question about supplements, preventatives

[rancho2]

I've been kind of stocking up on different supplements for the finches. looking for opinions/suggestions on how to use, how often, when, or if not necessary. thx!

avi calm
avi vita plus
avi bios
kd water cleanser
avi pow
grapefruit seed extract
avi tech electrovites

[finchmix22]

The only supplement in your list I use is the KD water cleanser. I use that about twice a year to clean the dishes and water bottles and then, I give the finches a small dose, for good measure.
The other supplements I use regularly are
Thrive, for sick finches
Probiotics-for use after antibiotics or if I think they need to get their gut flora balanced.
I offer Herb Salad mix in the winter and Calcium Plus when breeding, if a young hen that has not laid before. Otherwise, they get eggfood, greens and veggies with their quality seed mix etc.
I keep on hand, Amoxitex, Baycox, Ronex 12% and Coccicare for illness.

[finchandlovebird]

Good topic. I don't use anything other than veggies, Romaine, HB eggs & mineral mix & granulated kelp
I have a question on the KD water cleanser. I previously got a sample from Lady Gouldian.com and now I bought some. Deborah; why do you only use it twice a year??? I was going to use it each week to clean their waterers (instead of ACV)

[finchmix22]

I clean the dishes and cages with Pet Focus weekly, but use kd cleaner for a periodic cleaning to avoid bacteria etc becoming immune to the disinfectant property.

[rancho2]

thx for the input. i'm still a newbie at this and the more i read, the more confusing it can get. everyone seems to do something different.

[Jen]

Good topic. I'm new to breeding gouldians and have been reading a lot of material on the subject. I get confused too...info overload...I have a pair of goulds that are on the nest (third time...the first two times they broke the eggs, last time they just left the nest. Now they are setting tight on two eggs of three eggs (they broke the first egg)...now I'm not sure if these eggs are fertile so I've been reading and looking at photos. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Thanks for all the great information. I'm learning something new every day.

[Sally]

thx for the input. i'm still a newbie at this and the more i read, the more confusing it can get. everyone seems to do something different.

When I first started with finches, I think I bought about every supplement/medication on the market--at least it seemed like it to me. I have gradually changed over to a less-is-better mentality, though I still keep a few things on hand for emergencies.

A few things I would not be without are:
Virkon-S (disinfectant--bactericide, virucide, fungicide)
Avian Insect Liquidator (kills MANY pests but still totally safe for birds)
Thrive (for sick birds)
NV Powder (for new birds, shipped birds, birds to/from marts/shows--stress)
Calcium Plus (for breeding birds but especially for eggbound hens)