While you should always use proper hand hygiene, wearing gloves and washing your hands is especially important if one of your birds is sick. If your sick finch has a communicable disease, hand hygiene will help you prevent it from spreading.
The heat lamp should be labeled for small animals and shouldn’t generate any light. Constant light could prevent the sick bird from getting enough rest. [2] X Research source
If the bird is too weak to drink on its own, take it to the vet immediately.
Any buckets, sponges, soap bottles, and other cleaning supplies used for cage cleaning should not be used for any other purpose. Do not wash the cage, perches, bowls, or any other items in a kitchen or bathroom sink, especially if you have a sick bird. It’s best to take them outside to wash them. Make sure to wear disposable gloves during cage maintenance. Wash your hands well when you’re finished.
Disinfectant products won’t work properly if you leave behind any organic matter, so make sure to scrub away caked on seeds, droppings, and other residue. [5] X Research source Instead of antibacterial soap, you can use equal parts hot water and white vinegar to clean the cage.
You can also disinfect the items with boiling water.
In finches, normal feces are solid and tube-shaped or coiled. Excess urine is often due to eating more fruits and vegetables or drinking more, so keep track of any recent dietary changes.
In addition, foul-smelling diarrhea is a sign of infection.
Lethargy or weakness Vomiting Difficulty breathing Coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharges Fluffed or matted feathers Lesions or pox on non-feathered body parts
Get help immediately if your finch has difficulty breathing or if you observe blood or any deformities at the vent (where it releases droppings).
A variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can cause diarrhea, and each requires a different treatment method.
You should also ask the vet if your other birds need any medication to prevent infection.
