moving molting gouldian

[Hoji]

I have 2 gouldians (and 4 societies) in quarantine and it is almost time to move them to my finch aviary which is indoor and adjoins my budgie (6) aviary. I have zebras and societies living happily in the finch side now.
The male gouldian is molting, started about a week ago and the female has recently finished her molt. I understand that goulds are sensitive to being moved. My question is - Since they were moved a 3 weeks or a month ago when I got them, and he is molting (extra stress?), is it safe to move them into their new permanent home? - or should I wait awhile longer?
Thanks

[Sally]

I think the biggest stress in moving is from one house to another, where the water may be different, the food different, and the cage or aviary definitely different. Your Goulds should be used to your food and water now, so the stress would be from going from quarantine cage to aviary. Since Goulds have such a heavy, stressful molt, I would be tempted to leave him in a cage till he is mostly thru the molt. If you do go ahead and put him in the aviary, I would keep a close eye on him, even putting a heat lamp near whatever perch he seems to favor.

[L in Ontario]

I agree w/Sally and also I think the juvies first moult is more stressfull than subsequent moults of adults. However the less stress they encounter during the moulting time, the better for all.

[Hoji]

Thank you, this supports my feelings. I read somewhere that the molt can last for months? and that a good temp to keep is 75 degrees? Is this true? Poor thing looks so prickly.

There are four society finches (and a gouldian hen) in there with him, that I got at the same time. Do you think I should leave them there to keep him company or go ahead and move the societies to the aviary (leaving the hen with him, of course)?
Thank you so much for answering!

[Sally]

I would go ahead and move the Societies out, but leave the two Gouldians together till the male is pretty much thru his molt. They do look awful when they are molting.

[Hoji]

Thanks so much.

[akidsgal]

I just have one question.... Will you be putting the zebra's and the goulds together? That in my opinion is not a good idea. The zebras sometimes tend to be pushy and may harm the goulds...

[Hoji]

Yes, they will all live together. Many people have said that they keep both and haven't had any issues. When I suddenly had the opportunity to get them I read around here and other places before I decided. Have you had problems?

[akidsgal]

Personally I have not but that is only because I have never kept them together. Some of them are awesome and docile little birds, but others can be a pistol. I can only imagine that is the same as humans. Some are easier to get along with then others. As hard as you may try, some may never be ok with it.

[Hoji]

Hopefully things will be okay. My zebras (6) are paired up nicely (but I never put in nests) and things are peaceful. I've had them for about 3 years.
Thanks for the warning.