HELP! Finch and canaries losing appetite!!

[mondo]

6 java finch and 2 canaries

It happened recently, ever since I gave them new food (seeds that has been mixed with tonic)
but they don't like the taste of their enhanced food.

what used to be a flock of greedy flying pigs (metaphorically) now leaves leftover uneaten seeds!!
I've already fixed the food problem, bought myself a new can of bird seeds and quickly replaced their unwanted food in the dish.

Its the second day now and they're still not behaving like they're supposed to...
usually after I put the food they swarm all over, now they're only hanging out on their perches or trees, eating late at noon or occasionally . they don't look sick or anything, especially not the javas since they're hella strong and is actually playful as usual.
or is it because there's recent change in weather? there's lots of heavy rain nowadays but shouldn't the cold make them eat more?? I just don't get it.

[TailFeathers]

Where are the birds located indoors or out? What kind of mix did you give them?

Have you tried treating them with some fresh fruits and veggies?

[mondo]

Where are the birds located indoors or out? What kind of mix did you give them?

Have you tried treating them with some fresh fruits and veggies?

outdoors, sheltered from rain but apparently not from wind

my mix:
canary + mustard (rape) + niger + millet + paddy

and yes I've treated them with veggies / fruits + boiled egg

[TailFeathers]

Which part of Indonesia are you located in and what is the elevation?

I'm thinking they need to be moved indoors for a week and then hardened against the weather slowly.

I'd also remove all seed currently with them, clean the aviary and then put new food for them. Make sure all the dishes are washed out.

I'd also cleanse their stomach, but one bird at a time to see if it works. Use the correct ration water and vinegar and let them drink after two days drinking purified water. They probably still have something upset in their tummy from the original mix.

[cindy]

Can you give them some hulled oat groats. They do relish that.

I suggest if the weather has chilled to use a heat lamp...a bulb of about 40 to 60 watt near a perch they favor, on one side of the cage. If it gets to chilly or damp it may be effecting them. I would go back to your regular diet of a simple seed mix, veggies (dark leafy greens, carrots finely chopped as an example) egg food offered early morning when they are most hungry...I mix the egg food in with the greens and veggies.

I would forgo all the tonic and special additives you added to their food...birds do not need all that...keep it simple and if they were thriving on their previous diet do not change but offer other nourishing foods on the side. You may also consider adding a vitamin and mineral supplement to the soft food (powdered form if you can)

On your precious post I listed some pages with some our countries java experts diet, it included a recipe for egg food as well.

Do not use white vinegar in their drinking water...it is recommended if the birds have yeast to use Apple cider vinegar 2 drops per 8 oz water or 1 tablespoon of ACV to 1 gallon of water.

[mondo]

Which part of Indonesia are you located in and what is the elevation?

I'm thinking they need to be moved indoors for a week and then hardened against the weather slowly.

I'd also remove all seed currently with them, clean the aviary and then put new food for them. Make sure all the dishes are washed out.

I'd also cleanse their stomach, but one bird at a time to see if it works. Use the correct ration water and vinegar and let them drink after two days drinking purified water. They probably still have something upset in their tummy from the original mix.

East Java, its actually the same level / slightly above sea level. meaning its warm here.

ah you didn't mention the ratio of water and vinegar.

[mondo]

Can you give them some hulled oat groats. They do relish that.

I suggest if the weather has chilled to use a heat lamp...a bulb of about 40 to 60 watt near a perch they favor, on one side of the cage. If it gets to chilly or damp it may be effecting them. I would go back to your regular diet of a simple seed mix, veggies (dark leafy greens, carrots finely chopped as an example) egg food offered early morning when they are most hungry...I mix the egg food in with the greens and veggies.

I would forgo all the tonic and special additives you added to their food...birds do not need all that...keep it simple and if they were thriving on their previous diet do not change but offer other nourishing foods on the side. You may also consider adding a vitamin and mineral supplement to the soft food (powdered form if you can)

On your precious post I listed some pages with some our countries java experts diet, it included a recipe for egg food as well.

Do not use white vinegar in their drinking water...it is recommended if the birds have yeast to use Apple cider vinegar 2 drops per 8 oz water or 1 tablespoon of ACV to 1 gallon of water.

thanks Cindy, I'll be more careful from now on.
lesson learned: birds should be adjusted slowly to new things, especially java finch...

[lovezebs]

mondo
I also have heared about Apple Cider Vinegar, as helpful for digestive health. No more than a drop or two in a cup of water. It is good for people too.
*I would not use white vinegar in their water, but it is very good for cleaning your seed and water dishes and everything in your cage.
Good luck.

~Elana~

[Sally]

If you have it available to you, organic apple cider vinegar is best. Here in the U.S., we have Bragg's organic raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar--this is the best. I add 1 tablespoon to each gallon of drinking water because my water is alkaline. If you have acidic water in your home, you don't want to add acv to it. Always check the pH of your drinking water before adding acv.

[isobea]

mondo - if they should really have upset stomachs or problems with their intestines, I was always told not to feed green foods or veggies for several days. Also, I bought a different seed mix several months ago that had these vitamin-enhanced colorful pieces of wheat (or oat - can't remember) in it. None of my birds ever ate those, but only the plain seeds. I would just go back to the mix you were feeding before this happened and offer a heat lamp (like cindy suggested) for a while.
Iso