Gouldians off colour

19 Dec 2012, 20:26

Hi all,

I have a gouldian hen and cock that were in separate aviaries that are a bit off colour. Not bright eyed, not particularly active. They have been closing one or both eyes at times when perching. The cock bird in particular looked pretty rough yesterday afternoon, wings droopy and out (like it was hot).

Their vent look okay and I wouldn't say that they are fluffed up.

I have been given advice that it may be yeast related and have been treating with Nilstat and electrolytes. They are looking a fraction better today than yesterday.

Here are some photos of their droppings, I haven't noticed anything in particular in the droppings.

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Any feedback or ideas appreciated!!

Cheers
Ian

19 Dec 2012, 20:48

Hi Ian.

My pair are the same,they are not active and look tired.And skinny looking.
I think its because they have have gone through there molt and are recovering from it.

Harv

19 Dec 2012, 20:50

Yeah, the stress of the moult may have bought on an underlying illness. Their eyes are not big and bright, but more of a dopey oval shape.

19 Dec 2012, 21:08

Hi Ian,

I have been seeing a lot of fungal/yeast infections over the last few months.

However, I can't say I can see any in your photos.
When you make your smears, do you sample the whole dropping or just the faecal part? Try to just use the faecal part and you will reduce the amount of urate crystals.

Cheers

Myzo

20 Dec 2012, 05:45

Hi Myzo, I made the mistake on the Monday slide of using the whole dropping. The bottom slide from yesterday was just the faecal part.

The problem has started in my new setup. The aviaries are fully covered and I don't think they are damp at all. Perhaps the problem is related to their water. I started using those Chook type 1 litre waterers (green base with opaque top). I had been adding a splash of ACV to try and keep the water fresher. I had been tipping them up daily to get the deleterious material out of the base and then replacing the water every one to two weeks. Could this be the cause?

Any other ideas?

Cheers
Ian

21 Dec 2012, 21:56

Hi, I noticed the male's wings were quivering this afternoon. Any ideas why this might be happening?

I thought they were doing a bit better yesterday, but looking pretty ordinary again today.

Cheers Ian

22 Dec 2012, 05:18

iaos wrote:Hi, I noticed the male's wings were quivering this afternoon. Any ideas why this might be happening?

I thought they were doing a bit better yesterday, but looking pretty ordinary again today.

Cheers Ian

If you haven't already done so I would put them in a heated cage (hospital cage) as they go down hill very quickly without it...then try and work out what it is....maybe a dose of apple cider vinegar to start with?