I think I'm in trouble....

[Smurf]

I'd leave the zebra's were they are in the 30x18x18 cage there in presently (it's more than big enough for them even with chicks) and get the gouldians and/or diamond doves (if your happy they look healthy + active and the goulds are FULLY moulted into adult plummage), i wouldn't recommend anyone touch gouldians unless the've finished thier juvenile moult.

[khut]

lovezebs
Very good point. And the males are so bright! I've been reading up on telling the difference, and I hope these little ones are old enough that I can. If I somehow screw up and get two of the opposite sex, I foresee egg pulling and dummy eggs in my future. Lol!

[lovezebs]

khut
Are these kids colored already?

[khut]

lovezebs

I believe so. I'm looking for the brighter purple on the breast. And the females will have more black in with the red on their heads. And darker beaks, I believe. I'm studying. Lol!

[Smurf]

Karla, my opinion would be to go for pairs, gouldians are not like zebras, you won't have issues finding homes for any young goulds although it could take 6 months for them to colour up and be sold/rehomed requiring an additional cage.
Surely you must be curious as why we all strive to and enjoy our birds breeding, following the progress from eggs to chicks to fledglings to young adults is a main part of the hobby and why it's so addictive

[katlovesaandw]

I have learned in my short time owning finches, that if you find a breed you have wanted....get them.
For being in a large area like Portland, it is not easy to find different breeds. We have a few breeders here but not always in my price range or species I want available.

Go for the Gouldians!

[lovezebs]

khut
Hi Karla.
You do what's right for you.
Some people want to breed, some don't.
I wasn't planning on breeding:-D my birds had other ideas. Eleven Gouldian chicks later, what can I say?

It is safer to get juveniles who have passed their first molt. By that stage, they are usually stronger. Some pass through their first molt without any problems, some go through a really rough time. I've had both. One of my boys passed through with 'flying colours' . One of my girls, almost died. Both have since grown up into lovely birds and have had children of their own (though not together).

Take a look at the pictures below, and it will give you an idea how juveniles look as in comparison to adults.

~Elana~

[khut]

I called this morning. She sold the Gouldians. I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

[inchofstar]

Oh, what a bummer. Sorry, Karla!