This list is meant to be suggestions. It is not comprehensive. Feeding finches (or any pet bird) is something that needs a little thought and a little preparation. These fruits and vegetables can be chopped small or left in larger chunks. This list is as useful for any size of bird, except those with specific…
Most people in the U.S. are keeping finches, canaries, and parrots in their home, so when they discover the birds are covered in mites they’re pretty upset majorly freaked out. They call on the phone, screaming. When you first find mites, isolate the bird from its flock and visit an avian veterinarian immediately. He/she can take skin…
From Part 1: When keeping animals, it’s always a question whether we’re going to follow the “in the wild” habitat as closely as possible, or are we going to do our own thing. After all, they are already being held in an artificial environment – so why not change it up to suit ourselves. Let’s…
…and whether we’re going to follow them When keeping animals, it’s always a question whether we’re going to follow the “in the wild” habitat as closely as possible, or are we going to do our own thing. After all, they are already being held in an artificial environment – so why not change it up…
In Part 1 we discussed the what and why of the Gouldian finch Austerity diet. Now let’s take a look at how to use the Austerity diet. Mimicking Nature In the wild, Gouldian finches experience a dry period when the grasses and therefore grass seeds become less plentiful. This is called the austerity period of their yearly…
The austerity diet refers to the austerity period, a seasonal climate in the Gouldian finch’s native region of Australia. Their natural habitat only has two climates, one is wet and one is dry. Near the end of the dry season, it’s not surprising that seed has become scarce, plus what little seed can be found…
A good diet for any size bird consists of: Larger parrots only need around 10% of their diet to consist of seed. Finches, cockatiels and canaries can have more, perhaps up to 25%. I hear you spluttering, my friend. “But…but… what about D3? What about iron? What about protein??” Let me explain more thoroughly. If a…
There are many brands of healthy foods on the market, and many ways of feeding birds. The Gouldian finch diet in particular needs to be revamped for about 90% of owners in my opinion. I recently met a woman whose family had bred birds for years before she took over. She does what mom and grandpa did….
I get so many questions about quarantine practices, I decided to make a post to refer you to. Quarantine is necessary at 2 times: when a bird is ill/injured or suspected to be ill, and when a new one comes into your aviary. I get so many questions about quarantine practices, I decided to make a…
In part 1, we discussed quarantine practices in general. Now, Here is my quarantine protocol for Lady Gouldian finches. It may be different from yours; it’s simply the one I’ve come up with that suits my aviary best. For quarantine you will need these items. They are linked for your convenience; some are affiliate links…