Saffron Finch going bald....and not of old age! Help

[jproenca]

Dear All,

I have been treating Chupi, our saffron finch, like a king for the past 6 months and nothing seems to work. He is getting bald...This does not seem to bother him much as he is super active all the time, eats well, flies well, breaths well, sings well....What should I do?

I have tried powdered kelp, different minerals, calcium, and a diverse diet.

All help will be much appreciated. Below please find a couple of pictures I took. You will note his brother Amarelo is in full splendor (both are kept in different cages). I ran out of ideas on how to treat his balding issue. Thanking you all in advance.

Sincerely,
Joa

close-up-2.jpg (99.53 KiB) Viewed 889 times

[30 Seconds to Bob]

Sometimes when a bird goes bald, they don't recover until the annual moult - no matter what you do. I've had this happen to two canaries. Sometimes (if it's a genetic baldness), they don't recover at all. Bob

[hdumas]

I have a fledgling finch who still doesn't have feathers on his under belly or legs. Anyone know why?

[jproenca]

Dear Bob,

Thanks for your reply. Interesting. Lets wait for the next molt and hope it is not genetic. He has not molted since I got him. How often do your canaries molt?

Sincerely,
Joa

[debbie276]

Sometimes when a bird goes bald, they don't recover until the annual moult - no matter what you do. I've had this happen to two canaries. Sometimes (if it's a genetic baldness), they don't recover at all. Bob

I totally agree with Bob.

[jproenca]

Dear Debbie and Bob,

Thanks for your insight.

Would you happen to know what would happen if I were to breed the Bald Saffron with a pretty female? Chances are the genetic baldness will be passed along and weaken the species, correct?

regards,
Joa

[Ginene]

jproenca
Beautiful birds...even with his little bald head . What about trying some Feather Fast? You sprinkle a pinch on egg food with a few drops of liquid calcium. Helped my bald-spotted gouldian and rescued feather-plucked society.

[jproenca]

Dear Ginene,

Thanks! I really like them too. I will definitely give the Feather Fast a shot! After you post I searched for it online and found it. I will let you know if it works. How long did it take your gouldian to recoup his full splendor?

sincerely,
Joa

[30 Seconds to Bob]

How often do your canaries molt?

Dear Joa,

Adult canaries should only moult seasonally (once a year) Moulting comes in mid summer - right after the breeding season and just prior to the fall and winter resting period. If they moult at any other time, something is wrong with either their diet, temperature or daylight schedule. Bob

[Ginene]

jproenca
I think it took about 2 weeks for my Gould's head to feather in completely. My society is taking a bit longer, but he actually has some tail feathers growing in now. Poor little guy had NO tail feathers at all. Glad I rescued him from that awful store. Pick up some liquid calcium for birds too, as they say using it with the Feather Fast gives maximum result. Good luck. I hope it helps

[moonpies]

Gouldian Finches need iodide in their diet. Lack of it can cause balding. U can or it from ladygouldianfinch.com. im not sure about ur breed of finch but I wud assume its the same.

[jproenca]

Thanks for your suggestions. I will put an order for both the the liquid calcium and the Feather Fast in ladygouldianfinch.com.

Sincerely,
Joa

[Ginene]

jproenca
Be careful....that web site is addicting! Lol! Good luck. Btw...tried to look for a Saffron Finch for sale, and found ZERO!!! If I were you, I would get breeding so you can sell me some of your birds .

[jproenca]

Ginene
Good Morning Ginene,

I am still learning how to use the forum. I think I just got it to send you a direct message. I will try to breed them and let you know how it goes. They are beautiful little guys and great singers! Not a bird for late risers as every morning they shout their lungs out!

Here are a couple I found in NYC -

http://newyork.ebayclassifieds.com/bird ... d=25896627

http://newyork.ebayclassifieds.com/bird ... d=26636483

Sincerely,
Joa

[Lisa]

Be careful....that web site is addicting! Lol! Good luck. Btw...tried to look for a Saffron Finch for sale, and found ZERO!!! If I were you, I would get breeding so you can sell me some of your birds .

Lol Ginene .... you are falling right in line with the addiction the rest of us have.... too funny

Beautiful bird.... I love that 4th picture ... almost looks like a peach with that beautiful coloring. Still a beauty even with feather loss problems, hope he/she recovers soon