FINCHforum

I'm concerned about my society, Marshy (forum namesake). He is not digesting his seed properly, and the undigested
seeds are showing up in his poo. He is also spending most
of his time in the nest, one of the woven bamboo ones
from PetSmart. This has been going on for a few weeks but he has given me no real reason to be ultra worried. He seems to be eating well, and digests at least some of it. But I'm really worrying. I can't get any medicine, or much of anything I don't already have. The only other finch in the rather large (for two birds) cage is a girl zebra. She doesn't have the seeds in her poo. She also accompanies him in the nest, but spends a good deal of time hopping about and beeping. Sorry for the super long post. Marshy is my only hand tame bird, and I want him to be as happy and healthy as possible. Bad picture, but I've had to use my Blackberry.
The seeds are shelled by Marsh, but still undigested.

I want to help solve this, and I would like to know what could cause this. I can't really find anything on the internet, I get up really early and when I get home I have to do homework, among other things.
I also feel I'm underestimating this. Hopefully, but not probably, this is just me being paranoid.
Please help!

Undigested seed in droppings can be sign that their is something more going on, like a Protozoan infection (parasite). I recommend calling ladygouldian.com. Tell her the bird is passing whole undigested seed in her droppings, tell her another bird is housed with her. (they can be infected by cage mates). She may recommend a round of Ronex12%

http://www.ladygouldianfinch.com/product_ronex12.php

various protozoa infections will do this but I am slightly puzzled why your other bird doesn't have it because it is infectious. I dont know what the e
medications are called over there, but there are a number of them which will be effective if that is the case. Best of luck

i forgot to mention also that candida and avian yeast show these symptoms, without obvious signs of illness. Hopefully your bird has none of these. However I dont like to see undigested seed in droppings, where my birds are concerned

Undigested seed in droppings can be caused by Cochlosoma, Megabacteris (Avian Gastric Yeast), Giardia infections and Thrush (Candida). Because the bird is unable to absorb nutrients the bird will become weak and very thin. So be sure to watch for wasting away.
Laraine at http://www.ladygouldian.com/ may be able to help you decide what would be the best treatment and would have the medicines needed. Not sure if you are in the US or where you are located but she's in Georgia and her number is 770-939-4531

Best of luck and please keep us posted

kenny66 wrote:various protozoa infections will do this but I am slightly puzzled why your other bird doesn't have it because it is infectious. I dont know what the e
medications are called over there, but there are a number of them which will be effective if that is the case. Best of luck

Often some birds show signs while other don't and may be carriers or they are in good condition that it isn't until stressed, breeding, raising young that they start showwing signs or they come down with the ailment.

Since the bird is housed with the other bird, shares the same water, food dish, comes in contact with the droppings of the infected bird (example: if it is worms, parasite, protozoa, giardia, coccidia...) it is often wise to treat the other bird also. Clean the cage well as the bird is being treated.

Depending if you are in the states or Canada there are different distriutors and available medications in your area. If you could post your location you may be able to buy the medication locally that Lariane recommends instead of ordering it.

I'm in Arkansas, the north left corner. Fayetteville area. Is there anything there, if anyone knows? I'll look, and ladygouldian.com looks like it's very informative. I'll have to look hard at that to. Sorry it took so long for a response .
I'm extremely worried now, I caught him today and he feels thin...
I'm going to try to find something ASAP. Thank you all so much so far for your helpful comments.
I'm really hoping Marsh can pull through, and I'll do whatever I can .