FINCHforum

Hi guys,

Just for background, I am very new to Gouldians and haven't owned finches for a few years, however I have previously owned Society finches (Bengalese). I have been doing my research but still have about a few questions my birds behaviour towards each other, colouring and suitability.

1. First being: I bought this pair this past Saturday. Today was the first time he has made any noise and he has started singing to her very loud and proud about ten seconds on to thirty seconds off for about twenty minutes in total. Is this a good sign? If not of breeding potential (as he isn't yet displayed the accompanying head shaking or hopping), is it at least good sign of them being comfortable/happy/friendly both individually and as a pair?

2. My second question would be: Am I correct in believing that my male is a
-yellow head
-purple chest
-single factor pastel green

If not, what would his colouring be?

3. My third question would be: Am i correct in believing that my female is a
-yellow head
-purple or lilac breast (unsure, in some lights she looks more rose breasted and in others she looks like the typical dull hen purple?)
-standard green backed

If not, what would her colouring be?

Side note: I have been reading that her 'dirty' head colouring is a result of poor breeding and as such can be bred out. If i wanted to breed more seriously in the future should I select a different hen with a cleaner head colouring?

Overall, I hope this is all ok in the one post in the one section. If you can or only want to answer one question please feel free to just use the number you are replying to Thanks so much in advance.[/font]

Banana I'm not very knowledgeable about Gouldian coloring/genetics, so I'll let others answer those questions for you. As far as question #1, I believe that singing does indicate that a bird is settling into its new home/environment. He should soon start the hopping or dancing part of courtship.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier for members to answer locale-specific questions later on.

Welcome to the forum!
1- When males are happy they will sing. They will sing whether they want to breed or not. So, yes this is a good sign.
2-Hard to see if the chin is gray instead of black in that picture but by the blue hue around his head I would say correct.
3-Correct, Purple Breast

Some say that the head color of a hen can have more black in it when you breed different head colors. Therefore they recommend that you only breed like color heads. I have not found this to be true in my flock.
Your hen has a very clear head color and not all that "dirty".
By the way, because her beak is black you know she is either coming into breeding mode or going out of.

Very beautiful birds!
Best of luck with them

Thanks so much everyone, much appreciated
Just about to go downstairs and I can already hear his happy chirps!

Looking forward to being a part of the forum

They are both gorgeous!!!!

I think you did well to pick a good pair for your first. They both look real nice.
Best way to start a good breeding stock is to buy from a respected breeder. If you start from the best, you can't go wrong and you also have a great person to get advice from.

Wow! They are beautiful. Welcome to the forum, good luck with breeding them can't wait to see the babies. -tam