I have six Gouldian babies!

[Jeannie Marchant]

I'm so nervous. They are two weeks old. The parents are feeding them and they are getting big. I've heard they throw the babies out of the nest. When do they do that? So far they are being good parents. I cleaned the nest and they were ok with that. The hole on the nest box isn't near the botton so it would be hard to toss a baby out.

Any advice on keeping the parents happy and good parents?

[huntress]

Relax you should be fine. I wouldnt have cleaned the nest and you shouldnt do that but whats done is done. next time Id leave it be. You have no control over the parents and what they do but it sounds like your off to a good start. I would offer them a variety of foods they like and maybe some egg food or egg biuscut.

[poohbear]

Chicks thrown from the nest are usually just a day or two old.You are lucky to have any chicks at all,your interference in cleaning the nest could still result in the adults ceasing to feed. In future leave well alone unless you want dead chicks everywhere.
Paul.

[Jeannie Marchant]

Guess I got lucky. The parents were ok with the nest cleaning. I didn't know what to do it smelled bad with poo. No more than five minutes after I cleaned the female was feeding the chicks. I'll know better next time.

I do feed a variety of food and veggies. Is there anything special the young ones like when they come out of the nest?

Thanks, Jeannie

[birdsnreps]

awww, send them my way!! gouldians are so gorgeous :)

[poohbear]

Originally Posted by Jeannie Marchant

Guess I got lucky. The parents were ok with the nest cleaning. I didn't know what to do it smelled bad with poo. No more than five minutes after I cleaned the female was feeding the chicks. I'll know better next time.

I do feed a variety of food and veggies. Is there anything special the young ones like when they come out of the nest?

Thanks, Jeannie

Ahhh! Jeannie.....the smell of the poo ...from 6 little backsides.Part of breeding birds I'm afraid.But it's not for long ,the nest can be removed after a week when they leave the nest.6 babies can make a helluva mess, but believe me there are a thousand Gouldian breeders worldwide who would give their eye teeth to have their nostrils assaulted.You are very lucky with 6 healthy chicks.The first few months while they are moulting can be risky for young Gouldians.Give them a varied diet and add some multivitamins to help them through the moult.A good pet store will advise you.
P.S. I know the feeling.... but cleaning the nest is very risky.


Paul.

[Jeannie Marchant]

Thanks for all the advice. Now I'm getting excited. I promised myself not to to this knowing the problems with Goulds. The chicks are 19 days old and feathering nicely! Once they have some feathers they sure are cute little buggers.

I can't believe I have such a nice pair of parents and I will have more finches for my aviary like I wanted.

Should I breed again I will tell myself I like the smell of baby poo.

[poohbear]

Gouldians are tougher than you may think....keep this link below it's a mine of information.I bred my first in 1957 and have lost a few over the years.But,if given a decent diet they are not so hard to keep....good luck with yours.
Paul.

Lady Gouldian Finch .com - Going Light