subject: Key Factors on Gouldian Finches [print this page] Key Factors on Gouldian Finches Key Factors on Gouldian Finches
Gouldian Finches The Most Beautiful Birds In the World
There is a reason why Gouldian Finches are also granted the name of Rainbow Finches, they are some of the most colorful and beautiful birds in the world. In 1992, these birds were classified as being Endangered in the Wild which made enthusiasts and breeders all the more eager to preserve them.
Native to the tropics of Australia, Gouldian Finches have been protected since a ban was placed on the exportation of them in the 1960s. Of course, there are professionals who carefully breed them in many countries so they are still available as pets. However, just because they may be available in your area does not meant that Gouldian Finches are the right birds for you.
Temperament
This is a species that is not recommended for the novice enthusiast. If you are just starting out as a collector, Society or Zebra Finches would be better suited for you due to their easy-going personalities. While Gouldian Finches are stunning in appearance, they are not nearly as hardy or easy to care for as the other varieties.
Gouldian Finches do not want to be finger-tamed, held or even petted and they are easily stressed. Cage movement or changes in their environment can be very disruptive to them. These birds are creatures of habit and when changes are forced upon them, they will become stressed and anxious which will weaken their immune system, leaving them more vulnerable to disease. A good way to keep your bird happy is to buy two of them. Gouldian Finches prefer to be kept as a pair, like other finches, they are not solitary creatures.
Appearance
With a doubt, it is hard to find another bird more intoxicating in appearance than the Gouldian Finch. They are vibrantly colored with red, orange or green heads, green or blue backs and white, yellow or purple bellies. Although color variations are often random, there are three varieties of Gouldian Finches that have naturally-occurring colors being:
Poephila Gouldiae These are black-headed finches.
Poephila Mirabilis These are red-headed finches.
Poephila Armitiana These are yellow-headed finches.
Although both sexes are brilliantly colored, the males do tend to be brighter and they also have a center tail feather that is noticeably longer. Juveniles also have quite distinctive colors and are naked and pink until they are about 12 days old. Interestingly, the beaks of young Gouldian Finches have a phosphorescent blue bead on either side that allows their parents to see them in the dark.
Housing
Out of all finches, this variety requires the largest amount of space for flying purposes. Even though they are only about 5 to 6 inches in length, they need a minimum of 20 inches to fly and be happy. Gouldian Finches should be housed in a wooden or metal cage or an aviary, brass is never recommended because of the toxic properties this material offers. Always make sure that caging never allows openings larger than one half inch or your birds could get stuck, injured or escape.
Although Gouldian Finches are a little more high-maintenance than other varieties, their unparalleled beauty makes up for the extra effort. You will find that the males provide a sweet song and their quirky personalities will fill your home with energy.
