"Twirling"

rfn1 · Post by **rfn1** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 12:26 pm

I noticed "twirling" in my male Gouldian and a bit from the hen; they just turn their heads intermittently and occasionally, not permanently.

I've noticed on line that that this is treated quite successfully with a certain antifungal or antiviral or vitamin supplement. Has anyone here had luck treating this phenomenon?

Fancie Flight · Post by **Fancie Flight** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 2:52 pm

WOW Ive never had on eexpirience this so cant offer any asst. But hope the outcome is good,

hilljack13 · Post by **hilljack13** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 3:14 pm

That's the first I have heard of this, at first I thought you noticed them doing their dance. This is obviously not the case..Keep us updated, I would like to know more about this 'twirling'.

Post by **Sally** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 3:32 pm

There is an article on twirling at www.ladygouldianfinch.com. See if that description sounds like your birds.

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 5:34 pm

rfn1....let us know how things go with your sick bird....who knows when I will have that problem someday! It would be good to hear if you were able to fix the problem.

rfn1 · Post by **rfn1** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 11:53 am

Well, they're not really sick. Apparently twirling is a much more severe condition, and if they are afflicted it is a very early stage. But I will keep an eye on them. But, I can't figure out why they twist their heads like that.

I will keep an eye on it....

kiwi & mango · Post by **kiwi & mango** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:21 am

Hi
I was reading your post and all I can offer is my female does it when she is stressed a little as well as when she is trying to get the males attention. I believe it is the second more then stress but have you moved either of them? or are they in breeding condtion? can you seperate them for a short time to see if it is stress?

good luck

TammyS · Post by **TammyS** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 11:26 pm

Did you recently move your birds from a larger to a smaller cage? I see birds occasionally do this when I remove them from a flight and put them in a breeding cage.

Twirling is much different than what you described. In advance stages, the bird will be unable to perch usually and be on the bottom of the cage, going in circles - literally - and end up on it's back unable to right itself.

I rescued two Gouldians once that had the twirling. Unfortunately we decided it would be best to put them down. Very sad to watch.

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 7:57 am

My Gouldians did a little form of twirling when I put in their heat lamp...they were wringing their heads around looking up at that "new" thing above them...but it only lasted for a few minutes.