NEED HELP - Sick Zebra Finch

[Sridhar.Rangdhale]

My female zebra finch is seems to be sick, it always Sit low on perch always sleepy keeps head back and the feather will be puffy not much active as before. I am much worried please can any one guide what has to be done to cure. I dont want to loose my cute bird.

[Bhatta]

Is it egg bound? Provide calcium.
It may be a viral/bacterial/protozoal infection. Check the poop and other symptoms.

Whatever the fact, immediately provide her a source of heat at a corner of the cage (e.g., a 40/60 Watt lamp) and electrolyte in the drinking water.

[Sridhar.Rangdhale]

Hi Bhatta - How do I identify if its egg bound and can you let me know how do I cure that and in future..

[finchmix22]

Is there a male in her cage? If so, eggbound is most likely. If she's young, she may have trouble laying her first egg. Give crushed hardboiled egg (shell and all) next to where she is sitting and a source of water close to her as well. Put her in a smaller cage, if possible, and if you can put the cage in the bathroom with the shower turned on to hot, to create humidity. If you have calcium plus, give her a 0.1cc drop directly to her beak. If not, give her pedialyte in the water and the crushed eggs. Watch her closely. Good Luck!

[finchmix22]

Another thought. If she is not eggbound, put a clean paper towel beneath where she is perching and look at her droppings. Are they watery?, abnormal color? etc. If so, she may need an antibiotic or medication for coccidiosis. Do you have Baytril?

[Sridhar.Rangdhale]

Yes I have male too in the cage and it had layed egg before but due to inexprerience it did not feed chicks. Morning I gave Homemade Electrolyte using Salt sugar and baking soda. I have kept curttle bone and egg shell too.. I will feed boiled egg in the evening since I am at work now. droppings are not that bad but I could see some yellow colors on feathers. I will try to keep her warm.

[Bhatta]

I suspect it is coccidiosis....please consult a vet.

[finchmix22]

If the vent/feathers are messy/wet then she needs Baytril for coccidiosis. A vet can give you some or you can order it overnight from various bird supply stores online. Good Luck!

[debbie276]

Yellow watery dropping are a sign of cochlosoma also which would require you use ronidazole (Ronivet)

[finchmix22]

If you're not sure what is really going on, but you know she is going downhill, I'd suggest a mixture of Ronex 12% and Amoxitex together. I've had success with really sick finches with this combo for 5-7 days. Then, follow with Probiotic for 3-5 days.