Gouldian Finches

Species Profile: Gouldian Finch (Chloebia gouldiae)

Common Name: Finch - GouldianOther Common Names: Gouldian Finches, Painted Finch, Rainbow Finch, Lady Gouldian FinchScientific Name: Chloebia gouldiae

Physical Characteristics:

• Males: 130-140mm in length, with distinctive purple and yellow plumage, green back, and light blue face mask. Females have a similar appearance but with less vibrant colours and broken blue collar.

• Sexing: Green Backs can be done visually as early as fledging age, with males having a brighter and darker purple breast colour and yellow belly. Females have a greyer back colour and narrower head.

Behaviour and Habitat:

• Gouldian finches are considered one of the most prized and sought-after cage birds in North America.

• They are relatively easy to care for, but require a clean and spacious environment with constant bathing facilities, clean fresh water, and sturdy perches.

• In the wild, they inhabit savannas in Australia.

• Gouldian finches make an excellent addition to any finch collection, being relatively quiet and easy to care for.

• They should be kept in pairs or groups of 3 or more, as they get along well with other finches but can be stressed if housed together.

Diet and Nutrition:

• Best to feed Gouldian finches a diet rich in sprouted millet seeds, green leafy vegetables, egg food, and calcium supplement.

• Avoid feeding them just

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  seed as it can lead to obesity.

Health and Hygiene:

• Gouldian finches are generally a healthy species but can be prone to stress-related illnesses.

• Regular bathing and cleaning of their environment is essential to maintaining their health.

• They should be kept in a clean, well-ventilated environment with minimal stress.

Breeding and Incubation:

• Breeding Gouldian finches can be challenging, especially for beginners.

• Incubation period is between 16-19 days, with a typical clutch size of 5-6 eggs.

• The hen will start incubating after the last egg is laid, with the male taking turns incubating during the morning and early evening.

  
  

Chick Development:

• Chicks hatch naked but start developing soft down at around 3 days old.

• By 6 days old, they start getting back feathers and stubble appears at the rump.

• Eyes open at 7 days old, and by 9 days old, they have a bit of a tail and more back feathers.

• Banding should be done between 9-12 days old.

Weaning and Moult:

• Chicks are weaned after 4 weeks of fledging, and parents start cutting back on food.

• Moult occurs every 6-12 months, depending on individual bird, with a high-protein diet recommended during this period.

  
  

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Mutations and Colouration:

• Gouldian finches occur naturally in three different head colors: black-headed, red-headed, and orange-headed.

  
  

• Various mutations include : white breast, lilac breast, rose breast, dilute, yellow back blue back, silver back to name a few. To see all the newest gouldian mutations check out our gouldian poster in the "media" section

Gouldian Genetics Poster

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