Gouldians wont use outdoor aviary

[Ian]

Hi Guys,

My gouldian finches have an outdoor aviary equipped with eucalyptus branches etc that is attached via an openening they can fly through from there internal quarters. The opening remained closed all through the winter and is opened during the day now the warmer weather is here so that we can enjoy the birds from the garden. The problem is I cannot get the birds to use it, they will occasionally fly outside for brief periods before going back into there indoor aviary.

Most of my birds have been bred indoors so are not particularly exposed to outdoor life but I would not have thought that this would be a problem? They are currently moulting so I am a bit hesitant to try anything radical at this stage but once the moult is over I was thinking of a lock out for a few days (with food and water of course).

Anybody else had this issue with indoor bred Gouldians?

Regards
Ian

[debbie276]

It may take them a while to feel comfortable enough to stay out there. I personally would just let them go at their own pace and not force it. When I first opened my aviary door to the outside it took awhile for all to zip in and out. They will go where they are most comfortable.

[Ian]

Thanks Debbie,

I was kind of thinking that eventually they will venture out, its just that they dont seem to have any desire. I have even hung spray millet outside (which they love) and they wont touch it. There are no obvious predators about and its in a nice quiet position. Its such a shame as I would love to see them flying around in the sunlight.

[Nipper06]

I wouldn't force them to stay out. I think they will take to it eventually on their own. Keep in mind, Gouldians like hot sunny weather so it may take them a little while to get used to English climate - but I think they will in the end. They may also be hesitant if they are moulting.

Your set-up sounds interesting - can you post some photos?

[Ian]

Hi Nipper,

Would love to post some photos, I will wait until they are fully throught the moult .

Its been unseasonably hot here of late (up to 28 degrees celcius) so I dont think the weather is an issue but I guess i`m just being a little impatient. I just hope that by the time they get used to using it, winter is not upon us.

I just have the nominate black head variety and I am working on producing exceptional quality parent reared birds. I was fortunate to purchase an outstanding male whose feathers are always tight and unruffled. He is sleek and the picture of health, i paired him successfully with a very deep coloured female and currently have 4 young moulting through. There are just so many poor coloured, poor feathered and poor shaped gouldians around that really do not do this bird justice. I once saw an immaculate bred pair that litterally glowed with health and were snatched up soon after they were for sale (too soon for me). They were a world apart from the standard fodder. Here is a pic of my prize male , I had to take it through the breeding cage so its a little fuzzy.