new painted unwell

[Redwing]

I bought 2 young painteds a week ago, and noticed 2 days ago that one of them was spending a fair amount of time just sitting. It has been very hot here so put her lack of activity down to the hot weather, however even early in the morning while all my other birds are busy feeding, socialising and bathing before the temperature goes up, compared to the other new one she is just not as active. Can't hear any abnormal breathing sounds and her respiration rate is exactly the same as the other new one. Have brought them both inside where it's cooler but not sure what to do. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

[vettepilot_6]

Tight feathered or fluffed up? wings dropped? tail bobbing? or wings out beak open?

[Redwing]

Sorry...was thinking there wasn't much detail to give. Feathers not tight, looser than normal but not fluffed up. Tending to sit on the perch rather than stand. No tail bobbing, no audible wheeze or clicks. Dozing more often than normal. Appetite appears normal,(have seen her drink and eat today) no difference in droppings than other new bird. Have them in together at this stage.

[vettepilot_6]

sounds stressed from move...hospital cage and spark for starters... (heat does wonders) otherwise send off poop sample to vet maybe?

[garymc]

How young is young?

If very young Was/is the bird properly weaned or only eatting enough to just get by?

Personally if it were my bird I would go with vette's thoughts and add SPARK to the water for a few days at least. I would also treat for coccidiosis (Baycox). I have done this in the simultaneously in the past (SPARK and BAYCOX) without any apparent harmful side affects.

[Redwing]

Thanks for your help. Have given her spark, left them in a cage for now so as not to disturb them as it's currently 36 degrees. Will move her into a hot box for the night as soon as the temperature starts to drop.

[Greg41]

Hi Redwing , can't help with your sick bird but I have a young painted hen here for you .
We are going to the open day at Belmont next sunday and if you are going I can bring it along. Also have got a young hen P/F for you { at a bargin price} if you want it.
If not you may like a trip up this way some time.

Cheers Greg.

[Redwing]

Thanks for that extra advice Gary. Will continue the spark for another 2 or 3 days and buy some Baycox and treat as well. Should I treat the other one who is in the same quarantine cage? They are both just getting their adult plumage...so guessing around 3 months.
Greg that would be good thanks, will see you both on Sunday, hope it's nice and cool for the sale. Think there might even be a scone or two here if you need to charge your batteries afterwards.

[finchbreeder]

All good advice. But if she is just not active as opposed to looking sick. She could be a perfectly normal young painted reacting to the heat. Just my observations, but some painteds are very inactive birds, who sit arround on the ground in the heat conserving energy. And get active when it is cooler. Hope for yoursake and hers this is the case.
LML

[Redwing]

Unfortunately she died overnight. Was somewhat surprised even though I realise they can deteriorate very quickly. Now unsure what to do about the Baycox. The other one looks fine but I have never treated my birds for coccidiosis as I had thought being a dry climate and having a dry cement floor decreased the risk factors. It was interesting reading Russell Kingston last night, who said it is often a disease of young birds and stress plays a big part in the incidence. He quoted stress factors such as heat, being caught and transported and suggested all new arrivals should be put on a coccidiosis treatment course. I know this is a subject that not everyone agrees with, however this is the second young apparently healthy bird from a very experienced and conscientious breeder that I have lost in the first week of purchasing.