Possible sick bird

[ann]

I picked up a canary yesterday at the bird show. She looked fine and healthy, but this morning I gave her a better look over and I see her vent looks a bit soiled. And her beak doesn't stop moving, it just moves up and down quickly, like chewing tiny little bites. Apart from that, she is lively and curious and has a great appetite. Do you think I should I start treating her with anything?

[Babs _Owner]

ann

Have you given her a Scatt treatment? Possibly air sac mites?

[ann]

I was thinking about that, but what if she was just treated by the breeder? Would that hurt her to get a double dose?

[lovezebs]

ann

Don't like the sound of that....

I would keep her away from your other birds, better in a seperate room.

A breeder who would sell a sick bird, is not one who would probably treat his birds.
I'd give her a warm light, and keep her calm and quiet (just in case it's just a bit of a reaction to the stress). Watch her carefully, and if still not better by tomorrow, I would look into treating her, or asking for Vet advice.

Good luck.

[ann]

Update - today she is very lively and spunky. She has bathed several times and looks much cleaner. That tiny cage she was in at the show, with all those other birds - yuck, she got really dirty. Like you all mentioned, she was probably a little stressed. Thanks to everyone for your input!

[lovezebs]

ann


She really is adorable Ann. Congratulations!

I'm so glad that your little lady is feeling better.

It's not unusual for a new bird to be stressed and a little off the first day, or even a couple of days. What you want to see is an improvement however, not deterioration. So if she's eating, drinking, bathing, chirping and active, it sounds like things are on the up and up

Enjoy !

[Babs _Owner]

ann

Lovely choice. She is a real cutie.