my Gouldian is puffing???

FrenchieFinch · Post by **FrenchieFinch** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 8:27 pm

Hi everyone....once again I need your help....
came home today and found the female (Agnes) kind of "puffy" if you will....as I approached the cage, she seemed ok, but everytime she breaths, her sides, rather all of her just puffs up?
Do I have a sick Agnes on my hands? What do I do??? Help....

Post by **Sally** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 8:37 pm

If you have a photo, it would help. The FIC Health section is being developed, but in the meantime, check out www.finchniche.com. There is much information there about illnesses and how to diagnose a sick finch. Any time you suspect illness, the first thing you can do to help is to provide heat. A heat lamp aimed at one end of the cage will often do wonders, but the bird has to be able to get away from the heat if needed.

FrenchieFinch · Post by **FrenchieFinch** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 8:45 pm

Ok, thanks Sally, I put the heat lamp on one side and turned it on...one other thing I noticed is that she keeps, like, squinting? I have found a ph # of a vet near me, if I see more of the same off we go....also, she seems to slouch on the perch....I will try and post a photo.......

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 8:54 pm

A pinch of NV Powder or Guardian Angel in her drinking water could give her a (vitamin) boost in addition to the heatlamp.

FrenchieFinch · Post by **FrenchieFinch** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 9:49 pm

thanks nv powder, where can i get some quickly? Do the pet store chains carry it?

nixity · Post by **nixity** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 10:42 pm

No - but a simple substitute would be unflavored pedialyte - which you can get at any pharmacy or in any infant section of Wal-Mart, Target, or most major grocery stores.

FrenchieFinch · Post by **FrenchieFinch** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 11:14 pm

ok, thanks nixity, I know i can get some pedialyt tonite, hopefully it isnt anything serious.

Have a great evening, all, thanks for your help and input.

FrenchieFinch · Post by **FrenchieFinch** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:52 pm

Hi everyone....I think the heat lamp did the trick...maybe I am overly cautious by freaking out yesterday, but I was worried. I have given her some pedialyte as well, so hopefully it was nothing. Thanks for all your help everyone.

ac12 · Post by **ac12** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:42 am

Funny how they improve with just some warmth.

My zebra was also not looking well. So I put him in a small hospital cage with a 50w heat lamp, and he seems fine after a day. I will give him another 24hrs then move him back into the community cage.

When I move him back to the community cage, I will take CandoAviary's advice and move my heat lamp to the community cage also. That way he, or any of the other birds can go to the lamp when they feel they need extra warmth.