Sick Gouldian

[maureen_g]

My YF Gouldian hen has a hole near the top of her beak and is a bit fluffed up. It's cold here today so maybe that's why she's fluffed up or she could be ill. She has 2 tiny babies and 2 eggs in the nest. I'll try to upload a pic. Please help ASAP!!!

gouldian (420x314).jpg

[maureen_g]

Damn!! Just checked the nest and tiny babes are dead and eggs clear

[SamDavis]

Sorry to hear of your loss. With regard to the hen I'm really not sure what could have caused such a hole and I suspect others are equally unsure and this is why nobody has jumped in to offer advice. I have not seen such a hole before. My gut reaction is perhaps some sort of parasite because it's very difficult to understand how it could be a physical injury. Regardless of the cause and given the nest is now defunct I'd say she should be in a heated cage if she is to recover. Hopefully some learned soul will jump in with a more confident diagnosis.
Cheers,
Sam

[maureen_g]

Thanks Sam. She is in a heated cage and now doesn't appear unwell. I would appreciate ideas on what sort of treatment to give her. In the event it is caused by a parasite how do I treat it? Does it need a local application of something?

[kimberley breeder]

Start with some Moxidectin (worming and mite treatment) and some Baycox (Coccidiosis treatment). Keep warm and offer soaked or green seeds which are easier to digest. Good luck with her!

[maureen_g]

I'll treat her and her mate with the same medications. I put him in the cage with her as they didn't like being separated and were they obviously happy to be reunited. Do you think that treatment will cure the hole in her beak?