Double Bar looks unwell

[maureen_g]

One of my DB hens was all fluffed up sitting on a branch in the flight this morning. She ate and drank ok but was fluffed up as she did so. I hate to admit that she could have been like this for several days as she has been in a sheltered part of the aviary that I can't see well but I've noticed the male is preening her an awful lot. In order to get her I am going to have to disturb the other pair of DBs who might have babies in the nest (unlikely but possible from their behaviour). Would they be likely to abandon a nest with babies? I do have Mannikins just in case.

[craigvdl]

Maureen, speed is essential. Finches have so little reserves you need to get her out into a warm hospital cage or other quiet isolated set up immediately. I won't attempt to diagnose or prescribe medications - there are others here better qualified on that front, but an electrolyte solution in the water and clean fresh food need to be made available immediately.

Craig

[maureen_g]

Thanks Craig. Should I take her cock as well? I can borrow my daughter's incubator if that would be any help.

[craigvdl]

I would avoid the distraction of another bird with her, even for very social finches like DBs. What sort of incubator are we talking about?

[maureen_g]

It's a small cabinet with a Perspex front and a light globe at the bottom. I've been watching her for the last 15 mins and in that time she has eaten seed, cuttlebone and part of a mealie. She sure doesn't seem terribly ill but I sure don't want it to go that way either. She did some preening and has now disappeared into the part of the aviary where the nest boxes are and I can't see. She also pooped and as it fell from her it didn't seem watery. She would be very unhappy in that little incubator as she's still moving about ok but not as much as the male. It's just that her feathers are fluffed up.

[Craig52]

Hi Maureen,i would just leave her alone,if it's cold up your way some birds just fluff up to keep warm eg to create air pockets of warmth.In warmer weather they are more sleek to keep the body at a cooler temperature. Craig

[maureen_g]

Thanks Craig. I will keep a very close eye on her and if she seems less active I'll take her out.

[maureen_g]

Well now the little bugger has just had a bath!!!! Still looking fluffed up and all the other birds are sleek. But if she can do all that AND preen her male she mustn't be too bad!! Oh the stress of finch-keeping!!!! lol Lucky there is a lot of joy too!!