Sick Bird Need Advice

[finchman]

I recently picked up a pair of birds (gouldians) from west coast finches at a bird show in Orlando. I had gotten several goulds from him before (a long time ago) and they were always very healthy. We eventually sold them but wanted to get a few more. This time however, I lost one; the male. I originally thought he was sick but upon further research I believe he died of dehydration from not knowing how to use the water bottle. I feel absolutely terrible about that!

So, I was all worried the female would be too lonely and went to another bird show the following week to find her a mate. There was only one vender with gouldians. I reluctantly picked the best looking one. I should have known better than to get him. The other birds in the cage didn't look too good. Not too active, puffed up, I'm thinking now after some research maybe it was coccidiosis. Originally I thought it was because the majority were molting (another red flag now I know) but he went light and didn't make it. He also had a dirty vent area and was sitting around all day puffed up. Now I'm worried the female has whatever it is too. I had started her on sulfamethazine sodium thinking that would help. I also have a coccidiostat, and I am wondering if I can give those together to cover my bases or if I should stop the antibiotic. She is also not as active as before and has a dirty vent area. I'm really upset with myself for getting a sick bird. What should I do?

[Sally]

We've all made this same type mistake or another one. I've lost birds due to dehydration--same thing, I didn't make sure they were using the water tubes I have. I now put two sources of water in with new birds, one a dish/bowl on the floor of the cage, all birds seem to be able to figure that one out.

I seem to remember someone posting one time a list of medications and which could be given at the same time, but now I can't think where I saw that. Hopefully, someone else will chime in with that information for you. In the meantime, I would offer a heat lamp, heat seems to be one of the best things you can do for a sick bird.

[MiaCarter]

Aw, I'm sorry to hear about your bird.

I've seen birds who didn't know how to use a particular drinking or food receptacle (it can happen with food bowls too, especially shiny metal bowls which seem frightening to some birds.)

I'm not positive on mixing those two medications, unfortunately. I googled but couldn't find it. I've never used Coccidiostat.

I've used cocci meds and antibiotics before without problem, but never those two.
If you don't have an answer soon, you might contact Laraine at http://ladygouldian.com/. She is extremely well versed in meds and can help direct you to a better medication if there's something better.

I would be sure to mix some clear pedialyte into the water in a 50-50 mix (Or NV powder if you have some) to help compensate for any lost electrolytes.