New to Gouldians

[Animalzoo]

Hi everyone,

I'm a keeper/breeder of zebras and societies so I'm not new to finch keeping but I am now looking to move into the world of gouldians which will be brand new to me. I want to get 2 pairs and am looking at breeding. I dont have any yet and would appreciate some advice on what colour mutations I should either aim for or avoid. I've been reading www.gouldiansgalore.com website but is there any others you recommend?

I also love colour variety and from what I have seen online and for sale in pet stores I really like the lighter colours like yellow and white. I'm assuming you can mix and breed any colour to any colour.

I've also read that when breeding they can be sensitive to intrusions and noise so can readily abandon or throw chicks from the nest. In comparison to the zebras and societies are they that much different?

Many thanks in advance

[lovezebs]

Animalzoo

Hi Sue.

Gouldians, are delightful birds to have around.
They are lovely to look at, have sweet personalities, soft songs, and are not nearly as difficult to breed as you have been led to believe.

I love all the different colour mutations as well. The genetic part of breeding them can be somewhat confusing, and I will let our more genetically inclined folks deal with that end of it. You'll be able to tell them what colours you're interested in, and what you want to achieve, and they'll be able to tell you how to get there.

I want to wish you good luck with your Gouldians. I know you will love them.

[wilkifam]

Gouldians are lots of fun. Not hard to breed, and not really all that sensitive to intrusions. I band babies at 8-10 days old, and do nest checks every week or so. They don't seem to mind at all.

I would try to stick to pairs with matching head color, as they really do seem to prefer birds with the same head color (though I have had pairs with different head colors).

[debbie276]

I agree with what the others said about gouldians, not hard at all.
Not sure what the gene pool has to offer in Spain but you shouldn't breed Blue to Blue, keep in mind the white ones are genetically Blue.
Green to Green and Pastel (yellow) to Pastel are fine in the USA but like I said not sure about over in Spain.
Do let us know which you get.

[Animalzoo]

I agree with what the others said about gouldians, not hard at all.
Not sure what the gene pool has to offer in Spain but you shouldn't breed Blue to Blue, keep in mind the white ones are genetically Blue.
Green to Green and Pastel (yellow) to Pastel are fine in the USA but like I said not sure about over in Spain.
Do let us know which you get.

Hi Debbie,
Thanks for your advice. Do you know why blue to blue is bad?

[debbie276]

The gene pool is not large enough yet with Blue, the birds are too closely related because it is such a new mutation.

[Spreckles]

There is one hard part to this!!!! finding some pairs to buy!!!!! at least where I live.

Karen

[Animalzoo]

Thanks everyone.

You're right, a breeder is the next issue. I can find some birds at pet stores but they are really expensive. One pet store has told me about the breeder he uses which is in the town about 30 minutes away where the birds are bred outside and he tries not to use Societies as fosters unless its critical. He said the results provide very hardy good breeding stock. However he keeps saying he will be getting some in 'soon' and its already been some weeks that I have been talking to him. The breeder sounds good though.

In the meantime I can turn to a website that Spain uses to advertise all sorts, its like a classifieds website and pets and livestock can be sold. I've found breeders for Love Birds and English Budgies successfully on there so that is tonights mission. I'm hoping to find a dedicated breeder that I can go see and get some local inside knowledge too. Unfortunately I don't speak Spanish but my boyfriend does and he is also interested in these finches so he can help me.

As for the colours I have no idea about the gene pool so this is something I'll check into. I would like a variety of colours but am only aiming for 2 pairs. I'd like green and yellows so I assume I can mix and match with that variety and if the breeder has any blues then depending on how pretty it is I might go for it and then pair with a green. ......And, If I need to have same head colours, then you wait, I'll end up with a ridiculous number of birds with 4 or 5 pairs haha

[debbie276]

Green and Pastel (yellow) can be mixed together or bred with each other. You don't need to have the same head color.
good luck, keep us posted

[Animalzoo]

Hi Debbie,
Thanks for your confirmation. I just wish you could ship me some birds now! I dread the search for them here in Spain

[Danny]

Hello,
Im a new breeder of Lady Gouldian finch also. I live in Arizona and have had a hard time finding breeders to purchase my birds from also. I did find a lady in Tuscon Arizona who I bought 3 pair from and want to tell you she has awesome stock, her birds are beautiful and vibrant. I started breeding this past October and have approx 10 babies so far. I have had a problem with chick tossing with one pair but she now has eggs again so will se what happends this go around.
If you are looking for quality birds look her up. Bevs Birds in Tuscon Arizona, she had great prices and will ship to you Also.

Good Luck!
Danny

[Animalzoo]

Thanks Danny and am pleased you found some lovely birds. Will she ship to Spain