FINCHforum

I was hesitant yet to post this but after watching my goulds for the last 2 weeks I think I can FINALLY report that they are doing sooooo much better. I think what I had going on was a combo of ASM and my well water hurting them. Since learning of the dangers they have been on purified spring water ( bottled ) and looking better everyday. I also treated them all with scatt as I was concerned that the s76 just wasnt doing its job. I read that it can be a hit ir miss with the s76 where as the scatt is spot on. The worst one ( my WB hen ) is finally bright eyed and not slitted anymore. They dont sit puffed like they used to and they seem much more active. Besides molting like mad ( my poor bccb has no tail or flight feathers ) I couldnt be more happy. I just wanted to thank everyone here who helped me and also to the many posts I read trying to diagnose them. There is more singing and flying lately there has been in weeks.

I do have a question tho....after they are done molting do you think my pair may breed again or will they wait till next year ? My canaries are nesting right now with 4 eggs.

Cath

Cath, I am so glad your birds are better. I'm not sure what made me ask if you were using well water, but I am glad you switched to bottled water. Happy to hear they are all doing well...may they continue to thrive!

I do not know that much about gouldians, I am sure someone with "gould" expertise can help you out.

So glad to hear the finches are on the road to recovery. I switched to filtered water last year and have not had any sick finches to date. Knock on wood.

I use a dual stage carbon filter. I fill gallon jugs and add a tbsp of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, shake, pour and serve.

cindy wrote:I use a dual stage carbon filter. I fill gallon jugs and add a tbsp of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, shake, pour and serve.

I want to start adding apple cider vinegar to my filtered water. Will a jug of water be ok for a few days or maybe a week? Also, should I gradually introduce the ACV water to the birds or is the added taste so small they don't notice?

very happy news! I hope they continue to improve!

Linda, all my birds tke to it except my lavenders...they get plain filtered water. The others all drink and bathe in it when I give them for bathe time!

I may try sparkle, a sample next time I order from ladygouldian.com. Perhaps the lavenders will like it. The amount is so small that one or two drops in the water does not bother the others.

Cath - I generally rest my birds for 3 months after they finish with their annual molt. And that's because typically my birds go into a molt after they finish breeding; so it would not be wise to breed them immediately after they've finished.

The 3 month resting period gives them a chance to shed excess body fat and rest their reproductive organs. After three months, you can introduce a breeding diet to your birds (assuming they are separated by sex, that is).

You would offer the breeding diet (separated) for four weeks, which allows them to naturally start to come back into condition, and at that point you can begin pairing them up again.

If you allow your birds rest and the option to slowly come back into condition you'll generally have much more success with breeding when.

@Linda
I filter my tap water thru a Brita filter into half gallon jugs.
I use the filtered water for filling both water tubes and baths, so it does not sit on the counter for more than 3 days before it is empty.

I put the ACV into the measuring cup as I take out the water to use. I do that because I put less ACV into the drinking water than the bath water. Although it would be a heck of a lot easier to dose the half gal jug all at once and not have to deal with dosing it out drop by drop.

You could introduce it at a lower dosage then gradually increase it.
I think I just went from zero to the dosage that I use, which is 1 drop of ACV to 1 oz drinking water. I do 1-1/2 drop ACV to 1 oz bath water (but I am considering cutting the bath dosage back).

Be aware that certain meds do NOT like increased acidity. So you would not use ACV with those meds.

Hey what exactly does the ACV do in general ? I think I may try it.

It helps to keep the water from getting slimmy

This article is pretty good

http://www.aviannetwork.com/articles/acvinthaviary.htm

and it is non toxic!!!!

Here is an old topic thread

http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7240

cindy wrote:Linda, all my birds tke to it except my lavenders...they get plain filtered water. The others all drink and bathe in it when I give them for bathe time!

I may try sparkle, a sample next time I order from ladygouldian.com. Perhaps the lavenders will like it. The amount is so small that one or two drops in the water does not bother the others.

Thanks so much! I will watch to be sure they're ok with it.

ac12 wrote:@Linda
I filter my tap water thru a Brita filter into half gallon jugs.
I use the filtered water for filling both water tubes and baths, so it does not sit on the counter for more than 3 days before it is empty.

I put the ACV into the measuring cup as I take out the water to use. I do that because I put less ACV into the drinking water than the bath water. Although it would be a heck of a lot easier to dose the half gal jug all at once and not have to deal with dosing it out drop by drop.

You could introduce it at a lower dosage then gradually increase it.
I think I just went from zero to the dosage that I use, which is 1 drop of ACV to 1 oz drinking water. I do 1-1/2 drop ACV to 1 oz bath water (but I am considering cutting the bath dosage back).

Be aware that certain meds do NOT like increased acidity. So you would not use ACV with those meds.

Gary, I really appreciate the detailed information. I use a Brita filter and wanted to make up a jug at a time, so this is perfect! Right now I'm pouring their water straight from the fridge, but I really like the idea of keeping it on the counter so it'll be room temperature.