My Java Finch is sick

[gaelmeyer]

I had 2 Java Finches, they never mated, probably were the same sex. but got along well. They were with 4 other smaller finches. All got along well. One of them all of a sudden after 4 years, couldn't up any longer and it almost appeared as if he was going blind? not sure about that part. So he stayed at the bottom of the cage, I gave him a low perch, his own water and food etc. The other Java would visit him regularly but always slept at night above. That went on for 4 months.Well that finch got worse, and died a few weeks ago. Since then, the other Java now is experiencing the same symptons. Not flying as well, and now sleeps down below as the other one did. None of my other finches are sick, just the Java ones. Well one now. I only have the one left. Any ideas? There are plenty of greens, cuttle bone, gravel etc. gael.

[Diane]

Hi and welcome to the forum

You had them for four years? Do you know how old they were when you got them? Any of the other birds showing any symptoms?
What about the greens could they have been sprayed with something? Anyone spraying anything locally?
Sorry for all the questions, just trying to think around corners to find out what is going on.

[Myzomela]

Hi Gael and welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear about your javas.

It's almost impossible to tell what's wrong with them just from a written description. It could be so many different things.

However, given the time frame you describe, it is obviously a chronic (slowly progressing) illness. If the birds are in fact going blind or showing signs that their mental function is fading or their nervous system is being affected it COULD be an issue with migrating parasites ( protozoa or nematodes) or even tuberculosis ( mycobacterial infection)- which can sometimes cause blindness.

The only way you will find out is by a veterinary examination, but in these sorts of cases it is sometimes only possible to get a diagnosis at post mortem if the brain or nervous system are involved.

Otherwise what you are doing is fine ie lowering the perch, providing food and water close by and if the bird is fluffed provide heat.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Good luck.

[jusdeb]

Welcome Sorry for your loss and no help from me either , could have been any number of things however old age is the first thing that came to mind which would explain the slow deterioration of the bird.

Only sure way to know is a necropsy .