Finches/Canaries and air sac mites?

[weixiao]

We had zebra finches when I was a kid and I had a pacific parrotlet for many many years who I loved dearly. He died in the fall and I found myself missing him terribly so I decided earlier this week to get some finches. I was torn between finches and budgies and ended up getting finches and a canary from the local pet store (got talked into it by my sisters on that day, I’d planned to wait but- the canary looked alone and sad, 50% off, I know it has been at that pet store for a LONG time… typical sucker, I am).

They seemed really happy to be in a very big cage all together, good food, water, bird bath, etc.

Canary wasn’t singing, but I don’t know that it isn’t a hen, so I wasn’t worried. Did a lot of reading about finches and behaviors over a few days, and I suspect they have mites.

First, I noticed one of the zebra finches always had his feathers puffed up. Then, I noticed the canary making a clicking sound. Tonight, I noticed the canary breathing very hard with his beak open.

My understanding is that these are signs of air sac mites. I plan on taking them to an avian vet tomorrow. I have set up a heat lamp to make sure they stay warm, as the puffed feathers would be a sign of difficulty regulating body temperature.

However, I’m scared because I’ve read that if there are too many mites the birds will die when the kill off of mites blocks up their air sacs.

Has anyone successfully treated for air sac mites and can make me feel better?

[chestnutmarebeware]

I have canaries (Fifes), and the advice I was given was either to purchase Scatt (online) which is applied directly onto the skin (one drop), or to use 1% ivermectin (injectible for swine/cattle), which is available in a large bottle from feed stores. At my local store it’s $32 for a 50 ml bottle.

With the ivermectin, it’s 6 cc per gallon of water, which is used as the birds’ drinking water. Put it in the bird bath as well, in case they drink from that. Shake the container before using. Then repeat in 8-9 days.

I have to say that I’ve never had to try either method, so you might want to run it by your vet, but time is of the essence, also. Good luck!

[weixiao]

Thanks for the information. I couldn’t get an appointment with the vet until tomorrow afternoon, so we will see what she(?) says. Fingers crossed. I ordered Scatt, but it won’t arrive until Friday and there is nowhere to buy it in stores.

[shayaalliard]

Mites are pretty uncommon- bacterial infections much more so. Wait on the vet diagnosis before you treat either way. Oh, and GOOD for you to find an actual avian vet, and care enough to take them in!

[weixiao]

That’s good to know. Of course when you google it, it makes it seem like it happens all the time. Vet is at 2. Will see how it goes!