Gouldian Finch Diet

The gouldian finch is considered to be an endangered species in its wild habitat of Australia. The vividly colored finches are popular pets throughout the world despite the fact that they do not care to be held and are not affectionate. The gouldian finch has the reputation of being far more difficult to care for then other species of finches. They thrive when kept in pairs for social contact and interaction. They require a diverse diet to meet all their physical and mental needs.

  1. Seeds And Greens

    • Feed gouldian finches a diet that is predominately seeds. The ideal seeds are niger and millet. The gouldian finches should also have various greens supplemented into their daily food intake. An abundant amount of vitamin E is essential in their diet for good overall health. These small birds also adore watercress, broccoli, spinach, carrot tops, turnip greens, chickweed and lettuce, which all provide a wonderful source of vitamin E. Purchase sprouting grass seed packs that can be cultivated in a household window to provide a snack of fresh grass year round for the finches. Only feed them spinach twice a week. Too much spinach in their diet can cause a calcium shortage because spinach contains a chemical known as oxalic acid that combines with the calcium in a finch's body and is flushed out, causing a shortage of calcium.

    Vegetables And Fruit

    • Provide small amounts of fruit and vegetables daily for gouldian finches. Most finches appreciate a small slice of apple to peck at. They also adore a slice of fresh orange. Corn on the cob is a fun food for finches to play with and consume. Make sure it is served raw for the best nutrients. Cook a small sweet potato for the gouldian finches to enjoy once a week. Slices of cooled cucumbers are often appreciated by the birds on a hot day.

    Placement Of Food

    • Place food bowls high in the gouldian finch cage. The finches do not like to eat close to ground level because they are always worried about predators. Eating high in the cage will allow them to relax and enjoy their food without worrying about attack, which helps with digestion and the birds' health since gouldians often suffer from constipation.

    Calcium

    • Provide a cuttlebone on the side of the gouldian finch cage. Cuttlebones provide the tiny birds with much needed calcium.

    Grit

    • Provide grit daily for the gouldian finches to free feed on. Grit is essential for the tiny birds' diet. It is required for the digestion of their food. Grit can be purchased at any bird supply store. An ideal grit mixture for gouldian finches should be oyster shells mixed with coal. Look on the label of the various grit to find the perfect match for gouldian finch needs.

    Vitamin D

    • Purchase a water soluble vitamin D supplement at a bird store that is targeted for the needs of finches. Vitamin D is important to the finches health and well being. Follow the directions on the label for mixing with the birds' water.