From a breeders point of view, Gouldian finches are notorious for being fragile. It
has been often stated that they are susceptible to many types of health problems.  
If they become sedentary, the lack of exercise can cause overweight birds and
other health problems. Hens fall dead from the perch for no apparent reason.  

This section will explain some of the health issues involved in keeping Goulds and
other finch varieties, what to look for, and how to treat your birds if you suspect
they are ill.
Most of us will never see many of the diseases on this list, however, if your birds are housed outside or you take them out for fresh air, wild
birds that may visit them can leave a nasty calling card!
The brief version of my experience with the Dracula of the Bird World!
  • Aspergilliosis
  • Candida (Thrush or Yeast)
  • Avian Gastric Yeast (AGY)
  • Ringworm
  • Fungus growth on Beak & Scales
Below is a list of some of the illnesses, diseases, and problems your bird may
encounter.  Keep in mind this is not a complete list, but merely those we are most
likely to see - if we see them at all.  Click the link for more information on each type
of issue.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST & HANDY LINKS
  • Abnormal Molt
  • Balding
  • Damaged Feathers
  • Feather Plucking
  • Blood Mites
  • Feather Mites
  • Scaly Face/Leg Mites
  • Burrowing Mites
  • Air Sac Mites
  • Protozoal Infections
  • Worms
  • Coccidia
  • Egg Binding
  • Soft Shelled-Eggs
  • Clear Eggs
  • Calcium Deficiency
  • Egg Pecking/Eating
  • Ornithosis/Psittacosis (caused by Chlamydia)
  • Streptococcus/Staphylococcus
  • E-Coli
  • Salmonella
  • Why it Happens
  • Changing the Nutrition
  • When to Trim Beak & Claws
  • How to Trim Beak & Claws
If you just can't figure out what is wrong and you have tried everything, check out your
bird's feet.  Their feet can tell a lot about their overall health, depending on the color and
texture.

See the About Your Bird's Feet link for more information.
  •  Good poops vs bad poops
  •  Polyomavirus
  •  Ornithosis/Psittacosis
  •  Newcastle Disease
  •  Herpesvirus (One-eyed Cold)
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Issues
MEDICINE/SUPPLEMENT INTERACTION CHARTS
Keep a small cage, heat
source, thermometer,
and Pedialyte on hand in
case of illness in your
birds.  Your quick
actions in getting the
bird warm and hydrated
could save it's life!
QUICK TIP
Finchworld.com

Information on
nearly every kind
of finch you can
imagine!
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Avian Veterinarians

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LadyGouldian.com

Information, health
tips, supplies, and
support for
Gouldian care.
Our goal is to
educate
while continuing to
learn ourselves.

Without
knowledge, we are
lost...  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE MORE ADVANCED BIRD KEEPER
  • LIST OF COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS AND THEIR USES -  DISCLAIMER!! This page is still under construction and meant
    for reference purposes only.  It is NOT intended to give advice about how to treat a sick bird.  Use the information on this page at
    your own risk. I cannot help you if you choose to use these medications and will not be responsible for any results - good or bad!
    Consult an Avian Veterinarian before using any of the items mentioned on this page!