I'm new to the forum, and happy to find a place to chat with other birders!
I could use your help. I live in Northern California. I've been feeding a very gregarious and noisy flock of house finches (linnets) for the past few months. I've really gotten a kick out of watching them court and fight and bring their new babies to the feeder. (It's even more fun than watching my human relatives court and fight and bring their new babies to my house for dinner...)
However, I think there is a health problem. One of the birds (a bright-red regular I've named Brad) accidentally flew into the house today (whoops!) and couldn't get out. I carefully captured him and carried him over to the window to let him out.
I noticed several things: Brad was breathing with his mouth open. He was making a clicking noise in his throat. The top part of his beak was a little rough/crusty. There were tiny black bugs on my hands (ugh) when I released him. He flew away, seemingly none the worse for wear, and was back eating at the feeder within minutes. But now I'm worried about him.
I keep the feeder and water very clean, and bleach them out every few days. I should also mention that I know about house finch conjunctivitis, and there was nothing wrong with his eyes. Also, he's a healthy weight, he's eating well, and he's not acting listless.
What's wrong with Brad? What should I do about it? Any help with diagnosis and advice for treatment would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and Brad thanks you, too
I could use your help. I live in Northern California. I've been feeding a very gregarious and noisy flock of house finches (linnets) for the past few months. I've really gotten a kick out of watching them court and fight and bring their new babies to the feeder. (It's even more fun than watching my human relatives court and fight and bring their new babies to my house for dinner...)
However, I think there is a health problem. One of the birds (a bright-red regular I've named Brad) accidentally flew into the house today (whoops!) and couldn't get out. I carefully captured him and carried him over to the window to let him out.
I noticed several things: Brad was breathing with his mouth open. He was making a clicking noise in his throat. The top part of his beak was a little rough/crusty. There were tiny black bugs on my hands (ugh) when I released him. He flew away, seemingly none the worse for wear, and was back eating at the feeder within minutes. But now I'm worried about him.
I keep the feeder and water very clean, and bleach them out every few days. I should also mention that I know about house finch conjunctivitis, and there was nothing wrong with his eyes. Also, he's a healthy weight, he's eating well, and he's not acting listless.
What's wrong with Brad? What should I do about it? Any help with diagnosis and advice for treatment would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and Brad thanks you, too