FINCHforum

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

I've wondered the same thing.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.