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Zebra finch Jerking head

Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 2:22 pm
by apachetear
So the lady i sold the finch to who got another one has been having troubles with her new zebra finch from the pet store.
He was found jerking his head on the cage floor on friday night. She text me and i advised a heat lamp and have seed and water close by.
By sunday she said he seemed fine.
Today she text me saying he did it again last night.
Ive asked her a tonne of questions as its difficult to know whats up without seeing him, here is what i have gathered:

-found jerking his head for 20 minutes, no blood or sign of injury
-when he stops jerking his headhe loses balance
-he sometimes jerks his head in full circles but then its backward and forward
-She says It looks like he's got tourettes how he's shaking his head about
-hes got yellow staining on his bottom
-Other zebra finch Rudey is perfectly healthy and showing no signs of illness

What does everyone think, any ideas as to what coould be wrong? I will be seeing her tomorrow as shes picking up my two young females for rudey and casper and shes bringing rudey and casper for me to look at.

Re: Zebra finch Jerking head

Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 2:47 pm
by L in Ontario
The way you mention moving his head in circles and back and forth - could be "twirling". Google that and see if it sounds similar. I think http://www.ladygouldian.com has an article about twirling.

Re: Zebra finch Jerking head

Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 3:24 pm
by apachetear
I did think that and showed her this article http://www.ladygouldianfinch.com/features_twirling.php
She says he doesnt twist his head that far, she says he's fine in the day , its been happening at night, its kind of like the neck up .

Its really confusing, i cant think what could be up with him

Re: Zebra finch Jerking head

Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 5:20 pm
by Finchgirl
Does it look like he could be having a seizure? Finches can have epilepsy and a few forum members have finches who experience seizures.