Bullfinch- Overweight Male? (1 Viewer)

P

Paraiso

New member

• Mar 30, 2020

• #1

We have an overweight male Bullfinch in our secluded garden, a great grandfather called Bernard. He struggles to fly and exhausts himself so easily. (He may spend up to 10 minutes getting his breath back!) He seems to feed well, but prefers ground feeding. His offspring don't bother much with him, although he does have a lady friend.
Is there anything we can do for him? (I fear he may be in his last year).
I will try to attach a photo.

 

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Fritz73

Wat mutt, dat mutt!

Staff member

Supporter

• Mar 30, 2020

• #2

Hi Paraiso! A warm welcome to Birdforum from all the Staff and Mods :t:

 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

Staff member

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Mar 30, 2020

• #3

Hi Paraiso and a warm welcome from me too.

Oh dear... that reminds me of a Chaffinch I had in the garden here a few years ago. The outcome wasn't good I'm afraid. He died a few days later. I never did manage to find out what was wrong with him though.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

 

Richard Prior

Halfway up an Alp

• Mar 30, 2020

• #4

Your Chaffinch most probably had Salmonella Delia, stopping feeding for several days and cleaning all feeders stops it spreading.
The Bullfinch however, Paraiso, are you saying it’s been looking like this for some years?

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Mar 30, 2020

• #5

He definitely does not look well.

Welcome to the Forum and could you please keep us updated on its outcome?

 

P

Paraiso

New member

• Mar 30, 2020

• #6

No, I reckon 6 months. I thought we would loose him over winter. but he's back, plump as ever!

 

P

Paraiso

New member

• Mar 30, 2020

• #7

Will keep you posted.

 

Richard Prior

Halfway up an Alp

• Mar 31, 2020

• #8

An unusual case then!
As a lad, I remember playing rugby against Hipperholme Grammar, they gave us a great tea afterwards, maybe your Bullfinch has been eating too many of their cakes :eek!:

 

P

Paraiso

New member

• Mar 31, 2020

• #9

Richard Prior said:

An unusual case then!
As a lad, I remember playing rugby against Hipperholme Grammar, they gave us a great tea afterwards, maybe your Bullfinch has been eating too many of their cakes :eek!:

Click to expand...

I'm glad you have fond memories of Hipperholme Richard. Hopefully Bernard will feel better soon, maybe I could give him some Andrews?

 

Richard Prior

Halfway up an Alp

• Mar 31, 2020

• #10

Ha ha, don’t do that, looks like he might explode if you did!

 

Kits

Picture Picker

Social Media Editor

• Mar 31, 2020

• #11

Welcome to Birdforum! I'm sure you'll find lots to interest you here, and I hope you enjoy your visits. Bernard certainly does look a bit porky.

 

Hornchurch

Active member

• Apr 4, 2020

• #12

Paraiso said:

We have an overweight male Bullfinch in our secluded garden, a great grandfather called Bernard. He struggles to fly and exhausts himself so easily. (He may spend up to 10 minutes getting his breath back!) He seems to feed well, but prefers ground feeding. His offspring don't bother much with him, although he does have a lady friend.
Is there anything we can do for him? (I fear he may be in his last year).
I will try to attach a photo.

Click to expand...

'


Poor little mite, he's so bloated, he makes ME look like Ussain Bolt :king:

So sad that there's obviously something amiss, internally.

Whilst we get all types here (plus Goldfinch), I've not seen a Bullfinch here since 2014/2015

Always hope, as I saw our first Greenfinch here (Male), a few Saturdays back.
(2-weeks ago)

Anyways - Greetings from a fellow 'newb' :t:

Do keep us posted as to how 'Bernard' is faring & hope his remaining days are pain-free !


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