March 2013
Gouldian Finch
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Gouldian Finch
Chloebia Gouldiae
Lifespan: Up to 6 years.
Size: 13 to 14 cm (5 to 5.5 inches) long.
Maturity / Breeding: Gouldians should be kept in one or more pairs to satisfy their need for social contact. Gouldians become sexually mature at 4 to 5 months of age, but it is not recommended to breed them until they are 10 to 12 months old. This will ensure that they have reached their full size and are strong enough to cope with the physical strains of laying eggs and nursing their young.
If you wish to breed your birds, you will require a large cage, a nesting box and nesting material such as coconut fibers, agave fibers or fine hay. Gouldians prefer a warmer temperature of 23 °C to 25 °C
(73 °F to 77 °F) and humidity of 65% - 70% during the breeding season, and most successfully breed during the fall.
Enclosure: Gouldians should be housed in a cage designed for birds that provides the largest flight room possible. The cage should be at least 40" x 20" x 18". The space between the bars should not be narrower than 0.5".
Perches: Provide a variety of perches, all of different diameters and of varied texture and type of material. This way; this way your bird can decide which one is more comfortable for eating, sleeping etc. This will also provide your bird with mental stimulation and exercise for the muscles of the feet. The perches should always be wide enough that the bird's toes do not touch or overlap.
Bedding: The bottom of the cage should be covered with gravel paper designed for birdcages or corncob bedding. It is not recommended that you use newspaper as the ink in the paper could make your bird ill if it shreds the paper.
Heat: Gouldians are extremely sensitive to temperature changes so maintain a room temperature of 21 °C to 25 °C (70 °F to 77 °F). Keep the cage away from drafts (i.e. windows, doors or heat sources) and direct sunlight.
Feeding: Gouldians should be fed Finch seed. In addition to this basic birdseed, Gouldians also require some fresh fruit and vegetable daily. Sprouting seeds, chickweed, watercress and fresh spinach or lettuce are good greens and will provide the Vitamin E that is essential to a Gouldian's health. Fresh greens should be offered daily; never allow your Gouldian to eat greens from the previous day as they may be spoiled.
Vitamins, Supplements & Treats: Gouldians love spray millet, which is highly nutritious and easily digested. Spray millet will cause your Gouldian to gain weight so it should be fed sparingly. Calcium is essential to your Gouldian's health; feed hard-boiled eggs with crushed eggshell once or twice per week. Provide your Gouldian with a cuttlebone, which is a source of calcium, as well as keeps the beak trim. If your Gouldian refuses to eat any fresh fruit and vegetables, then a vitamin supplement will be required. Pisces recommends: Prime vitamin supplement.
Exercise/Toys: Gouldians need to have plenty of flight room in their cage so avoid cluttering the cage with perches or other nests/decorations. Natural branches are excellent for varying size, shape and diameter, which provide the Gouldian with mental stimulation and exercise. If you choose to use your own natural branches ensure they are non-toxic to birds and sterilize in boiling water prior to use. Pisces recommends: Manzanita branches.
Grooming: Gouldians enjoy bathing and should be provided with a birdbath every other day to ensure they have the moisture needed to soften the sheaths of their quills. This allows new feathers to grow in straight and strong. Make sure the bird is kept free from drafts and is allowed to dry before resting at night.
Handling: Gouldians, like most finches, are small and delicate birds. They will not perch on your hand and do not enjoy being handled, making them ideal birds to be viewed.
Other: A humidity of 55% - 65% is beneficial to a Gouldian's overall health and will especially help to maintain their plumage.
Health Care: Gouldians can experience balding, especially on their heads. This is most often caused by an iodine deficiency. In order to prevent this, an iodine block or supplement is necessary. Please follow the package instructions carefully on any iodine supplement to avoid an overdose, as it will affect your Gouldian's thyroid gland. In order to keep your Gouldian bright and colorful, it is recommended that you provide a full color spectrum of "artificial sunlight". Pisces recommends: Avian Sun 5.0 UVB by ZooMed.
