Symptoms: What do they look like

[ppg5tu]

Hi Everyone,

I am just overly cautious with our birds and was curious what "tail-bobbing" looked like if a gouldian is sick? Also, I have read a lot about symptoms of air sac mites and am curious what people consider heaving breathing? Our birds are breathing "fast" but that is what I think compared to what I would breath like. Also, their tails when they are breathing slightly moves down but not a pronounced bobbing up and down. Any links, videos, etc would be really helpful. Thanks

[mayble]

I've wondered the same thing.

[finchmix22]

The breathing sounds like a clicking with asm and tail bobbing is hard to describe, but there is a you tube video. I'll see if I can find the link.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

Tail bobbing occurrs when a bird breathes "extra heavy", usually because of a repiratory illness. With every breath the bird takes, the tail will make a very noticeable rythmic movement. Unless there are other symptoms, a very slight movement of the tail is usually not a big concern. With air sac mites, the clicking noise is very evident if you hold the bird close to your ear. Bob

[debbie276]

Just want to put it out there that tail-bobbing, clicking and/or labored breathing does not always mean air sac mites. It could be several other things including a respiratory infection.

[ppg5tu]

debbie276

Thanks for the info. I don't think they are sick, I just am always over cautious rather than lax about the health of our birds. They all seem fine, it was just the first night we set up a couple of breeder cages, a few of them seemed a little stressed, which I'm sure they were. They are all fine now. I am treating them with S76 just in case, the whole flock, to make sure there is nothing around. Thanks again!

[finchmix22]

Sounds like you have a good handle on the finches. Good Luck!

[ppg5tu]

finchmix22

Thanks Deborah. I'm hoping we do, I would hate for anything to happen. They all seem to be in good health. We have noticed that a lot of the birds we have gotten, seem to bulk up and feather out really well for us after we have had them for a few weeks. Not sure if it is the food, supplements, or space. The pet store in town sells the deluxe finch mix that you can buy at ladygouldian.com for about $1/lb.