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Conference 7.286::pet_birds

Title:Captive Breeding for Conservation--and FUN!
Notice:INTROS 6.X / FOR SALE 13.X / Buying a Bird 900.*
Moderator:VIDEO::PULSIFER
Created:Mon Oct 10 1988
Last Modified:Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:942
Total number of notes:6016

353.0. "Is she eggbound?" by GEMVAX::RIVERA () Wed May 02 1990 20:30

    Is there anyway to tell to for sure whether or not my finch is egg
    bound? She's seems to be very depressed lately, and I'm not sure if
    this is the reason.
    
    I got a nest for the two of them about a week ago. They've since built
    there nest and have spent a lot of time in it. But when the female
    comes out of her nest she just sits on her perch with her feathers
    puffed out quite a bit. She looks much bigger than she was before the
    nest was put in and very quiet, although she is still eating without
    any problem.
    
    I'm wondering:
    
    1. Is she eggbound?
    2. If so, what can I do for her?
    3. If there is nothing I can do for her, how long will she survive?
    
    Please respond quickly? This has been going on for about 3 days now.
    
    Thank you in advance,
    Bob
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
353.1Call an avian vet...CLOSET::COMPTONLinda DTN 232-2441 ACO/E47Thu May 03 1990 16:124
    I don't know anything about finches, but if you can call a local avian
    vet, maybe they can help.  There are a number recommended in this
    notesfile.  I rely on Dr. Kilgore, in Littleton, MA at 508-486-3101.
    Good luck!  Sorry I can't help directly. /Linda
353.2Vet would have to see herGEMVAX::RIVERAThu May 03 1990 17:539
    Thanks Linda,
    
    I did try calling a avian vet yesterday. They said the only way they
    could tell me was to bring her in for an exam that would probably
    include x-rays. It's just that the visit is a bit out of my budget at
    the moment.
    
    Thanks again,
    Bob
353.3Nekton-MSA/Calcium/Heat?CLOSET::COMPTONLinda DTN 232-2441 ACO/E47Thu May 03 1990 20:3022
    
    
    Bob - 
    
    Unfortunately, if an x-ray is the only option, I'd worry about the
    bird's stress going through all that.  I lost a Bourke's parrakeet
    that way.  Is she getting Nekton-MSA? It is the mineral supplement
    powder that might help her if there is a mineral deficiency. Also,
    you can try crumbling up eggshells and adding this to her see.  If
    she likes fresh greens, pick something high in calcium (any health
    food folks out there know which ones??).  Sometimes a heating pad
    underneath the cage with a towel draped over the top and three sides
    can help a bird that is not doing well.  This is all from my experience
    with birds other than finches, so it would still help if someone out
    there who *knows* about finches replies. (Nekton-MSA can be gotten
    from the avian vet's or some pet stores and some feed stores who cater
    to owners of pet birds...think it is about $8 or so for the small 
    container--more than enough for a couple of birds for a long time.)
    
    Hope she makes it!
    
    Linda
353.4warmth, calcium, and humidityRHETT::RROGERSFri May 04 1990 14:259
I hear humidity helps also. You may want to dampen the towel you wrap 
around the cage.  Be sure to keep her very warm.  I once had a finch that 
was worn out from egg-laying (not eggbound, though) and the vet suggested
I put corn syrup (or something sugary, I can't remember) in the water to 
help her keep her energy (she had lost a lot of weight).  Maybe this would 
help your finch hang in there until the calcium can help her expel the egg.

Roseanne