What happened? Help!!

[Dayna]

One of my gouldian hens that I bought as a juvie that was stuck in molt was fine yesterday but today is extremelyl puffy and looks like she got the crap beat out of her. She is eating and drinking good, is alert and preening. Her droppings seem to be a bit watery. Whats going on? Someone help!

[Dayna]

1 more pic

[DanteD716]

Dayna, I am so sorry this happened, I hope somebody can help and that she is okay

[dan78]

First tying I would he doing is adding a heat lamp to her, puffy is a sign of not being well and this is done to try and keep warm. Now for sloppy stool, this could be for a number of reasons worms, upset stomach, natural flora imbalance, to much or deteriorated fruit or veg or alot of water consumed due to an internal organ issue. Its probably very simple to fix as the last one is a bit extreme. I would give her just plain seed with no addition of fruit veg or pallets as well as clean water and heat. When was the last time anything was given eg- worming antibiotics probiotics minerals vitamins as any of these could make a sloppy stool sample if given to often. To say that the bird is fluffed with a sloppy stool sample can be alot of issues and the start of some nasty ones. I know this sounds a little harsh as ice given no real answer but sometimes even the best of us have to sit a back and really try to examine the birds as to give the best meds, I have had a bird sit in a cage for a couple of days before I have given anything. Best advice I can give is give a sample of the birds stool to a vet for an analysis as this might just give you a answer.

[Dayna]

I haven't administered any meds or vitamins since I got her which was 5 months ago. I try to give as natural a diet as I can. I give calcium plus in their water but thats as far as I go. Never have given fruit but I do give veggies and fresh egg. I have a heat lamp on her so I hope she pulls out of this I have no avian vets anywhere relatively close to me (10-11hour drive) so going to a vet is not really an option for me

[L in Ontario]

You are doing good putting a heatlamp on her. I would also put her alone in a small hospital cage so she doesn't waste energy flying around too much. I agree - no fruits or veggies but I would give eggfood in a small dish on the floor and NV Powder or vitamins in the drinking water for electrolytes.

Good luck.

[Angeldov222]

i have used heat lamps in the past, try it Sandy

[Dayna]

Thanks everyone. She is in her own little hospital cage and I gave her some herb salad, egg and oyster shell along with her seed. I will add some electrolytes in her water as well. Hopefully it will be enough to get her through this

[L in Ontario]

I can't think of anything else she needs other than peace and quiet for the next day or two.

[CandoAviary]

Is she thin, is her breast bone like a knife without the sides filled out?
Unfortunately bird that are in the juvie stage are more delicate than any other time. With changes to a new home can be enough to start a downhill spiral. The fact that this bird had trouble moulting show that is was stressed. Many times it is what they call failure to thrive.
Stress on an undeveloped bird can be really bad. I really don't know how to advise you other than treat for coccidiosis and heat. I would also advise you to not buy gouldians until they have their colors. It is always a higher risk to their health on the uncolored ones. I am so sorry you are experiencing this. Prayers sent

[Cath1068]

Candace is right. I too bought a juvie stuck in molt and we had a few scares but he is now getting all his big boy feathers and is very healthy and happy..... I hope your little one feels better soon

Cath

[Dayna]

Her breast bone feels a bit thin but not overly thin. Its not knife blade sharp by any means. She looks better than she did when I first moved her. She's calling, alert and eating good. I will keep a close eye on her. Upon closer inspection she appears to be missing some feathers around her neck as well as the tore feather on her wing so maybe she got picked on a bit. I have had them all together for months though with no problem hmm...

[CandoAviary]

Glad to hear not too thin. Maybe a touch of bacterial...or constipated... hoping it is a simple problem and the chick will improve and get back to itself soon.

[dan78]

Well the heat will help heaps, when she gets better I would look at giving her some probiotics,it may be a bacterial gut upset (just a guess). If possible I would look at some scatt this will help with worms mainly round and hair worms as well as acuaria and gizzard worms who can all give the same symptoms as posted- fluffed lethargic sloppy stool underweight. This is a start I believe that the move with the moult might have stressed the bird which has allowed underlying problems to arise. These are just guesses as like I said its very hard to diagnose a problem based on the 4 problems stated, after some research there are a number of problems which it could be but I'm starting off simple, my next guess would be to use baycox or similar for a Coccidiosis or related. Sorry I can't give you exact diagnosis or meds to use but here is some info that may help please use what you feel may be relevant. Also when giving egg in a heated area the heat will make it turn off quickly so I would personally, hold off till she is out of heated area as this could lead to more problems, just a thought. I hope Kenny can have go at this one as he seems pretty good at diagnosing problems. All the best.

[kenny66]

All the above is right. Heat/quiet and no stress. I would not treat for anything unless her condition does not improve.