Belly Baldness Zebra Finch

[fashionfobie]

Woke up this morning and after doing the morning routine I was watching the finches. Peppy was bathing and at first I thought he was just wet, though it looked odd. As I watched him I realised it wasn't just bathing. He is missing all of his feathers from his belly area. There is even feather loss on either side of his keel. I am a bit confused, he was fine yesterday. I think it may be from stress, maybe fireworks? Or the neighbors many parties and bonfires? -I close the windows in an attempt to reduce smoke...

Meanwhile Zippy seems perfectly normal. His feathers look stunning. The two guys don't fight and rarely squabble. They are usually lovingly preening for several minutes a day.

He was not happy about the camera, but I thought it best to try for a picture.

 

[Aves]

@finchly

 

[fashionfobie]

I have contacted the vet, but it will probably be a few days before I get a response.

I was watching Peppy lovingly preen Zippy, it is so sad that he is now bald.

 

[finchly]

Did he have pin feathers there? I’ve had them yank the feathers out from that area. Stress could definitely cause it.

It’s probably not the other bird.

 

[Ulis_Beast]

I'm so sorry this happened to Peppy.
And I feel for you not being able to take him to the vet straight away.
Let' hope it really is just stress related.
Fireworks should be banned.

 

[fashionfobie]

Did he have pin feathers there? I’ve had them yank the feathers out from that area. Stress could definitely cause it.

It’s probably not the other bird.

There seem to be signs of new pins. I offered some of the insect meal today, hopefully a little boost will help him regenerate them.

He was singing today and bathing, generally his regular old self. So if it was stress induced at least he hasn't lost his song. -Fingers crossed!

 

[finchly]

Poor baby!

 

[fashionfobie]

The appointment isn't until Friday, though I feel positive- signs of pins

 

[Ulis_Beast]

Fingers crossed.

 

[Birdbabe]

@mythic55 ?

 

[fashionfobie]

We are heading out to the vet in a few minutes. Brisbane has just gone back into lock down, but luckily this is consider an essential service. It means I will stay in the car and they will take him into the appointment and back to the car. This is bonkers. I, of course, am going to be super anxious. I decided to pack the heavy duty carrier, because now I need to trust other people to carry them outside and the normal carrier I use for the finches is crushable if you know what I mean- like a fabric one.

 

[donutfinch]

Woke up this morning and after doing the morning routine I was watching the finches. Peppy was bathing and at first I thought he was just wet, though it looked odd. As I watched him I realised it wasn't just bathing. He is missing all of his feathers from his belly area. There is even feather loss on either side of his keel. I am a bit confused, he was fine yesterday. I think it may be from stress, maybe fireworks? Or the neighbors many parties and bonfires? -I close the windows in an attempt to reduce smoke...

Meanwhile Zippy seems perfectly normal. His feathers look stunning. The two guys don't fight and rarely squabble. They are usually lovingly preening for several minutes a day.

He was not happy about the camera, but I thought it best to try for a picture. View attachment 368219

it could be low vitamin D?

 

[fashionfobie]

it could be low vitamin D?

At the vets now, waiting in the car, but hopefully I know soon enough.

They do get access to daylight so I would be surprised if it were vitamin D, though it is a good suggestion. Thanks!

Zippy is perfectly normal and they have the same diet and love together. I hope it is all ok! Will keep posted.

 

[AussieBird]

At the vets now, waiting in the car, but hopefully I know soon enough.

They do get access to daylight so I would be surprised if it were vitamin D, though it is a good suggestion. Thanks!

Zippy is perfectly normal and they have the same diet and love together. I hope it is all ok! Will keep posted.

 

[fashionfobie]

Ok so it was a two pronged issue

It is a fungal infection. The vet believes it is probably from before I got the birds. They can harbour it for a long time. She told me likely the stress from fireworks exasperated the issue and Peppy had a flare up, causing discomfort and he picked his feathers out.

We have a 1 month long anti fungal treatment plan starting tomorrow morning.

Poor little guy. My sensitive little Peppy. Hearts out to him. He was 2 grams lighter than Zippy

P.s. the parrots shouldn't have it since they don't share food or water. Their annual exam is coming up and they will be checked.

 

[fashionfobie]

On the positive side ! He has good body condition and the vet even included in his medical notes 'difficult' to catch. So he hasn't lost his spunk. He will get better

 

[fashionfobie]

He is already looking better. This is 1 week of feather growth after his high stress New Year's event

 

[BirdWorld]

He looks so much better already!

 

[Lady Jane]

What a difference! We all feel better for you. What is the medication called?

 

[fashionfobie]

What is the medication called?

Amphotericin B