This way they could not identify with their surrogate parents. This meant that they were weaned with other Goulds and there were no Society Finches around to socialize with. For example, when baby Goulds were removed from their foster Society Finch parents in the breeding cages, they were only placed with Goulds (both young and old) in large weaning flights. The key was found that baby exotic finches could be fostered under Society Finches during the rearing process but weaned with babies of their own species. But it was found that there was equal success from breeding with fostered birds as with parent reared birds. Parent reared exotic finches (non-Society) were used for future breeding stock. The Society Finch (Bengalese) was used as the foster parent. In almost all cases, the fostering method of breeding was used. Swamp coolers were used, but due to the high content of bacteria that was built up in the filters (even with regular changes), the humidity was accomplished by using a steam generator that blew steam through the heating ducts. The humidity was kept around 65% relative humidity. A temperature of around 80☏ was maintained with several large heaters above the breeding units and weaning flights. They were housed in a large commercial building with controlled temperatures and humidity. The main emphasis was on the Gouldian and Owl Finches. The finch species reproduced at this facility included the Lady Gouldian Finch (three head colors and the white-breasted), Owl Finch (Bichenos), Red-headed Parrot Finch, Tricolored Parrot Finch (blue face), Masked Finch, Chestnutbreasted Mannikin, Shaftailed Finch (normal and fawn mutation), New Guinea Blood Finch and the Pectorella Finch. In 1981, a large finch breeding facility was begun by Aviculture Institute of Southern California.
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