FINCHforum

Being a new finch owner, I don't really know much about what needs to be done on a regular basis to keep birds healthy (other than proper diet, fresh water, and adequate housing of course). Should I be administering any sort of preventative medication from time to time, treating for mites, or anything like this? I have a pair of zebra finches that are kept indoors that appear to be happy and healthy. I just want to make sure I do what needs to be done.

Also, what are the basic meds and supplies that I should keep handy in case of sudden illness or injury? Thanks for any input y'all!

There's really no such thing as preventive medication - medicating won't prevent future illness, it can only treat an existing problem.

Think of it this way - you wouldn't routinely take an antibiotic, because it won't stop you from getting an infection a month or two down the road.

Taking vitamins, exercising, eating a nutritious diet, however, can help prepare your body to fight off possible infections or disease. I think the birds can be approached in the same way. A good well-balanced diet, plenty of flight space and enrichment help make happy healthy birds

In terms of basic supplies you should have on hand - I guess it all depends on how prepared you want to be. I generally suggest individuals have a good broad spectrum antibiotic for things like respiratory illness, an electrolyte supplement like Thrive or Vitalize, and a hospital cage equipped with an infrared bulb to provide warmth in the case of a sick bird.

Thanks Tiffany. Great advice!

nixity wrote: I generally suggest individuals have a good broad spectrum antibiotic for things like respiratory illness, an electrolyte supplement like Thrive or Vitalize, and a hospital cage equipped with an infrared bulb to provide warmth in the case of a sick bird.

Tiffany, do you have a particular broad-spec antibiotic you would recommend?

My preferences is Spectovet because it tackles a huge range: https://www.birdsupplynh.com/catalog/pr ... 5da7f8261d

Another good option is Foy's Respiratory and More:
http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/catalog/6009.html

Erin, I was just thinking about asking the same question, since when one reads about someone who loses birds and gets very sad, one gets scared and thinks that can happen to anyone at any time, so we would like to prevent it, if it´s possible. I read somewhere that once a year we should administer Scatt to our birds, one drop one day and then I think it was 15 days later, another drop. But I think Tiffany´s advice is right, if the birds are healthy, it shouldn´t be necessary to administer any medication.
I bought Scatt, (I used it in a preventive way, but I will not do it again) but now it expired. I was thinking in buying more, just in case I need it, because in Mexico it´s not easy to find a medication during an emergency. But I just read that S76 is easier to administer, since you can give it to the birds in the water, instead of having to catch each bird.
What do you think? Do you think we should have S76, besides a good antibiotic?

As much as I've had to, I still don't like medicating. However it is necessary for me and depends on each persons situation.

I treat preventativly each quarter for cocci, protozoa, worms and for external parasites twice yearly before breeding season. However my birds are kept outdoors with a dirt floor and eat live food. Also I have quite a few of them which compounds any issues that flare up.

In a situation with only a few birds I would just make sure they are healthy and treated symptomatically. If I were to buy birds from a pet store I would be tempted to preventatively treat for cocci and worms initially, but then would not do so again in a rush. If your birds are happy and healthy at the moment and you've had them for some time. Then you should be in the all clear. Just make sure any birds you bring into your environment are free of any problems.

On hand for emergencies - hospital cage or in the very least a smaller cage where a light can be attached. The number of a good bird vet.