Gouldians are a grass finch and therefore feed in the wild on mostly grass species. What I have observed from captive birds is that like most they have their favorite seeds. I used to use a mix that had a wide mix of great seeds such as rape, millets, canary, flax, sesame, and others. The birds mostly ate the millets and the canary and the rest was tossed upon the floor and soiled. After some time I realized that about 30% of the seed mix was being thrown out and as much as I fantasized that the birds were eating all these healthy seeds the trashcan spoke differently. With this being said I wised up and ordered a mix that contained five types of millet and canary seed. KG finch mix supplier Herman Brother’s Seed. Buying seed in bulk from a reputable seed supplier is important as you want the seed to be fresh and high quality. When you get your seed store it in a rodent proof container and freeze the seed for a week before storing to destroy any grain feeding pests.
The birds no longer waste any of the food now and my cages stay much cleaner. So I’m sure your wondering if they aren’t eating seeds other than millet and canary how do I make sure the birds are getting a balanced diet? I give them supplements in their water Nekton S and i give them stable egg food from Cede Tropical Finch Egg Food. The only fresh food i give is romain lettuce, kale and other greens. I used to give fresh egg food, and sprout seed, but have determined that dry foodstuffs are more safe and convenient.
The other thing that gouldians need and relish is egg shell. I used to use the sterilized and crushed shell, but realized the birds didn’t much care for it delivered in that fashion. The birds prefer the shell to be in large pieces so now I have learned that when making eggs i save the shells and microwave them for three minuets to kill salmonella. The cooled shell are then offered on a flat bowl and the birds break off pieces as the please usually with great relish. I have never had an issue with birds choking on egg shell served this way.
Charcoal: is another needed element that is a bit unusual but necessary for optimal health for this species. I like to mix fine grade bird charcoal with mineralized egg shell sold by ABBA.
Grit: is important with assisting digestion of seed and if possible should be very fine clean river gravel. The small rounded gravel workes better and does not damage the crop like some coarse bird gravel i’ve seen offered.
Gouldians should be offered a balanced diet all year around, however the diet changes depending on the season, and life stage.