Not a good year

[poohbear]

Well....Another one of those days.Around midday I spotted a dead chick on the floor that hadn't been there first thing.It was a baby bicheno and on examination it had one crop blown up like a balloon.
I checked the nest and sure enough it was empty.On searching the aviary I found one in the high branches...bottom one in the pic...



The other I found desperately trying to climb the wire flapping it's wings like mad...it didn't make it.This one is very tiny,luckily the weather is ok and it might make it. Although I've found chicks stand a better chance if they can follow the parents to beg.It's just sitting quietly hoping It's in a safe corner.



So one dead bicheno and two survivors up to press.

I had another experience today I don't want repeating....One or two birds decided to panic for some reason...this was taken up by all the other birds except the Rosa Bourkes which remained calm.All I heard for the next couple of minutes was 'THUD' 'THUD' as bird after bird flew at high speed into the wire.At least six did this and I finished up with several on the floor panting after their panic.
An hour later after I left them in peace, things seemed to be back to normal and none seem to be injured.
That was not something I want to see repeated...and what decided them to suddenly panic I don't know...it's a new one on me.


Oh...and Annague...I sprinkle diatomaceous earth in all nestboxes plus an anti mite spray.

[poohbear]

Well...just been out for another look,and both chicks up in the branches next to each other...that's cheered me up no end...never like to see chicks on the floor for too long.Lord knows how the little one got up that high.

[annague]

Oh...and Annague...I sprinkle diatomaceous earth in all nestboxes plus an anti mite spray

I presumed as much, but I wanted to mention it just in case you would have something available there that would help you (since you have no S76 or such stuff.)

I'm glad to see the little Bichenos up off the floor -- I hope things turn around for you once and for all.

[Sally]

I agree, good to see that little one on the perch. And it made it up next to its sibling, that is another good sign. It is always amazing to me how high these little first-time fledglings can fly.

[poohbear]

Update...

Fawn Diamond firetails doing fine...active and feeding well...The bichenos too...but not still long enough to get a picture.Once they're all feeding themselves I'll know the vulnerable time is over.

[finchmix22]

Aww, they are so cute! Congrats!

[finchmix22]

Paul, so sorry to hear of your troubles.

This is probably something that you already do but sometimes I dust my nests with a bird-safe powder that is supposed to help with insects -- it is mostly inert. I then put a small amount of grass or nesting material on top. Every year, when I replace or clean nests I re-dust them before I put them back in and it has seemed to help (although I do have a regular miticide program, too).

Anna
What is your miticide program? Is this just for outdoor aviaries?

[poohbear]

Update...

Everybody looking fine up to press...here's hoping the disinfecting of the aviary and nestboxes has removed the risk of infection.

[cindy]

I hope all your good efforts pay off and your chicks continue to thrive. The owl chicks are adorable as are the fawn diamonds!

[debbie276]

Looking good, hope all works out and you got it licked.

[Sally]

Looking good, it must be such a relief to finally have some youngsters making it. Hope this is the end of all your troubles.

[poohbear]

Ta folks...here's hoping.

[lovemyfinch]

Whatever was going on has passed.

[fabulousfinch]

Great news, and hope it is all behind you now!

Bill