Gouldian breeding folks

[Abby]

Once we get these renovations sorted I can start looking at the yard again, sorting out the aviaries and looking seriously at getting some gouldians.

I've adored these birds for a long time now and don't really care if they breed, that's not why I'm wanting them. I just love the colour and sound so it will be more a case of having a pretty planted aviary near the house with a couple of pairs for the visual, auditory and just teh pleasure of watching these gorgeous little birds.

I've heard from some people that they can be very delicate. Now I do live in Australia their native country so as long as the avairy has plenty of planting and sheltered areas should I in theory be ok?

[nixity]

I don't consider them delicate at all.

I do not baby my birds, cater to any sort of controlled temperature or humidity or anything, and not only are my birds extremely successful at breeding (and raising their OWN babies to boot), but they are thriving.

I think a bird is only as delicate as you allow it to be.

If you "pamper" the bird, or you get birds from someone who treats their birds delicately, for lack of a better term (because I think the treatment I give my birds surpasses pampering, ), then it will most likely mean you get birds that are very sensitive to changes in their environment.

But I believe if you have birds that are properly acclimated and not babied, you should be okay!

[christie99]

I agree, mine get suppliments, but no pampering. In fact, from my research, the delicate stigma came from breeding mutations together without regard to relation, making the birds weak from inbreeding.

My finches share a room with 3 tiels and an Indian Ringneck. I even get into the boxes when they are breeding to band chicks, check overall health, and candle eggs. My last clutch was even partially hand tame because I handled them quite often and gave them skritches.

[Abby]

Thanks for that guys. I'll start doing some aviary research over the coming weeks and get the plants started in pots for them so they're mature by the time I get my gouldians. New Verandah should be done by mid November so I can start looking at where and what. I'm just after some normal gouldians, not really interested in the mutations.

[nixity]

Oh but you're so lucky!!! You can get the Australian Yellows being local!
I think they are so beautiful :)