Suggestions for Meds to keep on hand

[lnlovesorange]

Hello Fellow Finch Fanciers!!! My flock is rapidly growing, as some of you may already know, My Pair had 4 kids that are coming along quite nicely, and I have 3 more birds coming to me a month from today (WOOOHOOO!!!) And 2 more coming to me not long after that. So needless to say I have a nice little flock going here. My question is I want to order up some things, just to have on hand, for those "oh my gosh how did this happen" moments. Ya know? Like, if for some reason they grow ill, or whatever, you know sometimes in the bird world things just happen! So, I would like anyone to answer as to what I should purchase to have on hand. As none of my birds are sick (now) Thank God (knock on wood) But also, especially where I have babies coming up and will be giving two of the babies to someone. Should I treat the babies for anything before giving them to their forever home? So Please, anyone with any input is, as ALWAYS, much appreciated!!! Thanks all.

[debbie276]

I always have on hand Scatt for incoming birds, one treatment and done. A good wormer like worm-away is also a must for that quarantine period. Other then that I have handfeeding formula in the freezer for those emergencies with chicks. I also sprinkle the dry formula on hard boiled eggs to dry it out a bit and add all the goodies of the formula. Liquid calcium is another must have on hand, it can be a lifesaver for an egg bound hen.
Be careful with medications, how much you stock-pile, because most have an expiration date and you don't want to waste money throwing it away.

[Sally]

I agree with debbie276, be careful about stockpiling too many meds. When I started with finches, I probably bought almost every supplement and medication I found on the internet! I was ready for everything, but the reality was that I didn't even know enough to recognize what problems I might have. I spent a small fortune and used very little of what I bought. Those meds do have expiration dates.

Scatt (or S76 if you prefer), a wormer, and liquid calcium are basics. Handfeeding formula in the freezer, because when you need it, it might not be available in your local stores. I also like NV powder to add to the water for new birds, it helps with stress.

You will find that others keep much more on hand, it is up to each individual. If you do decide to stock more meds, I would get the smallest size possible--bigger is not economical in this case.

I also have the advantage of a large circle of bird friends in my area, so if I really need something in a hurry, I can reach out to them for help.

[finchmix22]

I agree with Sally and Debbie, but I've been so glad I had some of the less used meds on hand when emergencies came up. For example, I had tetramycin, and antibiotic eye ointment. I never used that until I had some new finches in quarantine and low and behold, rather than being a pair, they were both males and were fighting. One male plucked out the eye of the other male and I was so glad I had the terramycin to put on the injured eye. He recovered and I rehired him to a breeder who has a large outdoor aviary full of the same species!
Nevertheless, now I keep in my fridge, because they expire quickly and last a little longer in the refrigerator, the following: Calcium Plus for egg bound hens, NV Powder, to periodically clean the water and I use that as a "palate cleanser" in a form between giving medications or if I'm not sure what is going on and I want to start by giving their system a cleaning that is not harsh. I keep Amoxitex antibiotic and Baytril for bacterial and respiratory infections. I had S76 and Ivermectin, which I administer with a cotton swab to the skin on the back of their neck. The Ivermectin seems gentler, so I use that with fledges/juvies. The SCATT and S76 seem to irritate their skin. I have Probiotic, which I give after 7-10 days of any antibiotic treatment. Finally, I have 4 in 1 powder, but I've only used that one once and it didn't help. I think the reason was we really never knew exactly what was causing the finch to be sick. Thinking the 4in 1 does what the name implies, treats 4 problems in one medication. I often consult breeders/members here on symptoms and call Lorraine frequently for her input, since she seems to have an intuitive sense about sick finches and is very helpful on the phone trying to make decisions about possible treatments.
That all said, I use the following for Quarantine and fledges/juvies, before I sell any juvies. I quarantine all new finches without any medications or supplements for two weeks, to observe them and identify their "normal poop" pattern. Then, to make sure they get their initial boost to fight any possible problems the stress of a new home may trigger, I administer the following, followed by a week of filtered water between each medication: Rolex 12%, Worm Away, Ivermectin or S76. Then, they are observed for 3-4 weeks, to make sure there are no signs of illness. Then, they can be sold or join the flock in one of the double flights.

[lnlovesorange]

Sally Thanks Sally, any suggestions on the Wormer, any brands better than others? I'm looking now holy smokes theres a lot out there!!! lol

[keijikage]

Liquid calcium of some sort (calciboost/calcivet) is on the very short list for me. Some of the other things aren't immediately life-threatening if you have a good hospital cage prepared, but egg-binding happens very fast and is very tough.

I have heard you can sub in liquid calcium for humans, but I have never seen it in a brick and mortar store - Your bird won't last the shipping time in an emergency if the hospital cage isn't enough to pass the egg.

[Societies&Zebras]

Inlovesorange Maybe some Antibiotics, and Probiotics? If not already said in above comments. (-:

[delray]

Have some liquid calcium on hand im case for egg bound finches. Also, maybe medicine to treat ASM.