FINCHforum

I bought two zebra finches about 10 days ago. As far as energy level they are very active. They seem happy, they eat very well, they sing, etc. However, on one male both wing tips (the parts of the wings that rest near the tail) often droop down quiet a lot when he is just sitting on the perch. When he is moving around and just landed from flight, they are tight. I noticed on the other male that his tale seems to bob when he is sitting still and sometimes does not have the tightest feathers. Again, they are very active, have tons of energy and other then those signs, look happy and healthy. What should I do? Do I purchase some meds from PetsMart? Advice?

What do their droppings look like? If their droppings are normal, then I would think you don't have anything to worry about. The tail bobbing is normal to me, and even the droopy wings. Sick birds will usually sit puffed up, with closed or partly closed eyes. It is impossible to diagnose without seeing the birds, but I would take a wait and see attitude.

I do not recommend using most medications unless you are sure that the birds need them. Antibiotics can be harmful if administered when the bird doesn't have an illness that calls for antibiotics. There are various 'sick bird' supplements that are put out by the major companies--these usually consist of electrolytes and energy foods to give the bird a boost. It is good to keep something like that on hand.

Sally wrote:What do their droppings look like?

There are various 'sick bird' supplements that are put out by the major companies--these usually consist of electrolytes and energy foods to give the bird a boost. It is good to keep something like that on hand.

Sally-- As far as their droppings, they look normal I believe. Although, what would I need to look for if they were abnormal? Their vents are not dirty or stained or anything like that. Would Guardian Angel be something like you're talking about?

Black or bright green droppings or very loose usually signal some ailment. There is a good article at www.finchaviary.com, look under Care and then Illness, and she gives signs to look for, and then has a link to droppings. Crystal is working on some articles on health for the Finch Information Center, so when she has those finished, you will have much of this information right here. Someone had a link to poopology, I thought, but I can't remember where it is--showed what poops looked like.

Guardian Angel is a supplement that many use when then suspect a sick bird. The company claims that it boosts the immune system.

Here is a good link to put in favorites
http://www.finchniche.com/f-poopology.mgi
Very good site for all kinds of health problems

Thanks for that link, Bill! I knew I had seen someone post a link somewhere, just couldn't remember. Yes, I'll put that one in my favorites, because next week I won't remember again where it is!