How young can a finch be sold (Gouldians in particular)

[finchandlovebird]

Is there a rule of thumb as to how young you can sell a weaned finch (Gouldian) to "one of us", i.e. someone who knows what they're doing Certainly not at a fair, or to a newbie., or to a pet store....

By 3 months old? They're eating good, etc. etc. & doing everything a bird should do. And it's before their 1st moult.......so I would think
that would be ok.

I would like to hear opinions on that. Of course they're not colored yet & sex would be unknown, but you'd have good genetic info on them.

[paul-inAZ]

I see nothing wrong with selling fully independent but not yet molted out youngsters to, as you say, "one of us" as long as they know full well what they are getting. I'd hesitate to do it for a novice.
I did it once with several progeny from a pair split for WB expected to produce 50/50 PB and WB. She knew Gouldians and was willing to take a chance on sex and if any would be white or purple breast. Sold 'em at a discount and she was happy.

[Sally]

As long as the birds are fully weaned and independent, and the buyer knows exactly what they are getting into, I see no problem with it. I do have a problem when I see uncolored youngsters at marts being sold to the general public. And as paul-inAZ said, I would hesitate to sell an uncolored bird to a novice--a novice doesn't have the experience to deal with possible problems that can result from the stress of first-time molts along with change of environment stress.

[debbie276]

I agree with Sally and Paul. I'd also mention that if the bird does get stuck in molt the owner shouldn't freak out either.

[finchandlovebird]

Thanks guys; I kind of feel the same way. Appreciate your opinions.

[finchmix22]

I don't have gouldians, but the Green Singers don't have their first molt into adult feathers until almost one year old. So, I watch for any male singing, but otherwise, if they are weaned and doing well, I'd sell them to another finch person, if they were willing to buy them "unsexed."