FINCHforum

Hi everyone,

Just an update from my “Sick Gouldian Hen” thread and another question about Gouldians...

Firstly, it’s been a miserable, miserable week 

19/05 – Normal Gouldian hen, Rosie showed symptoms + 5 dead chicks in nest with empty crops

20/05 – Rosie and her underdeveloped fledgling from previous clutch, Pip, passed on. Rosie’s mate, Bandit, started showing symptoms

21/05 – Yellow Gouldian cock, Baby, started showing symptoms. Bandit passed on at approx 9pm. Treatment for Coccidiosis and bacterial infection started 21/05 9:30am on advice from specialist. Avio-Cox (Sulphadimethoxine 12.5%m/m, Trimethoprim 20% m/m. Dextrose qs 100%m/m) for a 5 day course, not 3 days as I incorrectly said earlier (3 days is for prevention)

23/05 – Baby still showing symptoms and his mate, Violet started to show symptoms. Nest of 7 checks lost , empty crops

26/05 – Baby passed on just before 10am this morning. Violet however, is looking better and her droppings are starting to look more solid as of this afternoon. Please say a prayer for her

Only the Gouldians have shown any symptoms. Symptoms started with fluffing up and quickly went downhill to shivering, diarrhoea and a wet/dirty vent area. Baby fought until the end but I obviously didn’t get the meds in time for him. The good news is, that I have 3 youngsters from each pair in the juvenile flight who are all (thank the Lord!) as healthy as can be. So for those I have lost, at least their legacy lives on. They have also been on treatment along with everyone else, including the Cordon Bleu’s in quarantine. All birds were started on probiotics this morning, Protexin.

Besides relooking at my entire aviary (I made some changes to reduce damp spots around the bottom water/bath dish and pot plant area’s), I also made a dropdown for in front of the aviary, so that now only a ¼ of the front is exposed during the winter nights and days during periods of bad weather (roof and 3 sides completely covered). This will help block out more wind. Prevention for coccidiosis is now on the list, along with their current worming routine.

Out of all the birds I have, only the Gouldians, Society’s and Canaries are indoor bred and this is their first winter outdoors (the indoor bred birds were purchased between Sept - Dec 2012 and have been outside since). The rest have all been bred outside in aviaries. When I spoke to the specialist, he told me that Gouldians in particular are prone to sickness and battle with temperature changes. We have been having some weird temperature fluctuations the last few weeks going into winter (hot, cold, hot, cold) and I’m pretty sure this did not assist the indoor bred Gouldians to strengthen their immune system against getting the infection. Most articles I have read online have pretty much reiterated what the specialist said.

This all brought me to a lot of researching, as I have been wondering how best to condition the next generation of Gouldians to be “tougher” for outdoor living conditions year round. I read quite a few articles about indoor bred birds having their immune systems “weakened” due to the more sterile environments and constant temperatures compared to birds kept outside.

I’m curious to hear everyone’s thoughts on the subject of conditioning for outdoor living and what you have personally done before that has worked successfully. I have always been against treating my animals for prevention, preferring to treat only for diagnosed conditions (except for de-worming and fleas, lol) but the birds are now making me rethink my policy. They pass on so quickly once sick

When I moved my gouldians outside I waited till outside temps were the same as indoor. I have a heated shed that they can fly in and out of a little doorway. The first year I locked them in the shed all winter with a heater keeping the temperature 60 degrees F, the next year I kept the shed heated at 55F. Now I leave the little door open all year with the heated shed at 55F. They go in and out all year long and even play in the snow.
I don't treat routinely with any medications.
So sorry to hear you are having such problems. I sure hope things turn around for you quickly

debbie276

Debbie, thank you so much. I think closing in the front of the aviary now will be a big help. I have a 150watt heatlamp in there at the moment and will be adding a second heat lamp.

This has all been such a learning curve. I'm praying this is the end now and that the rest of the birds continue to do well.

Rox, it is really very sad news. I pray for your feathered friends.

Thank you Bhatta

Thank heavens my yellow hen, Violet, is looking loads better this evening. I sat watching her for quite a while and I didn't see her fluff up once. Her eyes are brighter and completely open and her droppings are much firmer. She is also eating a lot more, which is a good sign

I am happy to hear the good news

The first few years are tough. Especially with Goulds in CT.

The best you can do is try only purchase birds that have been bred outdoors. They are the hardiest. Start with strong birds and they will in turn produce strong birds.
I've also learnt with them to keep them on a preventative med cycle. In the end I've decided to give up all my Goulds as they just don't fare well with me.

To introduce birds to winter, I always introduce them in the spring / summer months and let them adapt to autumn. BY providing a draft free shelter and the heat lamp, you've done all you can for them.

Good luck.

monotwine

Monique, thank you so much! Your advice and reassurance has settled my nerves

On a good note, Violet is looking better by the day