FINCHforum

One of my colony of masked finches is unwell.

Bird seems to be lively but his condition has deteriorated in a couple of days.

He is short of breath, he lost feathers round his rump, and wings are in a mess (see pictures)!

I have not noted any excessive preening, or loss of weight yet, but I am not looking all the timeHe is now in a Hospital cage.

Any help would be greatly appreciated to help this little buddy recover. And, should I given any preventive treatment to his mates?

The Maltese

He looks like he was plucked by another finch.

It would also not hurt to treat him and your whole flock for mites. I treat for mites as a preventative twice a year.

If you are sure he's not being plucked, this article might help.

https://ladygouldianfinch.com/features_mites-lice.php

The Maltese

Hello,

Sorry to hear that your little friend is unwell.

Was he possibly attacked by another bird?
I can see what looks like damage to the feathers, and loss of feathers, but that wouldn't explain why he's breathing hard.

Have you picked him up and listened to his chest? Does his breathing sound normal to you?

Placing him in a hospital cage is wise. Offering some extra warmth and peace and quiet is always a good idea.

Is there a Vet in your area that woild be willing to take a look at him?

Babs wrote: The Maltese

He looks like he was plucked by another finch.

It would also not hurt to treat him and your whole flock for mites. I treat for mites as a preventative twice a year.

If you are sure he's not being plucked, this article might help.

https://ladygouldianfinch.com/features_mites-lice.php

I have already treated him for mites and will treat all the aviary this evening as a prevention even though I do not think its mites.

I am attributing to the heavy breathing to the fact that he is half naked and under stress and that is why i placed him in hospital. Will give him plenty of iodine, minerals and supplement his food to aid recovery.

I think he is being plucked although i cannot understand how he is being plucked under the wing. Can plucking take place due to lack of nesting material?

The Maltese

Yes, most definitely.

Birds will pluck their mates, their fledglings, and other birds in the vecinity, for nesting materials. They will also pluck themselves for the same reason.

I still think (just guessing here, by the looks of him) that he might have been attacked by another bird.

lovezebs wrote: The Maltese

Yes, most definitely.

Birds will pluck their mates, their fledglings, and other birds in the vecinity, for nesting materials. They will also pluck themselves for the same reason.

I still think (just guessing here, by the looks of him) that he might have been attacked by another bird.

I have masked finches, owls, cordon bleus and orange cheek waxbills and have no agressive finches. I am guessing it must be one of the other masked finches because all other species are smaller birds.

I have now put 5 types of nesting material in the aviary and am giving iodine to the poor chap to help recovery.

The Maltese

I really hope he recovers soon.