HELP! New Firefinch in distress.

[Pukasand]

Just got a new Firefinch yesterday by USPS. Seemed okay when it first arrived, I attributed it's demeanor to being shipped. Then, in a short time, less than one hour, it seemed to be panting and puffed up. I immediately put it in a hospital cage with a heat pad underneath. I gave her some THRIVE sprinkled on food (millet,finch seed, bee pollen, petamine, herb salad, miracle meal). Also covered one side of the cage for privacy and warmth. This morning she seemed a tiny bit better to me, at least she was eating, etc. Now her symptoms seems to be getting worse. I got some Avian Erythromycin and put it in her water (she is drinking occasionally). I stopped the THRIVE. I also put a 60 watt black light on her for warmth and removed the heating pad. I left the cover on one side of the cage. She flew to the perch beside the light and seems to be dozing, but she has been doing this all day. This is my 2nd one in a week. I DO NOT want to lose her. What should I do.. any/all suggestions appreciated. I will check back frequently.

[L in Ontario]

Sounds like you're doing everything you can. I hope she makes it through!

[lovemyfinch]

Prayers are with you

[JohnBoy]

Erythromycin and tetracycline combined always works best for me. I never give one without the other unless I am out of one and it is an emergency. I do this for 5 days and then give probiotics for one day. My gould was going light and almost died. The combination pulled him through.

[Pukasand]

Thanks so much, everyone. She looks really awful. Struggling for every breath. I really don't have very high hopes. I just got her yesterday. She must have been ill when I got her. It just makes me feel so helpless that I can't do anything for her.

[L in Ontario]

I'm so sorry - I hate when our pets leave us feeling so helpless.

[CandoAviary]

I know you must be wringing your hands with worry. Sounds like you are giving this bird the best chance.

[Pukasand]

Yes, I am, Candace. I have it near me so I can watch it constantly. It seems it's breathing is getting more and more labored. It does go down from the perch every once in awhile to pick at the seeds or a sip of water. The drinking makes me happy because thats where the RX is. Keep your fingers crossed for this little one. I appreciate everyones concern. Thank you.

[mrshorn]

I am so sorry your new addition is struggling. I will say a prayer for her. Let us know how she is doing. Does she have a name?

[Hilary]

I would definitely contact the person who sold her to you and let him/her know the condition of the bird. Was there water in the box?

[Sally]

We're all hoping your little hen makes it thru. I agree with Hilary, contact the seller and try to find out what may be causing this. If it is an illness, I would guess it was sick when shipped, though it may not have shown any signs.

[Pukasand]

Yes, there was water/seed in the box. She came with a male Firefinch and a pair of RC Cordon Bleus, they are all fine. I don't want to say anymore until I receive a reply from the seller.

When I got up this morning at 5AM, she was dead.
I am VERY upset.

[dfcauley]

Gosh.... I am so sorry to hear this.

[L in Ontario]

I'm sorry.

[Pukasand]

Thank you all so much for your kind words. I am upset, sad, mad and disgusted! I just don't lose birds! This is very, very difficult for me.

I'm waiting to hear from the seller.