new finch..what should i do

[dutch]

Iastnight a captured a finch that came to my aivary...i have put in a small cage....the bird appears to be healthy...its well fed and excellent feathers and very active....i want to add it my flock....but i will worm it first and keep it in the small cage for 2 weeks......is there anything i should do ....should i medicate for canker and give it coccivet.....or just worm it......the birds vent is dry and the bird looks to be in perfect health

[wellingtoncdm]

What type of finch is it? What country are you in? Is it legal to capture wild or feral finches in your area? Was it a domestic pet finch that escaped from someone? I think we may need more info before answering your post.

[cindy]

Wild birds can carry all sorts of viruses/diseases, not sure I would take a wild bird and put it in my aviary of domestic birds.

As Charlie mentioned that capturing wild birds I illegal to keep. Personally it is in my opinion it is not fair to the wild bird to do so for the sake of wanting to add it to your collection.

[dutch]

Its a zebra finch .....i have zebra inches...its not a wild finch .....

Should i just worm it....

[cindy]

Are you in Australia? Is it a domestic zebra or a wild zebra finch you caught?

[bugaboo5]

Are you in Australia? Is it a domestic zebra or a wild zebra finch you caught?

Yes, I believe Dutch is from Australia. In Australia, I'm not sure if one can accurately identify between a wild or domestic zebra finch. Unless the "wild" finch caught is banded?

[bugaboo5]

dutch - You can worm the finch and treat it for air sac mites. I would also quarantine and watch the bird for at least 6 weeks. Though personally, if it were me, I would not cage the bird. The bird has known freedom, so it seems a tiny bit cruel to put it back in a cage. However, if you feel that the finch will have a better life under your care and it is legal to cage birds in Australia, by all means, do as you see fit. Ultimately, the final decision is yours. Good luck.

[cindy]

I am checking with some breeder friend I know in Australia, my vet is also from Australia. I believe it is illegal to catch wild zebra and cage them. I will find out for sure.

[dutch]

I live in Sydney..its a pure white zebra finch ...it is not wild...i have never in my life seen a wild zebra finch ...and im pretty sure wild ones are not white....

So again ....when you introduce a new bird what process do you use...medications and length of time you keep it quarantine...

[bugaboo5]

The recommended quarantine period is 4-6 weeks. Some people do 8-9 weeks. During this time, you want to do the basics: de-worm and treat for mites. I use Morning Bird's Worm Away and Vetafarm's SCATT or S76.

I tend to stray away from using broad spectrum antibiotics during quarantine because the over medicating can do more bad than good. I would not treat for canker or coccidiosis, unless you see symptoms that require you to do so. Good luck!

[debbie276]

I agree with Bugaboo5, de-worm and treat for mites. Watch for other symptoms and/or signs of trouble while you are getting the birds accustom to your food and water.
good luck

[wellingtoncdm]

Luck bird to have found your group.

[cindy]

Being white is sounds like an escapee from someone's collection. Good she found you, she may have been a victim of a hawk or predator if she had not.

I did check with some folks that breed and raise zebras in Australia. It is very illegal to catch and keep wild zebra, wild finches...if caught the penalty is steep and jail time can be served.

[Sally]

This was obviously someone's pet bird, so it may not have lasted long in the wild. It is lucky that it will now be safe with you. I agree with bugaboo5 and debbie276 about treatment. I personally would quarantine for at least 4 weeks, since you have no idea where this little bird has been.

[dutch]

Thanks for advice everyone....you guys are legends