FINCHforum

I have been noticing that my gouldian chicks hatch having sort of a dark rod spot on their belly. (its like a blood clot). Generally these chicks die within a week and one chick has survived but it very week and has wet feathers on the belly. Any help what could be the problem?
I am suspecting genetically incompatible pairs since the hen is black head and the cock is red head.

I know in canaries they call this black spot diesease. It is caused by the circovirus. I have never seen a gouldian with this but it is possible I'm sure.
Sorry for your gouldian chick losses.

Here is a article on the virus Candace is speaking of...go to page 202.

go to Canary and to the finch section on that page.

http://books.google.com/books?id=lg3NrA ... us&f=false

So very sorry for your losses.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15545033

another more in depth article
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10. ... #tabModule

I'm sorry that's happening to the hatchlings. Thank goodness there are people on here to help out in times like this.

Here's a link to Black Spot article with picture:
http://www.finchniche.com/features_blackspot.php

A blood form of Coccidiosis called Atoxoplasmosis may cause Black Spot.
Article also explains symptoms, control and prevention

Interesting article Debbie, thank you for posting it...good to know!