What You Need to Know About Gouldian Finches
Gouldian finches are one of the most beautiful among finches and birds around the world. They’re multi-coloring makes them look very attractive and extremely breathtaking.
Also known as the Rainbow Finch or Painted Finch due to its many colors and patterns, the Gouldian Finch isn’t a very social creature…at least not to human beings. They are very social to their fellow finches and live more favorably in pairs or groups of pairs than singly. Gouldian finches do not like to be held or touched unlike other types of finches. If you are looking for a bird that you would like to pet or carry, this bird isn’t for you. They however sing very beautifully, the males in particular. Their chirping voice is one of the most beautiful among the finches.
These types of finches do not adapt well to environmental changes; for example, when you transfer them from a new place or change them from one cage to another. Stress lowers their resistance to disease and in turn may kill them.
Although originally coming from a tropical climate, it can with the proper knowledge, adapt to cold weather providing they are protected from the cold outside. Unlike any other type of finches, the gouldian finch does not have that soft down at the bottom of their feathers which help them insulate in the cold. When comfortable enough, they can start breeding.
A mature gouldian finch can weigh approximately 15 grams. A typical gouldian finch will have a neon blue neck, upper tail and rump, deep violet chest, yellow belly, and black pintail. Domestic gouldian finches have a variety of colors that are just as distinct but a little different.
The females and younglings have coloring that are much duller than their male counterparts, but are still very beautiful.
Originating from Australia, the Gouldian Finch is now endangered and threatened to extinction. There are few existing in the world and only 2,500 mature adults exist in the entire globe.
They were one of the most numerous birds in the entire world. One of the culprits for their decline in number is the destruction of their habitat from irresponsible land management and use. Perhaps another reason is because of their inability to adapt well to certain changes. In fact, they are the most difficult to take care of among the finches. Moving frequently from one environment to another quickly stresses them out making them less able to counter diseases; and they are particularly susceptible to infections in their respiratory system most especially in the wild.
They must have space free of excessive obstructions so they can fly. Their cage must not be smaller than 20×20x40 and you also must consider how many finches you have or plan to. The more there are the more space they need. They also must have sufficient sunlight or you can substitute it for a full spectrum fluorescent lighting. A balanced diet is essential and less or zero outside stimuli which may panic them. In the evening, it may be a good idea to keep the light on, especially in colder climates.
It is important, therefore, that owners do research these finches thoroughly before deciding to keep them as pets to help them survive.
