Gouldian finch: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Gouldian finch eggs hatch after 14–16 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 21–25 days and are weaned and independent at about 40–50 days. A typical clutch is 4–6 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 14-17 |
| Length (cm) | 12.5-14 |
| Clutch size | 4-6 |
| Incubation (days) | 14-16 |
| Fledging (days) | 21-25 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 40-50 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 6–12 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 5-8 |
| Breeding season | Autumn-winter (Oct-Mar N. hemisphere); avoid breeding in moult |
| Sexing | Adults visual: cock brighter purple breast, deep yellow belly, longer central tail pins; juveniles grey-green, use DNA. |
Origin: Northern Australia — Scientific name: Chloebia gouldiae
Size: 13-14 cm, 15-17 g
Breeding and care tips
Needs 24-28 °C and moderate humidity; prone to air-sac mite and moult stress. Bengalese foster parents used for poor-parenting strains. Plan head-colour pairings to avoid mottled heads.
Mutations and colours
Mutations Zajel calculates: Red head, Yellow/orange head, Lilac breast, White breast, Blue, Yellow body. Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Australian yellow (recessive yellow), Recessive dilute, Sea-green, Lutino.
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
Frequently asked questions
How long do Gouldian finch eggs take to hatch?
Gouldian finch eggs hatch after 14-16 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Gouldian finch lay?
Usually 4-6 eggs per clutch.
When do Gouldian finch chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 21-25 days old.
When are Gouldian finch chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 40-50 days.
At what age can a Gouldian finch breed?
A Gouldian finch reaches breeding age at about 6–12 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Gouldian finch breeding season?
Autumn-winter (Oct-Mar N. hemisphere); avoid breeding in moult
How do you tell a male Gouldian finch from a female?
Adults visual: cock brighter purple breast, deep yellow belly, longer central tail pins; juveniles grey-green, use DNA.
How long does a Gouldian finch live?
About 5-8 years with good care.