FINCHforum

Hello ,
I have kept a pair of shaft tails(wild male and creamino female).
This is the second time in 2 months my male bird has shown signs of weakness. The bird was sitting on the floor with head shaking very often.He didn't move at all nor ate all day .Last time I saw this behaviour was a month back and I applied an antiseptic cream on it's back as I thought he was hurt.The next day he was all good .Same thing happened yesterday .today he is fine . Any idea what is wrong with the bird.

Thanks in advance

What are you feeding him? Did you change chemicals in cleaning products? Is he a shy bird or aggressive?

I'm wondering.... I had a bird with a similar problem. I gave him Oyster Shelled Duck Feed produced by Layena-Purina. On top of that I made sure the only feed I get is designed for wild birds, I give them a variety of fresh garden greens and fruits, grass (even if I have to rip it out of the ground) marigold flower or dandelion flower, and a dirt dish.

If he acts weak, he might be sick.

head shaking and weaken could be illness of some sort, not sure what type of head shaking he is doing but injury, toxins and parasites, bacteria can all get into the brain.... hard to say from your description.

Feeding grass from you yard if if yard is visited by other animals, birds is not a good idea. Try sprouting seeds, more nutritious

My bird grass is kept clean in a small confined area. Its cut with scissors if I don't need it. Its the same stuff I give them for nests and has no foot traffic from myself or other animals. It is in the ground, yes.

Thanks Moon & Specialist Cindy
I am feeding them a mixture of canary,red,black seed and yellow millet with calcium source .To my surprise the bird looks in good health now .The female has laid 4 eggs and they are taking turns & sitting on it .
Cindy - The head shaking is towards the back and it happened only twice from the time i have kept the bird.
Also now i have 2 pairs of shaft tails in adjacent cages which have completed their clutch and sitting tight on eggs.
Any guide on raising shaft tail would be of great help.


Thanks again