Gouldian Finches also known as Lady Gouldians Finch or Rainbow Finch
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Finch Data: Range, Length, Clutch-size and Incubation Periods for each Finch Species
The Gouldian Finch,Erythrura gouldiae, also known as the Lady Gouldian Finch or Gould's Finch, was named for Elizabeth Gould, wife of the British ornithological artist John Gould.
These stunning little finches are native to northern Australia, with scattered records from the Cape York Peninsula through north-west Queensland and the northern Northern Territory to the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
They are very popular in captivity, but they endangered species in their natural habitat - with less than 2,500 of them remaining.
Description:
Both the male and female Gouldian finches are brightly colored, but the male tends to have the brightest colors.
Breeding the Gouldian Finch:
Gouldians bond and mate for life, and the male courtship dance is a fascinating spectacle.
There are no more beautiful colors than the ones you find on the Gouldian Finch. They come in a variety of mutations -- all of which are breathtaking.
- Please refer to this webpage for photos in addition to the contact information of a breeder.
This being said, as a former breeder, I must admit that they were challenging to manage. They are known to be more delicate, more sensitive to temperature differences - and there is a good chance that the gouldian finch that you buy suffers from airsack mites. If your gouldian suffers from respiratory problems, then this would be the first thing to check out.
Additionally, the gouldian finches are not known for their parenting skills. Many breeders have zebra or society finches foster the gouldian finch eggs / chicks to increase survival rate.
They are wonderful finches and because of their beauty and difficulty in breeding - are more pricey than other finches - last time I checked they were around $100 and up. With this breed, it is particularly important to know your source when you decide to go ahead with purchasing these finches. See if you can get a vet referral, or a recommendation by someone you know.
A vet check is recommended. If you add one sick bird to your aviary of healthy finches, you run the risk of infecting them all. As healthy as your newly purchased finch may look -- he or she may be a carrier or at the early stage of disease development without any outwardly visible signs.
I have asked a successful Gouldian Finch Breeders - Mandy & Paul from Singing Wings Aviary - Website: www.singing-wings-aviary.com - how they achieved their breeding success with the challenging Gouldian Finch. This is their input:
"First you have to start with healthy Gouldians to breed. Actually, birds acclimated to a variety of temperatures seem to be hardier. Especially when being shipped, etc. . Also juveniles are more prone to stress than adults in full color.
Gouldians do have a higher protein and iodine requirement then Zebras and other of the more common Finches. This is commonly overlooked. We offer ours Goulds five different treat cups. One with Herb salad, one with powdered kelp (iodine), one with Petamine (vit/min. supplement) & one with bird charcoal. spray millet is also given on reg. basis. We also give "homemade eggfood with broccoli tops & grated carrot & wheat germ oil & eggshell mixed in 3 x per week to non-breeders and every day to those with babies or Juvies coloring up.
Also prevent air sac mites by treating with SCATT 2-3 times a year.
We breed our Goulds in box type cages (solid walls with wire only on the front). This gives pairs more privacy. We offer the pairs (one pair per breeding cage) a Gourd nest and a nest box. Most pick the Gourds. Temps in our aviary range from 60 degrees (coldest) to 100 degrees (warmest). We always offer a heat lamp on one side of the aviary for Juvies and this stays on 247 even during summer...also doubles as a dim night light."
Email: mandy@singing-wings-aviary.com - Website: www.singing-wings-aviary.com
- Please refer to this webpage for photos of mutations they have raised.
Care and Feeding:
For further information, please refer to the finch websites listed under the heading or, for more general information, the below web resources are helpful:
- Sources for Purchasing or Adopting your Companion or Aviary Birds
- Bird Breeders
- Optimal nutrition to keep your bird healthy
- Housing your bird / Fun & Safe Toys
- Caring for your companion bird
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