Gouldians can be prone to respiratory problems, mite and diarrhea. These problems can usually be avoided by keeping the living space clean and free of drafts. To reduce your Gouldian's chance of getting diarrhea, avoid feeding more than ¼ cup per day of greens and avoid exposing your Gouldian to high-stress situations (i.e. temperature changes, excessive noises or fumes, over-stimulation from other pets or children). It is recommended that you give your Gouldian a vitamin supplement that contains electrolytes whenever your bird is exposed to stressful situations in order to prevent dehydration. Pisces recommends: Vita Flight.
Always:
Infants, children under 5 years of age, and the elderly or those with a compromised immune system have a greater risk of infection. Extra caution should be taken when they are in contact with any animal.
Recommended Books: This care sheet is designed to provide you with some basic information on your new pet. To learn more about how to care for your pet, Pisces recommends: Gouldian Finches by Barron's Books.
Recommended Supplies:
Your New Pet: It is the responsibility of any pet owner to provide their pet with regular veterinary care to maintain their pet's health and to prevent illness.
Should you experience any problems with your new pet, contact Pisces Pet Emporium. we will make every effort to assist you but we may refer you to a qualified veterinarian if the problem is beyond out ability to treat.
A pet is a large responsibility and should not be purchased without due consideration. Pets should never be released into the wild.
4921 Skyline Way N.E.
Calgary, Alberta T2E 4G5
Phone: (403) 274-3314 Fax: (403) 275-6296
www.piscespets.com
Email: pisces@piscespets.com
Reprint of this handout only with permission of and full credit to Pisces Pet Emporium
Gouldian Finch
Chloebia Gouldiae
Lifespan: Up to 6 years.
Size: 13 to 14 cm (5 to 5.5 inches) long.
Maturity / Breeding: Gouldians should be kept in one or more pairs to satisfy their need for social contact. Gouldians become sexually mature at 4 to 5 months of age, but it is not recommended to breed them until they are 10 to 12 months old. This will ensure that they have reached their full size and are strong enough to cope with the physical strains of laying eggs and nursing their young.
If you wish to breed your birds, you will require a large cage, a nesting box and nesting material such as coconut fibers, agave fibers or fine hay. Gouldians prefer a warmer temperature of 23 °C to 25 °C
(73 °F to 77 °F) and humidity of 65% - 70% during the breeding season, and most successfully breed during the fall.
Enclosure: Gouldians should be housed in a cage designed for birds that provides the largest flight room possible. The cage should be at least 40" x 20" x 18". The space between the bars should not be narrower than 0.5".
Perches: Provide a variety of perches, all of different diameters and of varied texture and type of material. This way; this way your bird can decide which one is more comfortable for eating, sleeping etc. This will also provide your bird with mental stimulation and exercise for the muscles of the feet. The perches should always be wide enough that the bird's toes do not touch or overlap.
Bedding: The bottom of the cage should be covered with gravel paper designed for birdcages or corncob bedding. It is not recommended that you use newspaper as the ink in the paper could make your bird ill if it shreds the paper.
Heat: Gouldians are extremely sensitive to temperature changes so maintain a room temperature of 21 °C to 25 °C (70 °F to 77 °F). Keep the cage away from drafts (i.e. windows, doors or heat sources) and direct sunlight.
Feeding: Gouldians should be fed Finch seed. In addition to this basic birdseed, Gouldians also require some fresh fruit and vegetable daily. Sprouting seeds, chickweed, watercress and fresh spinach or lettuce are good greens and will provide the Vitamin E that is essential to a Gouldian's health. Fresh greens should be offered daily; never allow your Gouldian to eat greens from the previous day as they may be spoiled.
