FINCHforum

My OB waxbill hen has been a bit puffy since she's been around. She's in quarantine, along with her mate, and they're both active and eating. They have a heat lamp with a 90 degree hot spot, however, neither use it. Is it safe to say that she's not sick?

Is she molting?

wilkifam wrote: Is she molting?

Not that I can see. She's a bit scraggly, a little feather loss behind the head, but that's about it.

This is what I'm describing as "puffy". She's still very active but I know birds can hide their illnesses well...

She looks fluffed up and I'd keep the heat lamp available and look at her droppings. Do they look watery, green/yellow, or other abnormal droppings? Have you treated for typical quarantine illness? If not, you should start with what seems most likely. Listen if she has trouble breathing, hear clicking while breathing, or see open beak breathing, which would suggest Air Sac Mites. Then, treat with Iverlux or S76. If you think she has an infections, the droppings can be an indication. Also, pick her up, even though it's stressful. Feel her breast bone and if she seems light/thin, you probably need to treat for coccidiosis. If you think she is having a respiratory or intestinal infection, she needs antibiotics.

My best suggestion would be to give a combination of Ronex 12% and Amoxitex, for a week. Then, follow with a probiotic to restore the gut flora. If she is sick, so is the mate, most likely.

Oh god those medications are EXPENSIVE. I really can't afford them. I honestly can only wait and see how it plays out I guess. My parents aren't the kind of people who are willing to spend 90$ on a tiny 15$ bird, and I'm broke after building the aviary. The hen is more active this morning but still fluffy. I hope it's just a "cold".

EDIT - Oh, and I did check the female over. She seems a good weight, droppings normal, no clicking, etc.

If she's a new bird she might just need time to adjust to her new environment and diet. Other then the heat you might want to just watch her closely for any additional change.
best of luck

She seemed to be puffy less often today, and was much more active. Hopefully she's gettin better.

Very glad to hear that

New birds often go through a sort of shock while adjusting to new surroundings, food, water. I like to put NV powder in the water for new birds, Thrive is another product that is good. They give the birds a little boost while they adjust. A small container of these products goes a long way, since you aren't using it very often.