My sweet little handfed update 2/14

[dfcauley]

I have one little gouldian that I have been handfeeding for 8 days now. It eats really well for me, but just doesn't seem to be doing so great. It is Mario and Millie's baby and for some reason they rejected this last clutch. It was tossed from the nest and they stopped feeding it along with the others. This is the only one I have been able to save.

I boil all it's water and add citric acid. Today I began adding some NV to the water I mix in the formula. I just don't really know what else to do for it. It can fly somewhat, preens etc... but something just isn't right.

I added a picture of it's poop...(sorry) but I was hoping someone who is an expert on poop could tell me what they thought.

Thanks.....

[cindy]

Poor little thing, maybe Tiffany will chime in soon. Hope she can suggest something, praying he pulls through for you and gets stronger.

[CandoAviary]

Donna,
Sorry to hear you have lost more gouldian chicks The chick doesn't look too bad to me. Maybe a little ruffled, maybe add more heat. His poop looks fine to me also. The white part is the urates, the brown is the feces (colored brown due to the handfeeding formula) and the wet, watery part the urine. The stool just seem to be very loose and seperated. Maybe mix the formula with less water. Also sometimes citric acid can irritate a young digestion system. Is he eating well for you?
Sure hope you have the best luck with this one. Hope you are feeling better also, didn't realize you had been sick. Prayers for the both of you

[dfcauley]

Thanks. I have been using the citric acid to hopefully keep it from getting yeast. I have used a very small amount, but I will back off on it.

It is eating very well and begs every time it sees me.
But I am just not satisfied with how it looks.

I will add the extra heat tonight. I have been putting it into a nest at night and I will put the heat lamp over the cage.

[MLaRue]

I think the baby doesn't look too bad either - poop seems a little off but not too bad. Doesn't seem to look very tight feathered or bright eyed either, as if something is making it feel yucky.

If it were *me* and my baby I would try using Tri-Meth Sulfa (TMS) and Nystatin. Stop using the citric acid when using both of these meds. I would also stop using the NV Powder (sugar). What kind of vitamin supplement is the baby getting?

If you want I can bring you some Nystatin tomorrow.

[Finch Fry]

Ditto Ditto. Bird looks good, poop looks good. Sounds like you are doing what you can. The ruffled feathers look is probably from poor feather growth witch is a function of improper vitamin/supplements or abnormal digestive tract issues and not being able to absorb the goodies out of its food. Nothing you can do since you are giving it all it needs. Just throw some heat and watch closely. If he deteriorates, consider medicating him. Consider some probiotics in the meantime to supplement proper gut micros.

Keep us posted

[cindy]

Donna, the probiotic Chris mentioned helped pull my owl through a rough time. I think his body was stressed and he may have had a yeast infection. It cleared everything up and he is busier than the others, building everywhere!

[dfcauley]

I started him on the Tri-Metha Sulfa this morning. Well... actually at last feeding last night. There is definately something "off" with it and it may just be a failure to thrive.

I am not sure about mixing the probiotics with the other....

[cindy]

Donna, Tiffany may know...oh Tiffany where are you?

[L in Ontario]

I hope he pulls through for your Donna. I'm lousy at handfeeding. If you want to check which meds can be given at the same time, you can take a look at the Morning Bird Interaction Chart.

http://www.morningbirdproducts.com/products.html

Good luck!

[Meagan83]

Poor little guy, it's hard when they are getting by but you know somethings wrong. I hope you see him getting better soon. Keep us updated.

[dfcauley]

I am lousy at handfeeding too. Some just have the talent for it, but not me.

But what can you do??? You have to try huh?

He perks up each day as the day goes on. But in the mornings he doesn't look so great. I do not feed at night.

He chirps alot but when I feed him he shakes his head some...??? now sure what that is.

[MLaRue]

Since TMS has worked with other birds in the past for you Donna - that is why I think TMS will help this baby.

You should see a big difference by day 3 - if it is going to help or not.

[Meagan83]

I am lousy at handfeeding too. Some just have the talent for it, but not me.

But what can you do??? You have to try huh?

I give you kudos. Your baby gould is alive because of you. You are doing your best, and you obviously love the little fellow. I have tried to save wild baby birds before by handfeeding and had no sucess. You are doing well and the only way to learn is through experience. I hope the little guy gets better soon.

[cindy]

Donna, it maybe a yeast infection in it's crop or throat, early stages. I saw this in a group of parrotlets that I was handfeeding out for a friend. We had a hurricane come through, I had a way to heat water and he did not.

After feeding within the first 2 days, they started to shake thier heads, their necks swayed a little. We lost a few. He took some in to have their little bodies examined and it came back as a yeast infection that was going though his nursery of chicks. (I kept them separate from mine, different feeding utensils, and washed hands a lot). They were hungry and would gladly take the food but seemed small, thin feathered. I am friends with the vet and she knew I had been feeding his chicks out and discussed it with me.

Just a thought....