Gouldian Finch Owners - Need Advice

[zipzapzipperzoom]

I am not new to finches, as I have owned Society Finches for 6 years. I re homed them after my Bouke Parakeet passed away in January 2016 because we were planning some home renovations which started in February and ended in June. Just didn't feel it was right to ask someone to keep my birds that long. They went to a very good home but I do miss my finches!

So, I've been researching and plan to purchase a pair of Gouldians or 2 males. Love the song and they are just truly beautiful. NO BREEDING! They will be housed in a 30x18x18 flight cage.

My second Bourke Parakeet home in June and he settling in very well, and I do not plan to purchase another Bourke Parakeet as he is very active and everywhere and into everything. Not sure I could handle 2 Bourkes at turbo speed and as onry as he is, but would not trade him for anything!

They will not be housed together.

Honestly, I'm just scared to purchase Gouldians because I've been told they are just too delicate!
Just a few questions (at least for now):

1. Can Gouldian Finches be given free flight time out of the cage once settled? Or are they just too jittery and jumpy. My Societies were very good and stayed around the cage since I had lots to explore.
2. Since Ranger (Bourke Parakeet) is out of his cage when we are home, will this stress them out with him flying around?
3. What are the necessary supplements that you recommend?
4. I will provide S76 in the water 2 times a year, but do I need to medicate for anything else?
5. Are bugs required and if so, do I have to deworm periodically?
6. Best way to help them through moulting issues?
7. What works the best without spending 2K on supplements per year?

My birds are always spoiled and I alternate fruits, veggies, sprouts, birdie breads, daily and always accessible is bee pollen, Higgins dried egg crumbles, seed, herb salad, cuttle bone, and Oyster shells. Millet sprays 2-3 times per week. THEY EAT WAY BETTER THAN I DO!

Appreciate your help and feedback!

[Sally]

I don't have Gouldians, but they are not as delicate as some say. In fact, some people have gotten Gouldians as their first finches.

With the diet you are feeding, I wonder if you would need supplements at all. When I had Gouldians, I never bothered with live food for them, and they did just fine. I personally don't believe in preventative meds, so can't advise you there.

I can't help you either with the Bourke compatibility or the free flight issue, as mine weren't allowed free flight when I had them, but there are others on the forum who should be able to help you.

[paul-inAZ]

I agree with Sally.
I don't know where this delicate reputation comes from but they are no less hardy than societies. Pretty trouble free in my experience.

Your diet sounds ideal if not opulent and should keep them happy and healthy without any supplements or other chemicals. Mine won't touch dried worms.

I doubt if you will have luck with free flight. Gouldians are not as house broken as some others. I suppose you could always try.
My Bourkes when I had them were not free flyers. My guess is that his presence will not cause any problems. They may just ignore each other.

[Sheather]

I always let my finches free-fly. They make some mess of course, but they all learn in a short time how to come and go from their cages and will return on their own to eat and roost once they're settled in.

[Shannylee]

zipzapzipperzoom, I'm not sure where gouldians got the reputation of being delicate or passive. My girls are neither. Mine will eat veggies, homemade egg bread, pellets, nibbles, some fruit, dried egg food, etc. but they will not touch live food. The birds eat better than the people at this house too.