New to Gouldians and have questions please

[GlendaNS]

This is Bluebell and Sis.... They were Lee's birds. Dan thought they were both girls. I have no idea how to sex them. Help please.


If they are both female, how do I distinguish a male?

Also, I would like to fix them up with a mate. (If they are both girls) Do I need one male for each female? I think I remember reading somewhere that I didn't.

Thanks!

[christie99]

Sis looks female to me, but I'm not familliar with the blue mutations. Does Bluebell sing or just chirp?

I personally have a mate for each of my hens. When not breeding, they are caged seperately. If you put one male in with two hens, one will get picked on. Also, I have been told that the same will happen with two pairs, so I keep them seperate for saftey.

[GlendaNS]

Thank you christie99. They both just chirp. I finally found some good pictures that explained the differences in sexes.

I guess I am going to be shopping around for a couple of boys. ;o)

[hilljack13]

Originally Posted by GlendaNS

Thank you christie99. They both just chirp. I finally found some good pictures that explained the differences in sexes.

I guess I am going to be shopping around for a couple of boys. ;o)

I don't have any goulds but from what I think I know them, the males have a redish tip on their beak and the females have a dull or dark color. I think your right that you have two females. I want a pair of blue backs sooooo bad. Good luck with your pair(s).

[christie99]

I wasn't sure if that was true with the blue back mutations.

For the blue, I personally would find a split to blue or blue to pair with her. For the normal, if you want some babies that are a mutation, you could go with a dilute (single factor yellow) and possibly have at least one yellow hen in each clutch. :)

[GlendaNS]

I think I like the blue with a purple breast....That would make a nice pair.

For the normal, I think the normals are the prettiest, so that is what I will look for.

There are some bird shows coming up, also I have my name in with a breeder I trust. We will see what happens!

[ravynwriter]

For the blue hen, I'd go for a split to blue. Blue/blue breedings, from what I've heard, result in weaker chicks. If you breed her with a cockbird that is split to blue, you'll get at least fifty percent blues, if not more, and they'll be more robust.

I plan on getting a blue cockbird and a split to blue hen soon.

[GlendaNS]

Thank you ravynwriter. I had heard that as well. Still doing my research. ;o)

[auntyelmo]

Hi, I bred Gouldian finches a little while ago,,, looks to me you have a pair, male and female,, the blue mutate is a male , and the other a female,,, if the blue mutate was a female, all the colours would be very pale, but that one is very defined and bright.
hope this helps. Chrisy.

[GlendaNS]

Bluebell and Sis have boyfriends on the way. I will pick them up saturday. They are both normal red heads, split to blue. One has a white breast, the other one has purple.

Now I have to name them!!!!