FINCHforum

Hello!

I am a prospective finch owner, and I was hoping if someone could give me some advice. I am thinking about purchasing a pair of finches in about a month or so's time, but I can't seem to choose between the Strawberry and the Gouldian. Any particular differences in the behaviour/care of these birds? Also, any advice for a first-time owner would be great too!

Thanks!

Oh, I am also quite keen on the Yellow-faced Star

I've had Gouldians and Strawberries for over three years. Lots of babies from the Gouldians but not one fertile egg from the Strawberries.

I agree with both the last post, lol.... For ease of breeding, the Gouldians hands down.. but those Strawberry's are one tough finch.. I have about 8 or nine from my original bunch. The youngest ones have to be over 6 years now and the oldest in the 8-10+ year range. They are looking pretty grey around the edges but they have outlived a lot of others..

L in Ontario wrote:I've had Gouldians and Strawberries for over three years. Lots of babies from the Gouldians but not one fertile egg from the Strawberries.

Maybe time to get a new Roster!
That one is shooting blanks!
Just keep him for singing!

My mom always said if there isn't any chicks in the spring, the rooster is going into the pot!

Jerry

LOL!

Thanks for the replies I think I'm definitely leaning toward the Strawberry. I'm not overly concerned about babies (for now). Would they be compatible with the Zebra? I've just totally fell in love with the white ones!

BigBear0007 wrote:

L in Ontario wrote:I've had Gouldians and Strawberries for over three years. Lots of babies from the Gouldians but not one fertile egg from the Strawberries.

Maybe time to get a new Roster!
That one is shooting blanks!
Just keep him for singing!

My mom always said if there isn't any chicks in the spring, the rooster is going into the pot!

Jerry

I have THREE "rosters" (and four hens).

Thea wrote:Hello!

I am a prospective finch owner, and I was hoping if someone could give me some advice. Also, any advice for a first-time owner would be great too!

Thanks!

For a first time fincher - Gouldans and Strawberries (and Stars for that matter) are NOT easy birds for breeding. First time owners usually go for finches a little easier to take care of as well - such as Zebra or Society finches.

I don't think you will have any problems with them getting along.. Your chances of Strawberry babies drops about in half (in my opinion) sharing a space with Zebra's.. They will clean out their nest box of every shread of nesting material to build on their nest

Thank you so much for all the replies - it's really been very helpful. I think I will be opting for a single Strawberry pair for now and see how I get on. There are just so many choices, it's hard to pick which one I want the most! I've been trying to opt between birds that have bright colours as well as a sweet song (as opposed to ease of breeding), so by the sound of it Strawberries definitely fit the bill. As much as I would love to have my own baby Strawberries popping up, I'm complacent enough for the entertainment and music they have to offer for now. I've located a breeder in London who is currently nuturing some Strawberry eggs so hopefully in 6-8 weeks time I'll have some beautiful babies in the house.

Out of interest, would most people agree with this chart?:

http://www.finchniche.com/a-chart.php

Edited! Sorry about that!

Hi Thea - I did approve your post however please note that due to website copyright laws (worldwide) - we have to post URL's to the website rather than copying and pasting material from any other website.

If you could please go into your post and EDIT it to remove the chart, etc and post instead the URL - that would be most appreciated. Also, any edits to a post have to be done within a 30 minute time limit. Many thanks.

Perfect, Thea - thanks again!

Myra is pretty sharp when it comes to finches.. I met her for the first time back in 2005 at the cage bird national show.. Looks like she is taking more into account then just temperment.. I would have to rearange almost all of my birds if I followed this chart

Lucky you! I would choose the Strawberries as well. If I had a choice between Gouldians and Strawberries, I would choose Strawberry Finches in a sped up heartbeat. Strawberry Finches are so hard to find here, across the pond in the States. Good luck to you!