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How to Take Care of Gouldian Finches

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By Joyce Starr
Gouldian Finch

commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gouldian_finc...

The Gouldian finch is one member of the finch family, with a natural habitat in Queensland and the northern regions of Australia. It is in high demand and bred in captivity, which means a Gouldian finch can be pricey. Caring for a Gouldian finch is similar to care ofr any other finch, but it has more difficulty acclimating to new environments. Care needs to be taken to assure the finch's environmental conditions are appropriate to keep the bird alive and healthy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need:
  • Cage Perches Food and Water Dishes Finch Seed Water Hard-Boiled Eggs Mealworms Spinach Lettuce Celery Tops Grit Paper Cuttlebone Companion Bird
  • Cage
  • Perches
  • Food and Water Dishes
  • Finch Seed
  • Water
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs
  • Mealworms
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Celery Tops
  • Grit Paper
  • Cuttlebone
  • Companion Bird
Step 1
Gouldian finches require space to move, so purchase a cage that is a minimum of 24 inches high and 28 inches long. They will also thrive in an aviary or bird room.
Step 2
Place the cage in an area that is well ventilated, against a wall but not directly in front of a door or window to prevent them from becoming overheated.
Step 3
Keep the temperature in the finch's habitat at a minimum of 77 degrees. Do not place the cage in an area that is cold, damp or drafty, as this can be harmful or fatal to the bird.
Step 4
Provide several perches inside of the cage, such as natural softwood branches, so the finch will be able to wear its claws down naturally.
Step 5
Provide separate dishes for fresh water and food, and change them daily. A high-quality finch-seed mix will provide the bird with all its everyday nutritional needs.
Step 6
Supply protein for the finch if it is nesting or molting. In a separate feeding cup, place hard-boiled eggs and mealworms.
Step 7
Add a feeding cup to the cage for green foods such as spinach, lettuce, celery tops or finch treats.
Step 8
Place paper or grit paper in the bottom of the cage, and change it every two to three days. If you opt for regular paper, sprinkle the bottom with 1/8 inch of fresh grit.
Step 9
Provide the finch with a cuttlebone, which supplies the bird with much-needed calcium and lime. Cuttlebones aid in the bird's digestion, make its beaks firm and make its eggs' shells stronger.
Step 10
Wash the entire cage and everything insidet every week to decrease the chance the bird will become ill.
Step 11
Add another finch, such as another Gouldian, Zebra or Society finch. Finches are social birds and live in large groups together in the wild.

Tips & Warnings

 
Cold temperatures can kill a Gouldian Finch. Signs of illness are their droppings are no longer black and white in color, their feathers are fluffed with the bird's head tucked under its wing, not eating, wheezing and basically acting like it has no energy.
 
Cold temperatures can kill a Gouldian Finch.
 
Signs of illness are their droppings are no longer black and white in color, their feathers are fluffed with the bird's head tucked under its wing, not eating, wheezing and basically acting like it has no energy.

About The Author

Joyce Starr is a freelance writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawncare, gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.
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