Re-growing feathers

[Stormy]

Hello all,

I recently started supplementing my finches with liquid iodine - rescued a bald gouldian some months ago, and have one of my own who seems to be balding - and despite what I think is a pretty balanced diet (variety of seed, fresh romaine, charcoal, herb salad, millet, egg/eggshell, mealworms on occasion, cuttlebone) and plenty of sunshine new feather growth hasn't happened. Have had the bird since about mid-October. So I bought liquid iodine and for a couple of weeks have been using the "for balding birds" dose, but now it's time to back off to the "maintenance" dose - so, 2 questions:

1) Can I premix this since it calls for 2 drops to a quart of water? Does the iodine break down in the water after a certain amount of time?

2) How long until I will see some new feathers sprouting?

Thanks for your expertise - look forward to exploring more here.

Stormy

[Tammy]

I have no idea but one question? where did you buy it? I have a society finch and he has a couple of bald spots and is this something you would want to use on a regular basis.- tammy

[debbie276]

The bald gouldian you rescued will not grow new feathers till the next molt. Could the gouldian you have that seems to be balding be balding because of stress?

[Stormy]

Thanks Tammy and Debbie -

Tammy - I purchased the liquid iodine from ladygouldianfinch.com - but I understand it must be used very carefully, and I'm not sure if this is applicable to society finches - I read that gouldians in particular do need the iodine. So please do some research first.

Debbie - The gouldian I've had more longer term came to me somewhat bald, but recently seemed to be getting more bald. We have been moving around a bit last year so there certainly could have been stress involved. I will continue to supplement and see what the molt brings. Do you have any idea if it's ok to premix the iodine supplemented water and keep it, say, in the fridge?

Thanks both!
Stormy

[debbie276]

I don't supplement with iodine but from everything I've read about it, it shouldn't break down in water.

[Stormy]

Thanks Debbie!