FINCHforum

Noticed bugs early morning crawling on wicker nest. Gold Breasted baby almost ready to fledge.... I spritzed the nest with Avian Insect Liquidator. Came home to find baby dead on aviary floor I wish now I had left alone........

Dbearden

So sorry to hear this.
Sometimes we're damned if we do, and damned if we don't.

I have never used Avian Insect Liquidator, so I don't know what all is in it. What are the instructions? Does it say that it's okay to use on a nest with chicks in it?

Elana,
This is the second time the baby has been tossed. However, this time the baby was older. I was advised they will toss if the parent feel they don't have enough proper food to feed. I had been giving live meal worms, egg food, broccoli, carrot and high quality seed.

I am new at being a "bird lady" and learning everyday! So any advise I'm open for, thanks!
Deana

Avian Insect Liquidator
"Recommended for: Use on mites, lice, flies, spiders, ants or any situation were external parasites are a problem, including nest boxes, flights, perches, aviary floors, indoor cages and for direct application to the bird.

Key features: Instant control of pests on contact with additional 6 week residual protection against reinfestation. Penetrates into the plumage of birds to kill mites and lice under the feathers and on the skin. 100% safe for use on all birds.

Directions:
Concentrate: Use a 5% solution of concentrate (eg. 50mL/L or 6½Fl.oz per Gal) Shake well before use.
Ready to Use: Spray directly onto bird by holding spray 30-40cm from the bird. Spray the aviary, perches and nest boxes thoroughly. One spray should give up to six weeks protection."

Active Constituents: Piperonyl Butoxide, Permethrin, Methoprene

Dbearden

If I were you, I would spray the nest or nest box before putting it up in the flight. That way you will have six weeks of protection.

With some of these sprays and meds you have to watch, what might be ok for an adult bird, might not be ok for very young chicks.

Regarding the tossing...
Yes, parents will toss if they feel there isn't enough proper food. However they will also toss if the nest is disturbed with nest checks, and sometimes even if the cage or flight are disturbed.

I really hope you have better luck next time.

UPDATE!!!! Went out a few minutes ago, and lo and behold!!!!! A baby on the ground -- alive and well!! Apparently there were two rather the one. Also, mom and dad are feeding the little one
Super excited!!!

How high is the nest from the floor?