The mating ritual of gouldian finches is one of the most interesting events to observe. At one stage of the courtship ritual, the cock will jump straight up and down in order to provoke a response from the hen. Both sexes also proceed to bow and shake their beaks to each other. The hen may flutter her tail feathers. They are private birds, and copulation occurs most often in their nest.
Egg laying usually involves the formation of clutches of four to six eggs.
The eggs emerge approximately once every 24 hours. Active brooding begins after the third egg is laid. Hatching will begin approximately 15 to 18 days after breeding begins. Gouldians may also wait until the very last egg is layed to start incubation. It is very important not to disturb or disrupt the nest during this period.