Blue tit: Is this little fellow OK? (1 Viewer)

[John Nihon]

It's just appeared the past couple of days and looks a little worse for wear. All its friends look fighting fit!

Could it have caught something? If so should I be concerned that it may pass whatever on as other birds use the feeders.

Any advice please or is it just that it may have been bathing the past couple of days and not dried off fully, although it's the only one I've seen having a bad feather couple of days?

 

[John Nihon]

Could it be trichomonosis? Although I think it is eating and I can't determine if it has laboured breathing. Just wondering if I should take the feeders down for the time being to be on the safe side.

 

[Kits]

Trichomonosis in Garden Birds - Garden Wildlife Health

www.gardenwildlifehealth.org

This article seems to be quite informative. It would appear that the disease affects finches rather than tits. However, if you are worried, then remove the feeders. Good luck.

 

[John Nihon]

Thanks Kits. I was trying to do a bit of research on what could be the problem (if any) and that's how I came up with trichomonosis (at: https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/disease/trichomonosis ). However, as I'm not familiar with this sort of thing I could be just clutching at straws and was hoping that someone in the know may be able to advise on its condition from the picture. In the meantime I think I will remove the feeders.

 

[Trystan]

May not be anything, but some of the nuts in the feeder look black and mouldy so if that's the case, it at least needs cleaning out and replenishing.

 

[PYRTLE]

I would also encourage you to remove the feeder and contents as mentioned above, as well as cleaning and sanitizing any other nearby feeders, as a first step. Sling all the peanuts in the bin and refill will good quality food. Same with any bird baths. Not sure why the plumage looks so dishevelled but if the bird is feeding then that's a positive.

Good luck

 

[John Nihon]

May not be anything, but some of the nuts in the feeder look black and mouldy so if that's the case, it at least needs cleaning out and replenishing.

I would also encourage you to remove the feeder and contents as mentioned above, as well as cleaning and sanitizing any other nearby feeders, as a first step. Sling all the peanuts in the bin and refill will good quality food. Same with any bird baths. Not sure why the plumage looks so dishevelled but if the bird is feeding then that's a positive.

Good luck

Many thanks for your comments guys, all done!