FINCHforum

Hey there, i have a couple of questions here.
Ill buy a par of juveiles gouldians,
They have almost no color yet. btw, ill buy they tomorrow.
they are around 1h from here by car.
I want to know whats the best way to travel with it.
also, what i can give they more than exotic mixture, calcium bone and water..
Thanks!

I don't have Gouldians, but I would be careful buying juveniles that haven't started to color up as yet. Juveniles are more susceptible to getting sick. How will you know what sexes you are getting? Do you want certain color combinations? Where are you located?

Sally wrote:I don't have Gouldians, but I would be careful buying juveniles that haven't started to color up as yet. Juveniles are more susceptible to getting sick. How will you know what sexes you are getting? Do you want certain color combinations? Where are you located?

Sure that, but the juvs are coloring, but not complete.
Their owner said that it takes 2 more mounths for it to complete.
Im from brasil.

Strongly suggest getting some Vitalize and adding it to their water from the moment you pick them up, and for at least a few days when they're home. If you can't get vitalize, I've heard of people using Pedialyte that you can get from any nursery section or drug store.

They will need the minerals and electrolytes these provide to help keep them hydrated and less stressed.

Mozelle wrote:Strongly suggest getting some Vitalize and adding it to their water from the moment you pick them up, and for at least a few days when they're home. If you can't get vitalize, I've heard of people using Pedialyte that you can get from any nursery section or drug store.

They will need the minerals and electrolytes these provide to help keep them hydrated and less stressed.

I never heard about Vitalize or Pedialyte here in brasil, so...
If you guys know something GLOBAL would be very nice.
About the travel, how can i take they home?
Thank you guys.

I have used Glaceau Smart Water when bringing home new finches. It's has added electrolytes without any sugar or sweeteners added.

If you can find a bottled water with added electrolytes, that would work, it just helps get them through some stress. For travel, do you have some small cages you could take along? If you have a light towel or dishcloth, you can drape it over the cages so the birds will stay calm during the trip. In a pinch, you could use a small box with small ventilation holes in it. Once home, if you have access to spray millet or eggfood, that helps keep them eating. And make sure when you get home that they have water available in a small dish. Most finches like cucumber, a slice or two will also provide them with moisture.

Another FF member (Debbie276) gave me this recipe for a home made electrolyte formula:

8oz of warm water about 103-105 degrees F. Add 1/2 tablespoon sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well.

If you can't find anything else maybe this recipe would be your best bet.

Dayna glad you remembered that receipe.

Basically to travel with your finches for one hour is not too long. You want to provide them with a ventilated, dark travelling compartment (not too high or they can get a fright, fly up and break their necks).
Usually boxes have mesh on one side and closed everywhere else.
If it is light enough for finches to see, I like to scatter a little seed on the floor as I find eating calms birds down.

The important thing is to be prepared at home when you bring your new birds home. Make sure the cage is ready for them. Let them out and then leave them alone to settle down.
Stress is a major kill factor for little birds. Once they settle down, you will see they get more curious and will start exploring what you give them in the cage.
Enjoy your new birds.

One last bit of advice: keep the new babies away from the air-conditioner vent or other drafts, both at home and in your car on the way home. Gouldians like heat and in Brasil that is probably not a problem but I thought I would mention about the A/C (best to drive home [with the birds] without the A/C on, if it is hot there). This is very obvious I realize so you probably already thought about this!

Also, consider that these 2 birds are probably siblings or otherwise related, and if so, they should not be bred together. If you want to breed Gouldians, it is best to buy the pairs from 2 different sources so they are unrelated.

So the way i gonna do.
Buy the birds if not brothers..
Travel they to home with a little 30cm cage covered with something, like a shirt...or so
When home ill give some water with a bit of Chamomile tea, that can calm down the birds...
Some eggfood for proteins, to help their molting time
and exotic mixture aswell.
Sorry for my poor english, Im from Brasil...

If there is some more specific suggestion or trick, ill be grateful.
Thanks you Finchmasters.