Meadowlark Farms
Lady Gouldian Finches - Now What???
Now that your chicks have grown, you must decide what you'll do with them!  Will you keep
them as pets?  Will you breed them?  Will you sell them?  Read below to find some ideas
about keeping and/or selling your new flock.
THE CHILDREN HAVE GROWN...NOW WHAT???

You have a couple of options regarding what to do with the chicks now that they've grown.  You can keep them as pets, you
can sell them, or you can breed them.  Whatever you decide, you must remember the basic rules:  

  • Make sure to give them enough room -

Juveniles require adequate space to exercise their legs and flight muscles.  They should be moved to a large flight cage to
practice their skills.

  • Make sure to supply the proper nutrients -

Juveniles require extra protein, calcium & iodine in order to produce their new feathers and continue to build strong bones.  
Be sure to continue the breeding foods until they've gone through their molt.

  • Do NOT sell your chicks before they have at least had a good start on their juvenile molt -

This is actually a bit controversial.  The molt is a very stressful time for both adults and juveniles.  It zaps their strength,
especially if they aren't getting the right nutrients.  Selling them before they've completed their molt can add stress that can
potentially weaken the bird.  However, some folks like to purchase young birds for future breeding. They want them not quite
out of their molt, and will even buy them before they molt.  They want to know that the birds they purchase are going to be
able to breed for a long time (breeding age averages from 1 to 6 yrs of age, though 6 is pushing it a bit.  I usually retire my
pairs at age 5).  I DO NOT recommend selling them before they molt.
You also want to know what color they will be.  Unless you know for certain you will have black heads or read heads, for example, you won't know
for certain if they are hens or cocks until they molt or until the cocks start singing.  Once you get a feel for Gouldian Genetics, you'll be able to sell
your birds a little sooner, but I still do not recommend it.

  • Do NOT breed siblings unless you are breeding specifically for size or color. -

If you choose to breed your chicks, you want to make sure you wait until the are AT LEAST a year old, but preferably two years old.  You do NOT
want to breed siblings if you can help it.  Breeding siblings can lead to smaller, less robust birds, genetic problems, health issues, etc.  You don't
want to pass along any inherited genetic issues if you are able to avoid it.

Your best bet is to obtain "fresh blood", meaning to purchase or trade unrelated birds from another breeder in order to breed them with your
chicks.  Again, age is important.
ONCE THEY COMPLETED THEIR MOLT
If you have a good relationship with your local bird store, you can ask if they'd like to purchase your birds from you.  Many stores will only give you
a store credit, and some will give you nothing in return.  If this is the case, go elsewhere!  There are many "Mom & Pop" stores out there who'd love
to purchase your birds from you.  Keep in mind that many stores sell their birds for $200 or more per pair.  This means they will want to buy the bird
for a price on which they can make a profit.  You'll want to keep this in mind when negotiating a purchase price with the store owners.  And don't
sell yourself short!  If you've followed my advice all along here, you'll have spent many hours caring for your birds.  You'll have spent much money
properly feeding and caging them.  You may have even spent time hand feeding!  YOUR TIME IS VALUABLE!  Remember to take all of your costs
into consideration, then negotiate!  

These stores are also a good place to barter for "fresh blood".  Many stores will trade you - bird for bird - if they have them, so that you can add
new blood to your breeding stock.  Just make sure you get a good trade.  The birds should be healthy and alert.  You'll want to follow the purchase
tips, and Quarantine Procedures, even if you totally trust the store!

Big chain stores probably won't purchase your birds.  They claim they have breeder requirements and have a tall pile of paperwork to be filled out
to even apply.  You'll have to have semi-annual inspections of your aviary or bird room, and they will give you a pittance for your birds if they even
accept you as a breeder.  Beware!  It's difficult to compete with bird mills!
Another way to sell your birds is to join a bird club.  Many clubs hold fairs and shows, several times per year.  They will usually have vendor tables,
purchased for a nominal fee, at which you can sell your birds.  My local bird club charges $40 per table.  A normal Gould sells at these shows for
anywhere from $75 to $150, depending on mutation and conformation.  You could easily make your money back simply by selling one bird!  Most
Goulds sell very quickly, especially if they are really good looking!  If I'm looking for a specific mutation from one of my breeder friends, I always call
them ahead of time to reserve a bird, otherwise, I might not come home with what I am looking for!  If you're really good, you can join several clubs
and hit all of the shows and fairs!  Remember to make as many connections with reputable breeders as you can while you are at the shows!
OR, you can keep them.  If you've been lucky enough to obtain more than one unrelated pair, you can breed their offspring to each other.  You will
then build your stock.  Just remember to keep adding unrelated birds to increase the bloodline!

If you choose to keep them all, merely enjoy them!
Meadowlark Farms Lady Gouldian Finches 2009 © All rights Reserved.
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