Aussie Finch Forum

Hi All,

A young hospitalised Gouldian finch is displaying extended puffed chest, occasional twitch and shaking of head, along with it preferring to situ at bottom of cage to perch.
Would any experienced members mind sharing some thoughts on what these signs might indicate please?

Original reason for hospital stint was her lack of activity, feathers puffed up and clear sign of being unwell in comparison to other birds. It does appear to be eating and moves quite well when I place my hand in cage to change water and feed.

Many thanks in advance folks for your responses.

Cheers now,
bunyip1.

Is there any other signs which might help to diagnose the problem eg/ trouble breathing, coughing, wheezing, discharge eye mouth nose, droppings looking normal. Anything extra would be a great help as there are a few here that will help, but unfortunately the more info given the better the chances of solving the problem. Have u medicated the bird recently (antibiotics , vitamins) any new food or food that could have been contaminated with poison.

Hi,

Thnx for suggestions re more info - Ivemectin drop was placed on upper leg a few days ago, but signs of sickness was well before medicine given. It does appear to have laboured breathing and occasionally it opens or moves beak as though eating or swallowing. Droppings appear normal and vent is clean. We have had cold and wet weather for last two weeks on and off - Bottom of aviary has been wet in a few spots, so have been cleaning regularly. No signs of coughing or sneezing. I will find out how to place a photo with query, if that would help in diagnosing sickness?

Cheers,
Bunyip1

Step by step instructions for loading pics onto the forum can be found here.

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I would not worm straight away,keep in a hospital box,give it electra spark for a few days,if you have had plenty of wet weather there I would treat it for Coccidiosis then followed by worms.What condition is the breast bone in?

Thnx to Bluebutterfly and Finchman1 for really informative feedback. I am in the process of sending photo of droppings (See attached if it has worked as new to this process). I have checked out breast bone and observed it protruding and sharp edged/lined from top of chest to bottom of chest. Is that normal? She was also given Spark for a couple of days, then Sulphur 3 after that to treat coccidiosis. Thanks again folks.

So what became of your sick Bird? Nobody commented on the dropping pictures

Hello Ruthieharris, Thanks for asking about the sick Gouldian. This particular bird improved over time when kept in a hospital cage, warm light and spark treatment. It took about two to three weeks before any signs of improvement. Now, she is colored up and back in the main aviary.
Take care now, Bunyip1