Aussie Finch Forum

On Monday a normal Gouldian hen (one of my originals) was fine in the morning and very definitely twirling in the afternoon. I have never seen twirling before in 30+ years of birdkeeping. It was classic symptoms.

After two days in the hospital cage, hoping against hope, I put her out of her misery this morning. It's the first time I've ever done it, in the past either the animal has gone to sleep out the back of the vets or I've found it already dead. It was a gut wrenching moment as this poor little bird gazed up at me at the very last.

Goodbye little one, you're in peace now. I just wish we knew how to fix you. .

Sad for you but the poor little thing couldnt live like that and be comfortable .
Its a mystery this twirling thing ...is it only a gouldian affliction ?

poor little thing

So sorry for your loss I could never do that.
Deb I've seen green singers, cordons, gouldians, even zebras twirling, and apparently it's also common in canaries.
Don't you love asking sellers at bird sales why their bird is doing that and hearing them answer "trait of the species, mate"

Shame. Hope I never have to do that.

Sorry to hear natamambo, you did the best thing. Never seen twirling and hope I never have to. Some people believe twirling is caused by a few different things (virus, bacterial) but no definite answer and people treat for it differently with some success and lot that have no success, but where to start and what to medicate with so hopefully soon someone may just find the cause and cure soon.

I have had one twirler/stargazer in the past was a /blue and he was a beautifully coloured bird. He originally came from a shop but I let him be, didn't seem to be a pain for him he could eat drink and climb but when he tried to fly would just backflip. Lasted a couple of years like this ,I just made sure he didnt get a chance to pass on that trait.