Bengalese finches

[Tiaris]

More likely Cochlosoma I think.

[Myzomela]

There are 2 diseases that are of concern.

The first is called cochlosoma- a small protozoan parasite of the gut. They can be seen when looking at faecal samples under the microscope.
Medications such as ronidazole (Ronivet or Turbasole) are quite effective if used at the correct dose rates but are only available on prescription.

The second problem is Campylobacter- a bacterial infection of the gut. A faecal bacterial culture is required to diagnose it, or else a swab taken from the intestine of an infected bird. It requires a fairly specific antibiotic to be used for treatment and a carrier status may occur ie some bengos appear normal but carry the organism.

Both these diseases result in Gouldian chicks with wet droppings & poor growth rates and dead chicks. However, they can infect any finch species.

[Diane]

Cochlosoma, thats the main disease I was thinking about. I might just have to post an email group Im in and see if they can tell me how they create a clean strain.
Will get back to you on this.

[zebman]

Whoops knew it started C.