My 13 Year Old Gouldian - What the...?

[Brette]

My male gouldian finch just turned 13. What is going on with this bird? Is the "average age" we read about underestimated for the breed or is this guy just a freak of nature?

My last gouldian died at 8 years old and I haven't been feeding or doing anything out of the ordinary to keep this guy going (the bird's cage is by a sunny window, vegies, eggfood, vitamins and eggshells for treats). Yesterday I caught him mating with his 2 year old girlfriend. Dirty old thing!

[wilkifam]

I wonder if he is still fertile?

Whatever you are doing must be just right!

[delray]

That's awesome that he is living this long and enjoying life! Congrats Brette

[MiaCarter]

Good for him!

I have a 12 year old zebra finch whom I've had since shortly after fledging.

Sadly, all his siblings passed away years ago, so I don't think it's genetic.

And if it was environmental due to a good diet and so forth, I'd expect all my birds to have the same type of longevity, but they don't.

So definitely couldn't tell you how it happens! I think it's just the luck of the draw.

My guy just fathered babies a couple months ago, so I know it's possible!

Enjoy your old guy! LOL

[finchandlovebird]

That's incredible. Congrats. You are doing SOMETHING right

[Brette]

Thanks for the congrats but I don't think I'm doing anything special for this old bird!

Which is the reason why I'm wondering if more gouldians get to this age and we just don't hear about it?

[Brette]

And if it was environmental due to a good diet and so forth, I'd expect all my birds to have the same type of longevity, but they don't.

Yeah exactly. The other gouldians I've had haven't made it passed 10.

[lovezebs]

Brette
That's amazing. My guys are all very young as yet, but I would love them to live that long. It would be interesting to know if any of his offspring live as long. Have you hung on to any of his children/grand children/great grand children? I'd be curious to know if girlfriend has eggs that will hatch (?)

All I can say to your boy, is: Good for you ol' timer!!!

~Elana~

[Brette]

He had a clutch when he was much younger and i didnt keep any of them but after that I had no interest in breeding birdies so I removed the nests! I haven't seen any eggs even though he's got this new young girlfriend, not sure if that's because there are no nests or because at 13 he's just too old. Would be interesting to know if longevity is genetic or a fluke in these guys.

He was singing this morning and bopping around like a 10 year old lol. It was nice to see and I'm enjoying him while he's still around.

[lovezebs]

Brette
Have you considered giving these two a nest?
I mean, there is nothing wrong with just enjoying these guys for themselves, but knowing me, I'd be curious to know if your old timer could still father any kids.
On second thought however, the gruelling task of raising kids, feeding and so on, might just be too much for someone of advanced years. Would be a little like asking a ninety nine year old to deal with night feedings of a new born baby. LoL.

Just let him have his fun with his young chickie bride. Do you have any pictures of the happy couple?

~Elana~

[Brette]

He died yesterday. I had him in a semi covered hospital cage, with a heating pad. He had been sleeping a lot for the past month. I hope he didn't suffer too much, I kept hoping he would rally.

With any luck his young lady bird friend will be able to move on and bond with the other finches.

Bye bye sweet birdy ♥

[Sally]

So sorry you lost him, but what a wonderful long life he had! I think he must be the exception to the rule, or just good genes along with good care.

[Ginene]

I am so very sorry for your loss

[Brette]

Thanks guys. I guess I should have mentioned, I started this thread 7 months ago. Up until about a month ago, he was still in good shape. I had him for longer than most people own a dog and I am really going to miss his little gouldian song in the mornings and watching him bop around when I open the window. (Their cage is right in front of it)

Really hoping the female will be okay with the other birds and not fall into a depression of some sort.

[debbie276]

So sorry but boy did he have a full life!