Aussie Finch Forum

Hey all~
Two days ago, just before sunset, I was walking past the aviary and noticed the hen star finch fluffed in the floor-level feeding tray. She was pretty unresponsive when I picked her up (didn't even blink as I put my hand over her). I put her in a carry box with a hot lamp aimed at one corner, and quite soon she started moving around and tightening her feathers.

Figuring it was just a case of cold, I was surprised to notice her posture - she was sitting with her back arched, neck stretched right out, and appeared to be straining. I checked, but couldn't feel an egg.

The next morning, I checked the cage, and she was hopping about (didn't like it when I put my hand in either, which i took as a good sign). In one corner of the box was a big congealed wad of droppings. That explained that, so I returned her to the aviary.
Since then though, she's barely left ground level, and I can't find an explanation as to why. Could she have strained some muscles trying to eject the droppings?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Julian

Jay,

I am having a terrible season so far in regards to the Goulds, but my stars are just starting. Have one pair with at least 4 at the 10 day stage. Can see the feeding from outside because it ain't a great nest. I have noticed in the past couple of weeks really large, and I mean large droppings, big as pigeon s..t, waxy as you said but everything is ok on my side. I feed greens and grains, sprouted/soaked seed and fresh dandelion as well as any green seed every day. I only started in the cooler weather in the last month or so adding a cod liver and wheat germ oil to the dry seed to help combat egg binding. Maybe this could be your problem if you use the oils or don't.

Hope this helps.

Ken.

Thanks Ken,

Currently I'm feeding dry finch mix, daily mixed leafy greens (woolworths salad mix, as there's nothing much growing in the garden right now), and I'm starting to slow down on soaked seed. With below-zeros forecast for next week, I'm trying to stop them from breeding.

I used to put cod liver oil in their seed years ago, but I haven't done it since about 2010 - haven't had a problem so far, and it's only this bird as far as I can tell. I might try it again and see if it makes a difference

I'd still be interested to know why it's affected her flying ability too, if anyone has any ideas

My mum who has been breeding birds (all be it mostly budgies) for over 50yrs has always said that when the big poos start the eggs follow. But why that would affect flight i can only guess. Calcium shortage? Try putting cuttlefish in the avairy if you do not already have it.
LML

Hope your star is better.If not I know you couldn't feel an egg, but is there any chance she could be eggbound and the egg still in the pelvic cavity?

Thanks for the replies, and sorry for the delay.
The bird is now up and flying again... not sure what the cause was (there was cuttlebone in there FB) but she seems to be fine now. Hopefully it won't happen again!