FINCHforum

My new firefinches took a turn for the worse just a couple days after getting them. They had been eating normally and drinking normally, but they both started to fluff up more each day. The male appeared to be having trouble digesting and we physically pushed some of the poo from him in case there was a blockage. When I noticed the yellow somewhat stringy poo, I treated for worms. Followed by two days of baycox for cocci. The hen died a few days ago, and now the male is barely hanging on. His eye seems to be getting swollen shut. Has anyone seen this before? His right eye is a little better, but I'm not sure what I can do next. I've been giving him a dash of thrive in his water each morning, he has a heat lamp and I'm giving eggfood. What else can I do?

Wondering if I should get a microscope so I can start doing fecal smear to eliminate some things.

firefinch a few days ago


firefinch today


female - messy vent

brian, I'm so sorry about this. I hope someone will be able to give you some advice that will help.

Thanks Amy -

Both eyes were closing up so I just tried giving him some amoxitex orally with a syringe but he didn't make it.

He was a fighter and will be missed...

sorry to hear it Brian. I know how it feels to lose a bird that you care about. he was lucky to have you to look after him.

So sorry to hear this, Brian. Unfortunately, once they look as bad as this little fellow did, there isn't much you can do for them.

Awww. You did the best you could. I know there is a disease affecting wild finches that resembles that eye problem. Did the previous owner subject them to wild birds? ie: outdoor aviary or an 'adopted' wild bird put in with the flock? Hoping the rest of your birds are okay. Keep us posted.

Pukasand wrote: Awww. You did the best you could. I know there is a disease affecting wild finches that resembles that eye problem. Did the previous owner subject them to wild birds? ie: outdoor aviary or an 'adopted' wild bird put in with the flock? Hoping the rest of your birds are okay. Keep us posted.

I think you mean Conjunctivitis which has really affected the wild house finch population.
So sorry for your loss

Thanks Judy & Debbie -

I was told the birds were wild caught, but other than that they had been housed indoors. The seller offered me a new pair for half the price, but I would imagine the other firefinches would be subject to the same thing. I'm not sure what I could differently anyway besides rely on luck. The two that I got looked the best of what he had, so that just goes to show how well these guys can hide things. The firefinches remained in quarantine, so no other birds were exposed to them, other than the b&w mannikins which shared a travel cage. They have remained hyper and curious unlike the fires which declined in health after the first couple days.

I really like those firefinches but I don't seem to be having much luck breeding, let alone establishing healthy pairs. I may have to pay you a visit after Judy.

Come on, Brian. I would love for my birds to have a home with someone as caring as you.