How Well Do You Know Your Gouldian Finches| Basic Information

Gouldian finches are considered to be an endangered species in the wild of Northern region of Australia. They are definitely one of the most beautiful bird in the world because of their vivid colors and just like many other finches, gouldians have a pleasant, soft chirp. Gouldian finches are not for novice bird enthusiasts. They are more difficult to care and breed and does not like to be petted and held. There three varieties of Gouldian Finches are the black-headed (Poephila gouldiae), the red-headed (Poephila mirabilis) and the yellow-headed (Poephila armitiana), they all have natural vivid colors that almost appear to be unnatural. Male gouldian finch have a brighter and darker purple color on the chest and the color yellow on their belly are more darker and intense compare to females. The green color on their back and the light blue color on their face is also darker and more often the face masks in males are larger and clearer. The male also sings beautifully while hopping from one perch to the other. Singings usually begin long before they have completed their molt into adult colors. The female gouldian finch has a more subdued color on her chest, belly and back, the female's beak will turn from a pearly white to black when she is in breeding condition. Because Gouldian finches came from a tropical climate, they can acclimatize themselves to cooler climates as well and can be readily available for breeding.rnGouldian finches need special treatment if they are in colder places like Europe and Canada. Gouldian finches don't have a "down" that other Australian finches has at the bottom of their feathers that keep them warm. Cold winds are one of the worst enemies of gouldians, they cannot stand the cold winds for very long. Gouldian finches prefers large white millets, they are also timid in trying on new foods but will likely take egg food, greens and soaked or sprouted millets. To satisfy their need for calcium, grit and crushed egg shell and oyster shell as well as cuttlebone must always be available for them. They also need sufficient iodine in their diet, lack of iodine often results to balding around their head, that it is better to give them vitamin and mineral supplements with iodine or you can supplement in their water. You can purchase potassium iodine in several health food stores. Gouldian finches like any other finches, need a largest flying space. It is recommended that a minimum of 20 inches flying space must be available. Brass cage are not recommended because there maybe some toxic materials present that finches could get. Gouldians easily get stressed with the frequent movement of their cage that can weaken their resistance to diseases. Gouldians should be kept at a temperature of about 70 degrees or more Fahrenheit and a humidity level on or above 50 percent and some experts recommends the use of humidifier or moisture released by large potted plants could also be helpful. Natural sunlight is also a must for gouldians as well as shade but if natural light is not possible you can at least provide a full color spectrum artificial lighting with timer.