Do Gouldian finches need heated accommodation?

I have a question regarding Gouldian finches in an outside aviary. After many decades of breeding in this country, I still see fanciers referring to heating in their birdrooms for these finches. I would have thought by now that our strains would have acclimatised, and be fairly comfortable in the cooler months - albeit in a frost- and draught - proof environment as with other foreign birds.

I have a 20m x 2.4m x 2.4m deep (60in x 8in x 8in) garden aviary, which is thickly planted with shrubs and trees. I have kept Gouldian finches in it, along with a variety of other similar-sized finches, since early spring without incident. They all come in to the aviary shed to feed, and have lots of nest-boxes outside in which to roost etc. I intend to cover the roof of the aviary with plastic sheeting, and the front will be covered with builder's polythene protection sheet this winter. The rear and sides of the aviary are built of brick and block, so only the roof and front are in need of protection.

I would be interested to hear from any Gouldian breeders if they have ever kept their finches in outside unheated aviaries, but protected from the wind, rain and frost, and what their recommendations would be.
S.M.P., Wirral.

Bob Baggs, foreign bird expert, replies: Your planted aviary seems an ideal environment for birds in the summer and the covering of roof and front, as you intend, will certainly raise the temperature within it. However, it may still not prevent the interior from falling below freezing during the harsh winters we have experienced in the past few years.

The fanciers I know with Gouldian finches either keep them in birdrooms, or have heated quarters leading to a partially open aviary. Birds that have been raised for several generations in circumstances as you suggest might well be hardier. But any that have been bred in indoor-heated accommodation would, I feel, be at risk if then subjected to a winter in unheated aviaries.

Foreign species are generally more comfortable if provided with some warmth during the coldest months, even if it is only a minimum temperature of 10◦C (50◦F).