New Goudlian Finch

[mrbonzai211]

I've never seen one of these guys so I decided to pick one up today while at the pet store. So far it's pretty much just stayed glued in the same position on the floor of the cage. I dont know if that's normal while he's acclimating or what. Basically, this is my first bird and I heard these guys are easy to keep as long as you keep them warm. Can anyone give me any knowledge or advice on keeping this guy and birds in general as well?

[Courtzrocks]

Finch mix, can chuck in some grated fruit and vegies to pick at but might not go for it..non toxic tree branches as perches and non toxic tree sticks and leaves to play and hide in. If you were after a nest box usually a 2 room nestbox is best for gouldians, they like wider cage space over height. Should be ok if its kept inside but might get lonely so might want to think about getting it a partner eventually. They don't like drafts so make sure it is away from breezes. Gouldians (if it is normal colouring) males will have a really pretty bright purple breast, females will have a paler washed out purple breast. Umm..think thats kinda the basics?

[mrbonzai211]

If I can't get another Gouldian, what other species would house well with him?

[Courtzrocks]

avoid non native australian finches, definately not cubans, java sparrows or parrot finches. Umm...I think gouldians would probably be the easiest to get. Zebra finches are a little too full on I think, probably another gouldian or maybe a painted emblema, star finch, umm aussie finch of similar size...oh and no cutthroat finches.

[nixity]

Parrot Finches are fine to house with Gouldians, you just have to be careful because they CAN hybridize.

I would stick to other similar Australian sized finches if not another Gouldian, though - Star Finches, Owls, etc.

Not sure why it is staying on the floor of the cage, hopefully you evaluated it a good bit before you purchased it.
The birds at the pet stores are not always the picture of health.