Breathing Issue?

[Chuck]

I have two male society finches, one older than the other. The younger one seems to "pant" a lot when breathing; he seems to have to breathe very heavily much of the time. While the other, even after flying around, breathes very easily and not at all noticeably. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? The one with the prounounced breathing seems healthy and happy. But often out of breath. If anyone has any insight, I'd appreciate it.

[dcompt]

This is definitely not normal - I assume by panting you mean he is breathing with his beak open. I have only had experience of this once. Dee, also a society, did not respond to meds, and it was gradually becoming worse. It became serious enough that I took him to the vet, and after she examined him, she said he probably had an abdominal tumor interfering with his breathing, and we euthanized him.

However, there are doubtless many things that could be causing this that are more benign. Others with wider experience will be able to help you more.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

I have seen both canaries and java finches breathe with open mouth as a sort of stress reaction on occasion. Usually it happened with new acquisitions when unfamiliar people or one of my dogs got too close to the cages. It could also happen when birds were paired together for the first time or housed in small temporary cages. Not sure if societies would do the same as I've never owned them. Bob

[Zebrafincher]

I agree with 30 seconds to Bob. My canaries and finches have done this several times after being weighed by the vet in the container of the avian vet or being handled/examined. Its definitely a response to stress and I find my birds usually settle down. They will also exhibit this behavior if I move them in the car (ie the vet, or to a relative's place if I go on holidays).



Zebrafincher
Proud owner of:
“Kevin the King”, groutchy canary – 12 years
Beaky the Zebbie – 6 months
Merlin “Merl” the Starfinch – 2 years

[Chuck]

Thanks for the responses. I think there's there's something physically wrong with he bird. I'll treat him for air sac mites and if that doesn't help, I'll consult a vet. His breathing issue is more consistent than to be a temporary response to stress. It's pretty continual, and, in fact, has been with him since I got the bird. But since I hadn't had Society Finches before, I guess I didn't realize it to be abnormal. I appreciate the input.
I have an African Grey that hangs around the finch cage from time to time. If anyone can tell me if there's a danger that the Grey could pick up air sac mites, I'd appreciate hearing.

[debbie276]

While it is possible that it has air sac mites It could also be a respiratory infection.
Treating with Scott or S76 can't hurt. I would also treat your other birds because if one has it the other may also.

[dcompt]

He could also be stressed by the presence of the large african gray by the cage. I would watch closely when the birds are near each other and see if that is causing him any alarm. It probably isn't the cause of the condition, but he doesn't need anything more to distress him while he is ill. You could also offer him some extra heat if you haven't.

[Chuck]

The African Grey is actually in another room and just "visits" from time to time. The breathing issue is a physical illness, always present and getting worse. It's not situational or temporary. I'll assume it's mites for now and see if the treatment works. If not, I'll explore other possibilities. Thanks.

[cindy]

The Grey has breathing complications...I would take him to a vet if it is reoccurring/ongoing. Most likely it is a upper respiratory... doubt it would be mites but it could be. An avian vet would need to see the bird and start it on the proper treatment. I would not self diagnose or medicate a bird this size.

It can be other illnesses besides mites..... I would get you companion to a vet soon.

[Colt]

Cindy - I think she's talking about the society finch who is having breathing problems. In another thread someone posted the heavy breathing could be due to stress from the Grey being present in the room.

But I'm having a thought. African Greys, along with most of the Australian birds (Cockatoos, Cockatiels, and Parakeets) produce a lot of dander. I know people can develop allergies and breathing complications due to high amounts of dander. Is it possible that other birds with more sensitive airways than our own could experience distress from inhaling the dander?

[cindy]

Colt, honestly, I did not see the other topic thread.... The above statement mentions nothing about a finch or other bird...bit difficult to follow if you have not seen the other post.

[cindy]

If this is the case the larger bird could be a stress trigger for smaller finches, the Grey could be viewed as a predator.

If the condition of the bird with the breathing issue is getting worse or continuous it is best to seek treatment for the bird.

[cindy]

You small bird may see the Grey as a predator...it can stress a small bird out....perhaps it would be best to keep your Grey away from the finch cage.

Stress can bring hidden illness out in a bird. It can also cause the bird to panic, pant and stress.

[Sally]

Chuck@cindy@Colt

I'm going to merge this thread with the previous thread that discussed the breathing issue with the Society, since this is a continuation of that subject.

[Colt]

Thanks Sally. Helps keep it all cohesive. ;)