i think my male zebra finch is sick
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erxloes
i think my male zebra finch is sick
im not sure how old he is becaus i found him in the road about 2 yrs ago. then i got a female for company and they have been together for the 2 yrs with no problems. he was taken to the vet about 2 months ago to have his beek trimed down and for a check up. check up was fine. my girlfriend put fresh water in the cage this morning and noticed that he was hainging out on the bottom of the cage, and tonight he is still on the bottom.i reach in and get him out and he sits on my finger not trying to fly away at all, and he would hardly let you pick him up before. he seemes to keep one eye closed more often than its open. his head is turning like he is dizy then turns it back to its starting point then it turns like he is dizy then back. my girlfriens sujested that maybe he had a stroke or something. he is cherping but not like he used to.
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nelloyello11
- Weaning
- Posts: 1901
- Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2011 11:50 pm
- Location: Buffalo, NY
Re: i think my male zebra finch is sick
Welcome to the forum- sorry it's under these circumstances.
Have you noticed any change in his appetite? Any change in droppings? (You can line the cage with clean paper towels so you can see them clearly.)
I would start by putting a heat lamp on one end of the cage, next to one end of a perch, but not touching the bars. Make sure that he has room to move away from the heat if he wants to. This will allow him to conserve his energy, rather than use it up merely to stay warm.
If you can give any more info (regardless of how trivial it may seem), others may be able to suggest possible diagnosis/treatment.
There are many very experienced finchers here that are very generous with sharing info and experience.
Have you noticed any change in his appetite? Any change in droppings? (You can line the cage with clean paper towels so you can see them clearly.)
I would start by putting a heat lamp on one end of the cage, next to one end of a perch, but not touching the bars. Make sure that he has room to move away from the heat if he wants to. This will allow him to conserve his energy, rather than use it up merely to stay warm.
If you can give any more info (regardless of how trivial it may seem), others may be able to suggest possible diagnosis/treatment.
There are many very experienced finchers here that are very generous with sharing info and experience.
Nelissa
1 NG (Peter), 2 SF/FF (Astrid & Nina) and 2 BC (Desmond & Penelope) Zebra finches
2 Owl Finches (Hedwig & Fawkes)
Painted turtle (Keeker)
1 NG (Peter), 2 SF/FF (Astrid & Nina) and 2 BC (Desmond & Penelope) Zebra finches
2 Owl Finches (Hedwig & Fawkes)
Painted turtle (Keeker)
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finchmix22
- Mod Extraordinaire
- Posts: 6258
- Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:25 pm
- Location: DFW TX
Re: i think my male zebra finch is sick
What you described sounds like it could be "star gazing," which sometimes responds to an antibiotic, due to inner ear infection that causes balance problems. I agree he needs a heat lamp or at least a light bulb at one end of the cage and then I would call your vet for antibiotics or buy some online with express shipping. Finches can die quickly when they are on the bottom of a cage. Sorry you're having problems, but welcome to the forum. There is a link to the ladygouldian article on Stargazing/Twirling if you type in the search bar "stargazing in finches" Good Luck.
DEBORAH
