FINCHforum

I've heard that Blue Back Gouldians aren't as hardy as other Gouldian mutations
Is there any truth to that.. and recommendations as to what should be done for any special needs they may have?
Thank you

Usually, any new mutation may not be quite as strong as normal. But breeders get in a hurry to increase the mutation, so they start breeding mutation to mutation or inbreeding, and next thing you know, you have a bunch of weaker birds on the market. Done properly, there isn't any reason for weaker birds IMO.

I totally agree with Sally. I've been thinking about getting blue gould's for a while now but they are just too weak here in SA. I don't want to pay a lot of money for a bird that is going to die...

I've decided that if and when I do decide to try and breed blue gould's, I will rather get pairs of split's and then work up my own blues from them to ensure strong lines. It will take longer but at least then I will know how strong the birds are.

Absolutely agree with both Sally and Roxanne. If your looking to get a Blue get one from a split to Blue pair or Blue and split to Blue and you will have no "special needs".
good luck

Agree with everything that has been said, often the problems arising with chicks from blue x blue pairings won't show until they go through juvenile moult resulting in dead chicks.

Even with blue x split blue issues can arise with juveniles during moult but nowhere near as often as blue x blue juveniles.

Just wanted to say I also agree...

Thanks everyone for the info
I think I will hold off then on getting one unless I'm able to buy from a reputable breeder.
I was considering ordering one online, but the thought of having a pricey, delicate bird shipped by itself just doesn't sit right with me. I imagine the stress on a sensitive variety of bird might be too much for it and that's a risk I would not want to take.
There's a bird mart I'm thinking about going to in two weeks, hopefully there will be an actual breeder of blue back Gouldians there and not just a broker who doesn't know the background on the bird's genetics