Gouldian molting Ham is having a bad day, probiotics?

[lovezebs]

Babs

How is Hammy doing ?

[Babs _Owner]

lovezebs

I just checked on her 10 minutes ago. She isnt fluffed up anymore, she just seems..........depressed.

I laid millet on the shelf where she has been sitting in the heat, she scarfed it down for a good five minutes (that is a good thing).

Im wondering if she lost some primary flight feathers and she just doesnt want to fly much.

I just ordered some Thrive from Morning Glory. Supposed to be here 1-3 days. If I can just get her to hold on til it gets here I think it will really help her.

[FLDoc]

I just started on Gouldians. Most of my experience has been Zebras, Societies, D Doves and Spice. And I used to keep everyone outside in FL with supplemental heat in the winter that was self-started by it's internal thermostat.

There are supplements that I see at the shows that can be given specifically for times of molt. Personally, I would not eliminate the seed, but offer supplements. Mashed eggs are a good start, or you can get egg food in most decent pet stores. It adds protein. Also, green, leafed veggies such as chopped Kale, Spinach, and the others that are listed somewhere I know on the site here or can be Googled. They add vitamins and trace elements as well as fiber. I also use a seed with vitamins already supplemented in it. I try to stay away from human vitamins, etc. as they are formulated for people, not necessarily for animals. I use enriched oyster shells in all cages as well as the usual cuttle bone. I don't use grit at all - finches are seed breakers and open the seeds as opposed to doves who need something in their crops to open the seed. Grit can bind them, as opposed to the calcium that they can absorb in the gut.

As long as you offer a variety of supplements as above and in the nutritional section, the bird will usually gravitate to the items that contain something that they are lacking. This in itself will cut down on the stress.

Adding humidity in moderation shouldn't be an issue, but be careful about getting everything, including the bird, 'wet', which would stress it more, give need for more heating and give a shoe up for mold and bacteria to grow.

[lovezebs]

Babs

Not fluffed and eating, is a very good . Sigh of relief.....

Being a bit off (depressed ), is not unusual when going through a heavy molt. Some of my kids breeze through their molt, others, it seems to take more out of them. What's strange, is that it can be kids from the same clutch, shrug.

As long as we're eating and drinking, than I'm happy.

Could you take her into your office while you work, close the door, and just let her perch on your head or on your shoulder for a bit?

[Babs _Owner]

FLDoc

Thanks for the advice. In addition to what I listed above, I am going offering her fresh mashed boiled egg TWICE a day. Im hoping that helps her out as well, by boosting her protein way up.

[Babs _Owner]

lovezebs

Oh honey I hope you are right! Hammy is really teaching me a lesson in what to look for in the other juvies. If she wasn't so hand tamed I might not have noticed the change in personality so dramatically.

I WISH I could set the room up for her, however, after hours of trying fit my L-shaped work desk through the office door months ago .......let's just say Bubba pile-drove it through the door and ripped off the door and the frame. That is a project we have yet to repair.

I have tomorrow off, so Bill and I will figure out the logistics of the cages and see if it is possible to allow Ham her own cage in the room right away.

[lovezebs]

Babs

What! Bubba, ripped your door off?
I think that there needs a good smack up the side of the head.

[Spreckles]

Babs

why isn't there a cart wheel smiley? I am so GRATEFUL all night thought about you both on and off so much it was but shoot fire it's always the special ones right??

It does not make a hill of beans sense that probiotics would kill them. I want some hard data for that rationale. Paul in AZ

SO glad she is better! YOU sound better too.

listen to your mother's intuition it sounds like this little one really imprinted on you and she wants her mama, which is so sweet.

Karen

[Babs _Owner]

lovezebs

I took away his buck shot. He sulked for a week. **giggle

[Babs _Owner]

Spreckles

Honey whatever good vibe you and the other folks are sending my way is hopefully working!

It's almost time for lights out. So Ham and I will be having some hand time for a good half hour. Then I am up at the crack of dawn (before my doctors appt) to make sure she gets her boiled egg first thing and a good hour with me before my eye appt.

I'm not gonna let this girl fall on me!

[Spreckles]

Babs

His eye is on the sparrow and He watches over me

Hammy is going to make it.

Karen

[lovezebs]

Babs

Good luck at the Eye Dr. Are you getting those coke bottle bottom, thickkkk granny glasses??? ~ Chuckle, snort, snort...~

Give our Hammy a smooch from me....

[Babs _Owner]

lovezebs Spreckles

I'm about to head out soon. Im getting bifocals for the first time and will probably run into walls and knock over cages getting used to them.

Good news on the Ham-front. The little girlie took a bath this morning!!! Wooo hooo!! Thats got to be a good sign.

The extra serving of boiled egg and the heat lamp seems to be getting her on the mend. She LOVES the warmth! She even plastered herself on the side of the cage for some belly kisses.

She seemed to tire after that and went back to the heat.

We I'm off to get the wacky lenses.

[lovezebs]

Babs

[Spreckles]

Babs

Great news over Hammy! Progressive lenses do take a bit of getting used too. Maybe Bubba can video you for awhile. If you knock stuff over you can tell Bubba your getting even for the door.

Hammy is going to be fine....answered prayer, yes. Love never fails.

Karen