A Guide to Zebra Finches by John Milton

Author:John Milton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ABK/Reptile Publications

Feather Plucking

This will generally occur if there are too many birds in the enclosure. Removal of some individuals will generally result in an improvement. Other causes may be a deficiency in the diet or a heavy burden of lice.

Toxins and Poisons

Growing your own green food and vegetables will prevent insecticides being fed to your birds. Most yards have some space that can be converted into a vegetable garden. Wash any greens and vegetables very carefully before feeding them to your birds. Avoid feeding rhubarb leaves, avocado or green potatoes.

Lead paint is a major concern in areas where older homes are now undergoing renovation. The sanding and repainting of old homes has been responsible for many animal (and human) cases of lead poisoning. If you or a neighbour are sanding and painting, place plastic sheeting around the side of your aviary closest to the work and remove all water and food dishes to a safer area within your aviary. Try to avoid sanding in windy weather. Symptoms of lead poisoning include signs such as paralysis, falling over, convulsions and vomiting. Treatment is with Calsenate™ injections, which will form non-toxic, water-soluble complexes that can be excreted rapidly in the urine and bile. Early diagnosis will mean saving more of your birds. Only your veterinarian can administer treatment. Similar toxicity can occur with zinc injested from galvanised wire surfaces.

Aflatoxins are the most toxic of the fungal toxins and are usually found on mouldy grains and bread. They cause major liver upset, which in turn affects the whole body. It can be fatal and has killed much larger species such as dogs. Any suspect seed or greens should be immediately removed and destroyed. Treatment can be a combination of activated charcoal, steroids or antibiotics. This is definitely a case for your veterinarian to treat.

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