Observing your pet bird’s behavior and habits can help you spot signs of sickness. Finches are good at hiding illness, but early detection and veterinary care can increase the likelihood of your bird making a full recovery.
Zebra finches are seed-eaters that travel in flocks. Males sing and display courtship dances to woo females.
Behavioral Changes
Finches are prone to many diseases, and their symptoms often don’t show up until the end. Observing their behavior can help you spot a problem early, and take action quickly.
Finches can take a bath and clean themselves if you place a flat container of water inside their cage. They also enjoy flying around the room and playing with toys they find inside their cages. However, you should avoid handling them because they can bite if they’re uncomfortable or stressed.
Zebra finches are gregarious birds and live in pairs, or sometimes even larger groups. If you notice that one of your zebra finches is not acting normal and is spending more time by itself, this may be a sign that it’s depressed. Try moving the bird’s cage to a brighter place or using full-spectrum light bulbs. This will help boost the bird’s mood. Also make sure to clean the cage and all accessories frequently and thoroughly.
Intestinal Inflammation or Enteritis
A zebra finch that has an intestinal problem will lose weight and develop diarrhea. He may also exhibit apathetic behavior and be listless. Infected birds will sneeze or cough when they attempt to eat and will show signs of dehydration. The feces will be watery with little form. A vet can provide medicine to treat this condition.
A finch with a gastrointestinal infection may develop a yeast overgrowth. A fungus known as Candida will bloom over the digestive tract, from the crop down. Signs of this illness include listlessness, a wet, foul-smelling crop and vomiting. The droppings will be loose and wet, with a large area of white around the fecal matter.
A sick zebra finch will scratch itself excessively, possibly with its foot or on a wire or other object in the cage. If the bird’s vent becomes wet, or if it sneezes or coughs when breathing, contact a veterinarian immediately. He will likely be given antibiotics to combat the disease.
Cloacitis
A zebra finch suffering from cloacitis (Vent Gleet) has an inflamed cloacal opening with a foul odor. Your bird will urinate often and feces may stick to tail feathers. This disease typically affects female finches more than males. It is caused by poor food, temperature changes in the environment or germs.
Signs of cloacitis include: ruffled feathers, increased respiratory rate, gape mouthed breathing, pasty vent, diarrhea and lack of vitality. During this stage, the finch may become agitated and try to scratch its face or beak. This is a very bad sign as scaly skin can spread from the beak to the feet.
If you notice these signs, take your zebra finch to the vet immediately. Place it in a quarantine cage in a warm area and make sure it has access to food and water. The veterinarian may prescribe metronidazole tablets and antibiotics to combat the infection. The veterinarian will also suggest a diet that eliminates sugary foods to help the finch recover.
Intestinal Worms
Intestinal worms (helminths) are simple organisms that enter the body and feed off of the host, leaving behind waste products. They can be found in many parts of the world, especially in areas with poor sanitation. They can also be spread by eating contaminated food or water, or through contact with feces in the soil.
There are many different types of intestinal worms. Some are very well known, like tapeworms and hookworms, while others are less familiar such as liver fluke and pinworm. Many of the symptoms of worm infections are very similar to other intestinal diseases, and so prompt diagnosis is essential to avoid complications.
If you suspect that your finch has a parasite, take them to an avian vet as soon as possible for a fecal exam and treatment. Be sure to mention all of the signs and symptoms you have noticed. Your vet may recommend a medication that will kill the worms.
