Gouldian Song -- When the Music Stops

[DCbeachboy]

UPDATE: Well, I'd psyched myself up to finally try catching up both birds this weekend, in order to treat them with SCATT -- just in case that's the problem. It was something I dreaded intensely, as I had never touched either bird and knew they would be traumatized for days afterward. I had planned also to take apart their cage to do a thorough scrubbing while I had them out.

And as if he knew I was planning to cause such turmoil, suddenly the male Saturday began singing -- for the 1st time in at least 6 weeks or so! At first it began quietly....I wasn't even sure I heard it. Then he gradually began piping out a real chorus for the next 20-30 minutes. I can assure you -- after so much concern these past few days, his little song was like hearing Tchaikovsky! He has sung his little heart out all weekend, several times per day, and seems perfectly happy in every way.

So I'm assuming whatever was preventing him from singing these past couple of months wasn't air-sac mites, or he wouldn't suddenly rebound....right? Frustration over the inability to nest seems to be the most likely culprit after all, in this case. Apparently he's just given up. (?) I still may yet treat them both with SCATT in the coming days -- for preventive reasons.

Thanks again for all the guidance; I've learned a lot from this ordeal, and it will make me a much better bird keeper going forward!

[debbie276]

So happy for you that things worked out!

[annague]

Dave, you are a wonderful parent!

The SCATT won't hurt your birds and may help. Yup, they'll be a little traumatized but they'll forget it quickly. I'm very hopeful you won't have to wait several days for them to recover. Mine usually recover in a manner of minutes. They may, however, give you dirty looks for a little while --

It's good for your experience too since you will need to handle them several times a year (moving or cleaning cages, clipping nails, medical needs, etc.)

I'm glad to hear the concerts have started again!

[DCbeachboy]

Thanks for the encouragement, Anna! I'm probably a bit overly sensitive (some might say over-protective? LOL) anytime I notice a new or different behavior in my birds. Since we don't speak the same language, it's not always easy to diagnose what's going on -- as everyone here is well aware!

Yes, I've fully realized that the day will come when I MUST pick up the birds by hand at some point. I've got very mixed feelings about it, and have been putting that off as long as possible. As much as I would LOVE to be able to actually "pet" these little critters and bond in that way....I'm quite certain they won't think of the ordeal as a bonding moment!

In the meantime, until that day arrives, I've managed to find another way to conduct regular cage cleanings that doesn't involve capturing them by hand. I simply put a millet spray inside their tiny travel cage, prop open the door to the cage, then place it on the floor of their main cage. It doesn't take long for them to find the millet, and within 3-4 minutes they're both inside the travel cage chowing down!

With a string I can quickly drop the travel cage door closed with them inside, then easily and safely transfer them out of their main cage. They flutter around a bit during the transfer, but quickly settle back down to enjoy their millet treat and -- for the most part -- ignore whatever I'm doing to their home!

So far, they've fallen for my little trap every time -- though I fear at some point they will wise up and refuse to go along with it again! Maybe by that point I will be ready to try handling them. We'll soon find out!

[lovemyfinch]

That is such wonderful news Dave
Nothing like the sound of a beautiful male gouldian belting out his song.

[annague]

You have it all under control, Dave!

I'm looking forward to when you let us know that you've decided your birds can breed and are expecting a clutch!

They ARE very beautiful. Bloodlines do tell.

[franny]

I think the travel cage trap is a great idea. When you work up the nerve to try catching them up in your hands, use the trap first.

Then when you reach into the smaller travel cage it should be much easier to catch them. You'll likely need to trim their nails eventually, so might at well give it a try next time you are cage cleaning. Clean the big cage, then when it's time to put them back in, catch up each bird separately, trim their nails, and then pop them back in the nice clean big cage.

I hate doing their nails, and I shake every time I have to do it... but I'm actually pretty good at catching them now. The gouldians are a lot less fragile than my little goldbreasts were. But I still always worry about hurting them when I cut their nails, and have some "quick stop" handy just in case. Never had to use it yet though.
And they are back to normal in no time at all, while I, on the other hand, and still sweating and shaking from the trauma of having to nail clip!

[DCbeachboy]

Thanks, Fran -- great advice. Will give it a try. I haven't clipped their nails yet, though I know I'll need to at some point. How do you know when they're too long? I added a couple of pumice perches to their cage a few weeks ago in hopes that may help maintain their nails, but is clipping still necessary even with that? They both use the pumice perches at various times during the day, but they aren't their favorite perches....I'd say they spend on average maybe 12-15% of their daylight hours there. They seem to spend most of their time (about 60%) on either a large manzanita branch or a "Wacky Wood" lima root perch, with most of the remaining time on metal feeding station perches built into their cage. They sleep at night on a dowel-rod-style perch.

As for the singing.....I'm still amazed at how suddenly he has decided to begin singing again. He sings....and sings...and sings....all afternoon. For hours. Every day. This, after NO song at all for almost 2 months. At about 9 months of age, maybe his voice was changing?

Interestingly, he actually has changed his technique compared with his earlier singing the first several weeks I had him. He now sits up perfectly straight, puffs out his chest and begins each song with a preparatory warm-up "peep" as if to say, "I'm going to sing now", then a second or two later he'll belt out a chorus for 10-20 seconds. Then another "peep" and repeat. He now sits so proudly when he sings. And I've noticed it's not always just for the hen.....he'll sing to us humans as well, approaching the cage front and singing his little heart out. It is truly music to my ears, and is quite endearing. I've always enjoyed wild birds immensely so when we decided to try our hand at birdkeeping, I knew it would be a natural fit. But I never realized just how much joy they can add to one's day....I can't imagine ever having to do without them now! Life is good.

[MLaRue]

Dave,

I'm happy to hear all is well again

[franny]

Thanks, Fran -- great advice. Will give it a try. I haven't clipped their nails yet, though I know I'll need to at some point. How do you know when they're too long? ..

I would say that if you notice that the back claw wraps right around a perch, that it might need trimming. But if you notice any claw start to turn, or curl sideways at all, then definitely trim them shorter. I catch mine up and take in the bathroom (putting seat down first), where the light is really good. You should be able to see the "quick" so you don't cut too short. I use just regular nail clippers.

And I LOVE the male gouldian's song! I could listen to my boy sing all day long. So much prettier than a canary I think, because it's a bit softer. And since they are in my living room they don't drown out the conversation or the TV like a canary would!