Finch parasite

[queenb]

I am at a complete loss and need serious help for my finch. Dad and her mate had a brood of 6 hatchlings in Nov. 19. They fledged right on time at 21 days and were in good health. I brought them inside in Dec. and treated each with Scatt while I had them in hand. Within 30 days some starting loosing feathers, figuring most were moulting first feathers/different temp. Another 15 days dad looses head feathers, three others same. Treated flock w/scalex. Cock scalp red and bleeding at cere. Applied a bit of neosporin. Treated flock with weak invermectin baths every 7-10 days x 3. In April, feathers coming back to most, treated with Scatt, moved to outside. Found dad to still have scab on scalp at cere. Kept him inside and treated with antibiotics for one week. Today, went to move outside and his scalp is still bad. I treated with Scatt and returned him to indoor cage. His feet are clear.

Has anyone else dealt with a mite/parasite problem resistant to known treatments. Maybe it is something else? I will say my aviary had a field mouse problem (right before I brought them in), something never experienced before.

I will include a picture I took today....not for squeamish. Thank you in advance for any words of wisdom.

He's a strawberry finch, currently about three weeks behind the rest in moulting/breeding color.

[wildbird]

I think you are way over treating. His head looks a little swollen to me. It is not a good idea to treat for things when you don't know what it is. All these drugs have bad side effects. In my opinion, it is not a parasite. Since the problems began after Scatt was given and then other drugs administered, it might be a reaction from drugs.

[LarksNest]

It doesn't appear to be scaly mites, and feather mites would deplume more than just the head. Still, I would probably have treated the same way because it sounds as if initially it did look like mites.

I'm inclined to think this is some kind of fungal infection. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to have your Vet get some skin scrapings or take a culture (unless you do your own labs). Candida (my first thought) can often cause localized skin issues.

However, mice carry all kinds of diseases. I've experienced ringworm, fleas, mites & lice, all with secondary bacterial infections from mice in my aviary. If the mice got into the feed or nests, it is indeed possible the birds picked something up from them.

[queenb]

LarksNest, thank you for sharing your experience, and I agree his next step is the vet. I think an aviary environment is akin to a salt water tank-so fragile. The mouse problem was certainly a new element and the reason I mentioned it. I hated to get aggressive with the rodents, but even with the neighbors effective cat patrol, the unusual rainy season created an infestation in my heated aviary. (On the subject of mice, the best "new mouse trap" IMO is from Tomcat-white.) About the same time and for the same reason (cold rain), I brought the parents and juveniles inside.

When I found the male struggling, I also put out a dish of dry herbs, dusted w/Avi-pow, which is a antifungal/antibacterial natural supplement...it may have helped the others, but not the "carrier".

So for the benefit of others, I will keep you all posted on the vet's treatment plan.

[LarksNest]

Queenb,

You are so right about the aviary being like a tank! If just one thing goes wrong, it throws off the entire balance!

Ahhhh, a very wet season is another wrench in the works. That makes me even more inclined to think it's fungal! We've had a TON of rain this Spring here in MI too, and even though my birds are inside, the humidity has been an issue for them. I've had to keep an especially close eye on them. Lots of Candida going around. Pretty much spent my spring so far at the scope!

If you do end up taking him to the Vet, I'd be interested to know what he/she finds! I hope it's something simple and an easy fix!

k-

[queenb]

Morning Larsknest,

I did take my strawberry to the vet this past weekend. I am fortunate to have an avian specialist in the LA region, he has been in practice for 50 years, yet had never seen a strawberry. IMO they tend to treat hookbills more frequently. Of the three I have been to over the years, he is the most knowledgeable and appreciates the fragility of finches and the importance of environment, but I digress.


For mites, he was pleased with the use of moxidectin/SCATT because of it's effectiveness, ease of use, tolerability. He was also supportive of the use of Neosporin to keep the scab from hardening like a skinned knee that is difficult to heal and it won't hurt their eyes. He confirmed a small amount is warranted and suggested applying daily.

As for the antibiotic, he prefers Baytril (of course) for it will address 90% of ailments vs. the amoxicillin I was using. He prescribed an oral solution, twice a day at the beak, for 7 days, .04 ml (bird weight 14gr). He suggested to treat before running a culture for fungal infection and currently the wound looks much better than the posted picture.

He believes the bird was weakened, (rearing, weather, mites) but should be okay. He does not like being alone .... (and others will pick on his scab), hope he recovers soon.

Appreciate your time and concern,

queenb