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Birds--General/gouldian finch

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Expert: - 5/11/2006


Question
I have a gouldian finch that at first we thought was air sack mites so we treated with ivamec and that had not fixed anything so she was then treated with a broad spectrum antibiotic all the while being under heat lamp and vitamin and mineral supplements and any other extra you could imagine she still sits like an egg bound bird yet she has not bred or been interested in it since we got here . but she eats and drinks and even bathes Regularly i am at a  loss as of what tO do now. please help

Answer
Hi, Catherine.  Thanks for posting.

I'm not quite sure I understand what you're asking.  A female bird can lay infertile eggs without mating with a male, so she could be egg bound even though she hasn't bred.  However, most egg bound hens sit on the bottom of their cage appearing to be having difficulty breathing, most won't eat or drink and appear to be in pain.  Most die without intervention within a day or so.  

You know your bird better than anyone else.  If you think she could be ill, your best bet is to take her to an avian veterinarian (not a cat/dog vet) if you haven't already done so for a definitive diagnosis.  Guessing and using medicines for reasons you don't know for sure is just asking for trouble.

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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