Sick Red Billed Firefinch?

[KHoward]

Hi,

I received a pair of RB Firefinches about four weeks ago, along with a pair of Gouldians from a well known online finch store.

Within 7 days, one of the new Gouldians was dead and three of my existing Gouldians also died. (puffy, then dead the next day). Now, the RB Firefinches are puffy, and seem like they are gasping for air when resting. They also seem to be sneezing or coughing. I added a light bulb near the cage so they could get close if they are too cold in the cage. Though, they seem fine when jumping around the cage, bathing, and eating.

I have added some antibiotics to the water for the past four days, but they are neither worse nor better.

Until this point, I have never experienced an illness in my aviary, and am convinced that the new birds brought something with them.

Any thoughts?

[lovezebs]

KHoward

Sounds like it might be air sac mites, but I'm not a Vet.

Were these new birds quarantined when you first got them?

Here's a link to an article which you may find of interest.
Also, if you have an Avian Vet in your area, I would give them a call (sooner rather than later).



http://ladygouldianfinch.com/features_airsacmites.php

[KHoward]

Thanks so much! My vet doesn't treat birds so I'm on my own. I will probably order some SCATT. It can't hurt.

[lovezebs]

KHoward

Good luck, and keep us updated as to how things are going.

[KHoward]

I received the SCATT and applied it - seems to have done the trick! They were visibly better on day 2. They are no longer puffy or coughing. I will apply two more times in 3 and 6 weeks according to the directions to make sure I get the entire reproduction cycle.

Thank you for the input!

[lovezebs]

KHoward

You're most welcome.

Glad to hear that the kids are doing better.