FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Complete Gouldian Finch chick care: your questions answered
My Gouldians Just Had Babies, Should I Give Them Special Food?
Hi there. Yes there are several things you can do, but first let me lecture you about why you should have already been doing it for them.When raising finches… Keep reading…
I have new Gouldian babies in the nest, and I don’t see the parent birds feeding them. Should I hand feed them?
If your babies are brand new, no. Do NOT feed them, handle them, or keep checking the nest. Babies have a yolk sac- you can see it if you look at the belly (Stop! I just told you not to!). That sac provides nourishment for the first day or two of their lives. It will eventually be absorbed. But the parents don’t need to feed the babies yet, and they’ll know when it’s time.
I see you recommend spirulina ( ed. note: you could easily insert iodine, vegetables…. almost anything goes here!). I don’t consider that natural for finches, they don’t eat it in the wild.
I agree that they don’t get that particular supplement or food in the wild. My birds are not in the wild. They’re in a room of my house in Florida, far from their native home of Australia. I offer them foods that have been scientifically proven to be safe and useful. Spirulina, for example, is full of protein, B-vitamins, and iron. There are not many sources of iron for Gouldians! So yes, it is something I offer to mine. If you disagree, that’s fine. There is no one way to feed, house, raise birds. We all have different experiences. Feel free to choose another method for yours; what I list on these pages is what works for me.
Do you have a diet you can recommend for my finches? The Internet is so confusing!
Yes, I wrote a book for that very reason. It’s very short. Check the books shown below for more information.
Feeding Finches
Give your finches the nutrition they deserve. Learn the easy CHOPP™ method and simple recipes that help your birds live longer, thrive, and sing with energy.
Available in paperback & Kindle e-book
The Gouldian Finch Handbook
Discover how to keep your Gouldians happy, healthy, and brilliantly colored—with simple tips on housing, diet, breeding, and care that every bird lover can follow.
Available in paperback & Kindle e-book
Have a question about Gouldian finch chick care or feeding?
Questions? You can submit them through the Contact page. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
