Gouldian fancier in Atlanta area

[angelwingsaviary]

Hey everyone:

My name is Chista and I live near Atlanta, GA. I am a semi-retired architect and have been breeding Gouldian Finches for 18 years.
I have about 70 birds and my passion and obsession is to breed rare mutations.
I have had several types of small and big birds throughout the years and have decided that only Gouldians hold my heart and gradually limited myself to their kind.
They get the best and they are cared for as if there is only one spoiled brat bird in my household.
They reward me all day long with their beautiful soothing songs and amazing colors.
There are wonderful aviaries, flights, and cages all over the house and you can not go to any room without hearing their song.
I always believed, they are God's export, straight from heaven.

It is wonderful to be here and share other people's love for the birds.

Everyone, have a songfull day!

[The Outlaw]

Welcome Christa:

I must say, your birds are so exceptional they hardly look real. Absolutely stunning little guys. You'll have to tell us all about how you breed them and how you calculate the mutations.

[angelwingsaviary]

Thank you very much for your kind reply. I promise,they are real birds with real colors.

The subject of mutation is a life time study, and does not fit into this post. We are still working the finer details of it. However, I will be more than happy to share what specific conserns are for Gouldian fanciers. Ofcourse, if the answer will fit within my knowledge, otherwise, I will direct the questions to the right source.

My minor in college was Biology with emphasysis in Genelogy and gene mutations, and I am still learning from my birds everyday. My biggest lesson learned was to learn from the question, not to be fooled by the desire to answer.

In general:
Body color categories:
-Green
-Yellow
-Blue

Head color catagories:
-Red
-Black
-Orange

Chest color catagories:
-Purple
-White

These catogories each have several sub-catagories (such as pastel birds, as a sub-catagory to green or blue), and they are listed based on the dominance over the others.

Again, this is VERY general.

[The Outlaw]

Heck, I can't even keep up with all of the tiel mutations. Aren't they just the most fascinating creatures. They remind me all the time of beautiful flowers.

[Tiki]

Wow, Chista, those are stunning! I am not up on Gouldian mutations, though I do know about Tiel mutations.

[angelwingsaviary]

Thank you very much... Wow...I am flattered. And so excited you guys loved my birds.

Tiki, I thought I saw some of your posts. Are you in Australia?

[tiger2]

Welcome fellow Georgian!Beautiful Birds! Do you sell them at the Farmers Market? I've always admired their coloring and activeness. What is the lifespan for them? I'm just south of Atlanta. Do you know Cecil Gunby, he lives up the road from me and has quite a setup for his birds.Welcome to the group.

[Cowgirl Chris]

Wow!!!! Your birds are beautiful...I understand why you have such a passion for them. Welcome to bird board!!!

[angelwingsaviary]

Thanks everyone again for your kind replies. It does feel rewarding to get confirmation from bird community.

I know Cecil and he knows me, for fifteen years. He is a successful respectable Gouldian breeder and a judge. I have been trying to remain on his good side for quite sometime... ...I have not entered into any competition yet, but hope to do so within 2 years. I will not enter until I know my boys will bring the first prize...

I don't take my birds to the farmers market, it takes a toll on them and exposes them to different bugs. However, I will go everytime myself. It is the best place to see everyone, since people from neighboring states also participate and bring all sorts of wonderful things.

There is a show/competition this month in Marrietta.
Hope to see you there.