Basic Care  This section provides you with the "basic" requirements for raising Gouldians.  Additional information will soon be added which will address a variety of health, illness, and breeding related topics. Food & Nutrition The Environment Food & Nutrition A nutritionally rich diet, along with clean and safe living conditions, and fresh water are the key ingredients to the health and well-being of your Gouldians.  All of our birds are fed a variety of foods: a high quality seed mix containing a variety of seeds, millet, and herbs.  Our birds are also fed fresh organic vegetables and fruits such as: dandelion greens, watercress, sprouts,  spinach, shredded carrots, apples, and sliced grapes.  In addition, they always have available a selection of minerals: oyster shells for calcium and charcoal for digestion.   Organic herbs are available at all times to help them to heal themselves, much as they would in the wild.  They feast on fresh organic egg food and always have a ready supply of millet.  During breeding season their calcium intake is increased to ensure that hens replace the minerals her body loses when laying eggs.  Water must be changed daily, at minimum. We prefer water bottles for our birds which prevent them from bathing in their drinking water.   The Environment Cleanliness cannot be emphasized enough.  A good cleaning routine which includes regularly changing cage papers will go a long way in helping your birds to stay healthy & happy.  Remove any wet foods you may give your birds within an hour so they do not produce harmful bacteria which will quickly lead to illness.  Be aware of the placement of food and water bowls so that they are not located directly under a perch where they will get easily soiled.   Lady Gouldians love to take baths and splash around and it's a delight to watch them.  We provide shallow containers for baths on bright sunny days.  Baths always occur early in the morning so the birds have enough time to fully dry before evening sets.  Bath water should be removed within an hour so it is not used for drinking. Ensure that your bird has enough room to fly not just hop from perch to perch.  Allow them the space they require to get exercise while doing what is natural to them -- flying. Keep your birds in a quiet, peaceful place at night so that they will not be frightening by sudden noises or lights.  Not unlike us, sleeping is essential to their ability to stay healthy & happy.  Indoor birds must have a light that imitates daylight as closely as possible. If you do not have a bright sunny room, it is recommended that you use fluorescent bulbs that imitate daylight such as Vita-lite or Daylite bulbs.  Birds should have 13 hours of daylight regularly and up to 15 hours during the breeding season. Lady Gouldians thrive in warmth and while they can tolerate lower temperatures, they prefer 75° F and higher.  They also enjoy humidity which can be added by using a humidifier or fountain. A healthy bird is a happy bird and to truly get the most enjoyment from your bird it must be healthy.  It is only then that it will be full of life and a joy to watch as it goes through it's day to day routines.  Suggested Cleaning Routine Daily • Change the paper lining the bottom of the cage. • Remove (or winnow) the empty husks from the seed dishes and stir up the seeds. • Change water Every Other Day • Wash all the food dispensers.  Dry all containers that will be used for foods. Once a week • Disinfect dishes, perches and the bottom of the cage floor by washing it in a weak solution of bleach and water or other sanitizer.  Rinse thoroughly afterwards. Once a Month • Wash the sides of the cage and any décor inside the cage with warm water and soap. Return to top of page