Started S76 today...

[spook1]

Hi All,
I started the S76 today. I must say Fred and Ethel were not happy. I withheld water for 1 1/2 hour and they were very mad like they were yelling at me ... Lol. So I mixed the med with water put it in and both flew to it like they haven't had water for days. Well they both took a huge drink and .... Omg the look on their faces!!! I don't think they like the taste... And they let me know it. Who would have thought these lil guys could be so expressive.
On another note my avairy should be delivered in Fri and I want to put some artificial plants in around the nests any suggestions on what not to put in with them?
Thanks

[MiaCarter]

A few drops of honey should do the trick.

I always dip my finger in to taste the water myself when I include medications. Some have a very "sharp" taste, a bit like a dandelion. (Anyone ever eat a dandelion as a child? I did. Awful. They've got a hard to describe taste. The best I can say is that it's "sharp". Go pluck one and see (or, rather, taste) for yourself.

If it's especially bad, I'll add a few drops of honey. It takes some of the edge off.

[lnlovesorange]

I know (about them being expressive) it's crazy huh? Last night my mom was trying to take out some of the nesting material in the back hole of the nest (one of the store bought bamboo ones, it has a little hole in the back) and Melvin always weaves all sorts of stuff in there so you can't look in, well my mom was trying to pull some pieces out to get a look a the babies, and I'm watching them fron the front and they were PISSED, and i'm telling her "they dont like that, oh they know you're there, they dont' like that" and she asked me why, and i really couldn't explain it....but you hit the nail on the head, just the look on their faces!!! So, needless to say she stopped! But yeah you deffinitely know when they aren't happy!!! Good luck, can't wait to see your aviary. As far as fake plants, I was just asking about this and i heard that the 6 ft garland is good, and anything silk (mine like to bite and pull at EVERYTHING) so make sure anything you get is non toxic obviously, but i bought some garlands at michaels, and I think MiaCarter told me how to string them, so I'm sure someone with an aviary can tell you better. And you're in a nicer area where it is warm, you can use real plants too, http://www.ladygouldianfinch.com/featur ... plants.php this link (LOVE ladygouldian!!) has a list of good and bad plants. If you want to go real, but read the whole page, cuz it's not easy!! And I'm sure someone else will chime in with what to do for fakes!! Good luck, and post pics ASAP!!

[spook1]

Hi Guys
Thanks you for the replies.
Fred seems to be on a drinking strike. Ethel will drink with the S76 and tries to bathe in it but Fred has on drank one time since yesterday (that I saw) Should I just suck it up at try and catch him and treat with the Scatt?
Or do you think he's getting enough?
Thanks

[cindy]

you may want to try Scatt, it can be applied topically if your birds do not like to drink the medication..adding this type of medication to the water is unreliable if you are trying to knock out mites... topical is better.

scatt vs s76
http://www.ladygouldianfinch.com/features_scatt-s76.php

[debbie276]

I've always used silk greenery and have never had them shred it or get caught in it. I also always use real grape vines and branches without any issues.
Fetching, I've never used those woven nests and most everyone has said don't because the birds get their feet and toes caught in them. I'm surprised you only use them.

Personally I would use the Scatt, one time treatment and you know they got the dose they need

[spook1]

Hi
Little update......The S/76 seemed to work on Ethel her feet look great!! Thank you guys for the help!!

[MiaCarter]

spook1 That's great news!
I'm glad to hear she's looking better.