FINCHforum

All my birds get mealworms, dehydrated blood worms and some eat fruit flies on a regular basis.

Is that considered giving "Live Food", where I should be deworming the birds on a regular schedule?

Thanks.

I wish someone would answer your questions because I would really like to know the answers.

I deworm my finches once a year, but I think if they're outside, some deworm more often. My finches get freezedried bloodworms, but when I gave live food, I dewormed after each breeding season.

Most parasites are host specific. Most of my birds are outside so I do worm with ivermectin twice a year. I buy the injectable cattle wormer and add it to water. I also treat for coccidiosis during the rainy season. I also add food grade diatomaceous earth to their seed as a preventative to moths as well as treating any parasites the birds may have. I'm not sure this answers your question about live food though.

wellingtoncdm

Charlie, have you found much success using diatomaceous earth? We tried it out a few years ago on the horses for worms and the results weren't great. We resorted back to traditional wormers. I'm curious to see if it works with the birds, as I would be keen to try this.

It works well for controlling moths in the seed. I'm not sure how well it really works with the birds.

wellingtoncdm

Good to know about the moths, thanks. I'm also not 100% convinced about it's ability to control internal parasites though.

Apparently it can lose it's affectiveness when wet.

Thank you for your responses.
I think the original poster, "Sunbay" and myself are still a little confused about the term "Live" food.

If we are feeding our finches dried dead insects, it this considered "live"?

I know it sounds stupid. They are obviously not alive. But will feeding the birds these dried dead insects fulfill their requirments to breed/raise young or do you actually have to feed them living insects?

I think these dried insects are decontaminated and might not need to prevent worming after but not sure.

Fruit Flies and mealworms are most definitely ALIVE. The bloodworms are not. Sorry for not making that clear.

I am leaning towards it's NOT a worry to have our birds pick up intestinal parasites from the above. These are year-round indoor birds. I have a feeling it's a whole different ball game for outdoor aviaries.

Thanks all who have responded.

Leaving in about 30 mins to pick up a pair of STRAWBERRIES! And, a bunch of more finches for another local forum member. Nice to be able to cut shipping costs with friends.
Very cool to have the tracking info to keep utd on their journey.

I am leaning towards it's NOT a worry to have our birds pick up intestinal parasites from the above. These are year-round indoor birds. I have a feeling it's a whole different ball game for outdoor aviaries.

I have to agree with you here. My birds are outside and have a dirt bottom in the aviary. I worm them every 4 months, mainly due to the fact that that they do come into contact with the wild birds through the wire and due to the various critters that crawl/fly into the aviary. Keeping the birds inside is a much more controlled and sterile environment.

I now have a mole who has decided to move into my aviary and dig up all over the place. The birds love picking through the freshly turned soil for worms and bugs. I try keep the dirt bottom nicely compacted for sweeping up seed and poop and now this mole has been having a party for the last few week - very annoying!