Caution...graphic photo of my Gouldian

[Jen]

I'm hoping someone will look at my Gouldian and let me know what they think caused this loss. Should I be worried about my other finches? No other birds look sickly, but should I do some preventative? This is the same guy that I posted that was having issues flying and looked weak. Maybe Cindy or Debbie276 Sally or others with experience diagnosing ailments will see this post and comment. Thank you.

[Sally]

So sorry you lost him. I'm not much good diagnosing ailments, so I don't usually even try. I would say that the breastbone looks pretty sharp, did the bird lose a lot of weight?

[Jen]

I noticed him become weak quickly and was a weak flyer all of a sudden. I didn't notice the weight loss. Many of my birds are molting and not as active as usual but no others are looking or acting like this poor guy. As with most birds, by the time you can tell something is wrong, it is usually too late. That's why I wanted someone to look at the photo and possibly tell me if this is something only related to this bird or if I need to treat all my birds with something.

I appreciate your response Sally. I'm not good at diagnosing either. It is the hardest part of caring for birds.

[cindy]

Belly is swollen, looks infected/yeast, bird was thin, sharp keel. 1i can share the picture and see what they advise as far as treating the rest of the flock...need to know what treaments, preventatives you have on hand.

The bird's feet look off... possibly scaly mites??? You might want to check your other birds.

[Jen]

Thank you cindy for your response. I was so sad to lose him I didn't even look at his feet. I have so much to learn....I have Ronivet 12%. Also have Spectovet along with the usual S76, Scatt and Worm Away.(I now use Scatt in their drinking water because of the number of birds I have).

I appreciate any advice you can give. Thank you!

[cindy]

Scatt should not be used in the water.... Scatt is a topical, no where in the directions does it state it goes in the water. It is not water soluble.

s76 can be used in water.

I showed the picture to a lady that helps in my groups with sick birds, she suggested that you treat with Ronivet 12% and Tri sulfa....both are to be mixed together. Tri sulfa is a slower acting med so we do recommend that you treat for 10 to 14 days opposed to 7 days as marked on the label. Both are safe and gentle on the birds' systems.

She feels the bird likely had cocci... a good cleaning of the cage is needed since the bird appears to also have scaly mites and cocci. Since you will need to clean well you could take the birds out and place them in a holding cage and treat with Scatt topically on the back of the neck. This should be done for 3 doses each dose 14 days apart (opposed to 21 days apart). (as per my avian vet)


You can find the trisulfa at glamgouldians.com

[Jen]

Thank you cindy. Sorry about the mixup with Scatt and S76. I use the S76 in their water. I was typing late last night after a rather long work day yesterday.

I will definitely get the Tri sulfa ordered right away. I really appreciate all the information. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

[cindy]

Hope everyone else will be ok.

I saw the other post regarding the bird not flying well. Sometimes with cocci you can see sort of a shuttering of the wings or even a heat tremor, it might also make it difficult for the birds to fly correctly.