Gouldians - Two weeks old

[christie99]

Photo update. Here are all five chicks, they are now two weeks old!!

Parents are both RH/PB/GB
I don't know if I'm just hopeful for something off, but I think two look lighter than the others. We will see what happens when the chicks finish feathering out. This hen has had no access to my dilute cock, so I doubt that they are anything other than RH/PB/GB birds.



Chicks 63, 64, 65


Chicks 61, 62

[christie99]

Very blury picture of the parent birds. They don't sit still long enough for a good photo, but you can see their colors.

[bthomas]

ahhh very cute! i love the spots on their beaks/or whatever haha! i think it is soo cool that they have those! i want to have finches one day so they can have babies!

[christie99]

Bthomas, make sure you are ready when that day comes and the birds are not related. I worked hard to find birds that could not be related and waited until I was sure they would take care of the chicks to allow breeding. Yes it is fun, but you can also harm the birds if they aren't in shape and healthy.

[christie99]

Bthomas, make sure you are ready when that day comes and the birds are not related. I worked hard to find birds that could not be related and waited until I was sure they would take care of the chicks to allow breeding. Yes it is fun, but you can also harm the birds if they aren't in shape and healthy.

[christie99]

Sorry for the double post, had connection issues earlier. Mods, please delete the duplicate and this post. Thanks!!

[macawlover]

Cute!! I didn't know that they had so many spots in their mouths! My zebra babies will have some tiny spots, but nothing compared to those! lol

[christie99]

Yes, they are darn cute with those spots!! Almost time for update photos at 3 weeks old. They are feathering nicely and starting to balance on my finger when held. Don't worry, I have my other hand right below for when they loose their balance!!

These parents are very tolerant and I've been checking daily on the chicks, usually holding one or more. At last weighing, they were either a few grams away from Mum's weight or at it, so we will see how big these babies are! Dad weighs a little more than Mum does.

[huntress]

So, are the little group of five dark spots inside the roof of the mouth? Then the glowing ones on the outside?? Those are intriguing. Where do Gouldians come from?

[christie99]

Yes, that is exactly where the spots are, except one thing, they have black spots on their toung as well!!

Gouldians come from the northern part of Australia. Unfortunately there is a sharp decline in these beautiful birds in the wild. At one point they were down to 2,500 in the wild.

Here is a wiki clip, I know not the most accurate sometimes, but this time it is pretty good.

The numbers of Gouldian Finches have decreased quite dramatically during the 20th century. Their habitat has been reduced or altered. They have also been affected by parasites called air sac mites, which have reduced their numbers drastically. Their beautiful colours mean that they are easily caught by predators. Fires are listed as the number-one threat to the natural populations. The total number of Gouldian finches altogether is not low, however, because they are among the most popular pet birds, and are bred in captivity for the pet trade.

Actions have been taken and are underway to implement a recovery plan to recover and conserve its natural habitats, such as building protective fencing to prevent damage by herbivores. There is also detailed research on fire, food and movements at two sites to review its distribution, habitats, potential threats and conservation status of savanna granivorous birds. It was also proposed to find more suitable habitat for its conservation. Attempts at reintroduction have so far proved unsuccessful; however, they will continue a reintroduction program in eastern Queensland. It was also suggested to develop management guidelines for land-holders about appropriate land management, promoting the recovery programme and Gouldian Finches conservation.

Also, I have photos up for just about 3 weeks. My photo editor is acting up and I had to place them on Picasa. Here is the link:

Picasa Web Albums - Christie - Finch Chicks