Fostering Gouldians Under Society Finches: A Comparative Guide

Fostering Gouldian finches under their own species versus under Society finches each has its advantages and challenges. Here's a comparison to help you understand the differences:

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Fostering Gouldians under Gouldian Finches

Pros:

• Species Compatibility: Gouldians recognize each other’s calls, appearance, and behaviours, increasing acceptance.

• Similar Nesting Habits: Both species have comparable nesting needs, making it easier for Gouldian parents to care for their own chicks.

• Better Feeding Response: Gouldian parents are more likely to recognize and adequately care for their own species’ chicks.

• Less Stress and Rejection: Reduced likelihood of rejection due to familiarity.

Cons:

• Limited Parental Experience: If Gouldian pairs are inexperienced, fostering under Gouldians might not improve success rates.

• Potential for Competition: If multiple pairs are nesting in close proximity, aggression or competition might occur.

Foster Gouldian Pair with blue back chick

-Fostering Gouldians under Society Finches

Pros:

• Hardy and Good Parents: Society finches are generally easy to breed and care for chicks, making them a reliable surrogate.

• Increased Survival Chances: Especially useful if Gouldian pairs are inexperienced or if their nest was predated.

• Less Aggression: Society finches tend to be more tolerant and less aggressive than Gouldians, reducing stress on the chicks.

Cons:

• Species Difference: Differences in size, feeding behaviour, and nesting habits can lead to rejection or neglect.

• Feeding Discrepancies: Society finches may not recognize Gouldian chicks as their own, leading to inadequate feeding.

• Behavioural Rejection: Gouldian chicks might be pecked or rejected if they look or act differently.

• Possible Developmental Issues: Differences in diet or environment may affect chick growth.

• Pre Dosing , Health monitoring prior to introduction of gouldian chicks to be fostered.

Society Hen Feeding Gould Baby ( STARBirds Capture)

Treatment Protocols : Here are general "treatment protocols" for common diseases and parasites in Society finches, especially when preparing for fostering Gouldian finches:

1. External Parasites (Mites, Lice)

Treatment:  

• Product: Use avian-safe antiparasitic medications such as ivermectin, Frontline, or Revolution (selamectin).

• Application:  

  • Follow manufacturer instructions precisely.

  • Typically, topical application or oral doses are used.

  • Repeat treatment in 7-10 days to kill mites or lice at all life stages.

• Environment: Clean cages thoroughly; dispose of contaminated bedding and nesting materials.

2. Internal Parasites (Worms)

Treatment:  

• Product: Use broad-spectrum anthelmintics such as fenbendazole or piperazine.

• Dosage:  

  • Follow veterinarian or product instructions based on bird weight.

  • Oral administration is common.

• Duration: Usually 3-5 days of treatment, with a follow-up dose after 10-14 days.

  
  

  3. Bacterial Infections (Respiratory, Salmonella, etc.)

  Treatment:  

  • Product: Antibiotics such as enrofloxacin (Baytril), doxycycline, or chloramphenicol.

  • Administration:  

    • Follow vet advice for dosage and duration.

    • Often given via water or direct oral dosing.

  • Duration: Usually 7-14 days; monitor for improvement.

  4. Fungal Infections

  Treatment:  

  • Product: Amphotericin B or itraconazole for systemic fungal infections.

  • Application:  

    • Usually administered orally or via nebulization under veterinary supervision.

  • Monitoring: Observe for signs of improvement.-

  
  

  5. General Prophylactic Measures

  • Quarantine: Isolate new or suspect birds for at least 30 days.

  • Environmental hygiene: Regular cage cleaning, disinfecting perches, and nesting areas.

  • Vitamins: Supplement with vitamins A, D, and E to boost immune health.

  • Important Notes

    • Consult an avian veterinarian for diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

    • Never self-medicate without professional guidance; incorrect dosages can be harmful.

    • Ensure proper dosing based on bird weight and health status.

  
  
  
  

Diseases Societies are Most Prone to

Disease	Cause	Symptoms	Notes
Mycoplasma gallisepticum	Bacterial	Sneezing, nasal discharge	Contagious
PBFD (Beak & Feather Disease)	Viral	Feather loss, beak deformities	Chronic, fatal
Avian Pox	Virus	Warts, lesions	Spread via bites
Mite & Lice Infestations	Parasites	Itching, feather loss	Treatable with avian-safe products
Salmonellosis	Bacteria	Diarrhea, lethargy	Zoonotic risk
Vitamin A Deficiency	Nutritional	Respiratory issues, poor feathers	Prevent with diet

Summary

Aspect	Fostering Gouldians under Gouldians	Fostering Gouldians under Society Finches
Acceptance	Higher due to species familiarity	Lower; risk of rejection or neglect
Feeding & Care	More natural and suited	May require intervention or supplemental feeding
Success Rate	Generally higher if experienced parents	Can be high if foster parents are good caregivers
Challenges	Inexperienced pairs, nest competition	Species differences, feeding issues

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Final Tips

• Choose the method based on your goals and experience.

• For first attempts, fostering under Society finches can be a good backup.

• Ensure the foster pair is experienced and healthy for best results.

Weaned gouldian chicks

Disclaimer: Always seek advice from a qualified veterinarian before starting any medical treatment.

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