Balding Blue Gouldian

[Finch-Laura]

Hi Gang-
I know you've posted about this problem before, at the moment I'm just too busy to sift through all the old posts to get the exact info I'm after.
Here's the problem- My blue gouldian is bald and it's been several months since its first started and not a single feather has grown back. I'm currently treating the aviary with Ronex, as someone had previously mentioned to do this before using the Feather Fast(?), whichever the supplement that lady gouldian sells... Just wanted to verify if I should keep on this track or if anyone has any better suggestions? Any information would be helpful.

Thanks

Laura

[debbie276]

Not sure what effect Ronex would have to prevent balding on a gould. Ronex is for a protozoa problem. The feathers will not grow in again till it's next molt, at that time you should be increasing the protein level with things like hard boiled eggs. Don't add lots of low protein fillers to the egg as that will dilute the protein level.
If your gould is going bald from feather mites you might want to spray something like AIL (Avian Insect Liquidator) or any spray that has those same ingredients that can be found in pet stores.
good luck

[nixity]

This is probably hormonal - are your birds separated by sex? If not this could be part of the problem.
As Debbie said, when spring hits the birds should naturally go into a molt but if you're not breeding I recommend keeping the sexes apart.

[Zebrafincher]

I bought my second star finch, Merlin from a pet store where he had been picked on and was as bald as a badger! I've had him for about a year now, and all the feathers have grown back now. He was very bald for several months, hence why we named him after the Merlin the wizard (with a beard, but bald)!

[WeimerHeimer]

Increase the "Iodine" intake in their diet.

I buy sheets of Kelp at our local Health Store, break it up, place in food processor to chop it it REAL fine. Place in a seperate cup in cage and they'll eat it when they need too.