok.In fact one hen is my very best parent ever and often raises clutches of 7....but she's as bald as a coot.

Sometimes the problem is overcome at the next moult ...sometimes not.You will read all different theories about diet....lack of vitamins ...iodine etc. I've tried all sorts over the years with little or no success.They either feather up at the next moult ....or they don't.
Paul.