Vitamins, Supplements & Treats: Gouldians love spray millet, which is highly nutritious and easily digested. Spray millet will cause your Gouldian to gain weight so it should be fed sparingly. Calcium is essential to your Gouldian's health; feed hard-boiled eggs with crushed eggshell once or twice per week. Provide your Gouldian with a cuttlebone, which is a source of calcium, as well as keeps the beak trim. If your Gouldian refuses to eat any fresh fruit and vegetables, then a vitamin supplement will be required. Pisces recommends: Prime vitamin supplement.
Exercise/Toys: Gouldians need to have plenty of flight room in their cage so avoid cluttering the cage with perches or other nests/decorations. Natural branches are excellent for varying size, shape and diameter, which provide the Gouldian with mental stimulation and exercise. If you choose to use your own natural branches ensure they are non-toxic to birds and sterilize in boiling water prior to use. Pisces recommends: Manzanita branches.
Grooming: Gouldians enjoy bathing and should be provided with a birdbath every other day to ensure they have the moisture needed to soften the sheaths of their quills. This allows new feathers to grow in straight and strong. Make sure the bird is kept free from drafts and is allowed to dry before resting at night.
Handling: Gouldians, like most finches, are small and delicate birds. They will not perch on your hand and do not enjoy being handled, making them ideal birds to be viewed.
Other: A humidity of 55% - 65% is beneficial to a Gouldian's overall health and will especially help to maintain their plumage.
Health Care: Gouldians can experience balding, especially on their heads. This is most often caused by an iodine deficiency. In order to prevent this, an iodine block or supplement is necessary. Please follow the package instructions carefully on any iodine supplement to avoid an overdose, as it will affect your Gouldian's thyroid gland. In order to keep your Gouldian bright and colorful, it is recommended that you provide a full color spectrum of "artificial sunlight". Pisces recommends: Avian Sun 5.0 UVB by ZooMed.
Gouldians can be prone to respiratory problems, mite and diarrhea. These problems can usually be avoided by keeping the living space clean and free of drafts. To reduce your Gouldian's chance of getting diarrhea, avoid feeding more than ¼ cup per day of greens and avoid exposing your Gouldian to high-stress situations (i.e. temperature changes, excessive noises or fumes, over-stimulation from other pets or children). It is recommended that you give your Gouldian a vitamin supplement that contains electrolytes whenever your bird is exposed to stressful situations in order to prevent dehydration. Pisces recommends: Vita Flight.
Always:
- Wash your hands after handling your Gouldian Finch.
- Keep your Gouldian Finch off any surface on which you would prepare or serve your own food (i.e. kitchen counters, tables etc.).
- Wash their dishes separate from your own.
Infants, children under 5 years of age, and the elderly or those with a compromised immune system have a greater risk of infection. Extra caution should be taken when they are in contact with any animal.
Recommended Books: This care sheet is designed to provide you with some basic information on your new pet. To learn more about how to care for your pet, Pisces recommends: Gouldian Finches by Barron's Books.
Recommended Supplies:
- Cage (40" x 20" x 18" is ideal)
- Perches (variety of sizes & shapes)
- Seed/Water cups
- Manzanita branches
- Toys
- Spray Millet
- Finch Seed
- Avian Sun 5.0 UVB bulb
- Prime vitamin supplement
- Iodine Block
Your New Pet: It is the responsibility of any pet owner to provide their pet with regular veterinary care to maintain their pet's health and to prevent illness.
Should you experience any problems with your new pet, contact Pisces Pet Emporium. we will make every effort to assist you but we may refer you to a qualified veterinarian if the problem is beyond out ability to treat.
A pet is a large responsibility and should not be purchased without due consideration. Pets should never be released into the wild.
4921 Skyline Way N.E.
Calgary, Alberta T2E 4G5
Phone: (403) 274-3314 Fax: (403) 275-6296
www.piscespets.com
Email: pisces@piscespets.com
Reprint of this handout only with permission of and full credit to Pisces Pet Emporium
