Blue Back Gouldians

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Leo519
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Blue Back Gouldians

Post by Leo519 » Thu Jul 16, 2015 11:26 pm

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 :D
Laura

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Sally
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Re: Blue Back Gouldians

Post by Sally » Fri Jul 17, 2015 12:59 am

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.
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Re: Blue Back Gouldians

Post by Rox » Fri Jul 17, 2015 4:09 am

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.
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Re: Blue Back Gouldians

Post by debbie276 » Fri Jul 17, 2015 5:35 am

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".
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Re: Blue Back Gouldians

Post by Smurf » Fri Jul 17, 2015 5:39 pm

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.
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Re: Blue Back Gouldians

Post by Colt » Sat Jul 18, 2015 8:39 am

Just wanted to say I also agree...

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Leo519
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Re: Blue Back Gouldians

Post by Leo519 » Sat Jul 18, 2015 2:29 pm

Thanks everyone for the info :D
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
[-o< :D
Laura

Society, Spice, and Owl finches, Gouldians
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American Singer canary

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