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Finches The Finch has been of particular interest to Dr Marshall since the mid 1980's when the mutations bred under Bengalese parents developed very disappointing breeding results. With the help of John Sammut, Dr Marshall developed health programmes that dramatically improved the breeding of these fragile birds. At the same time, Polyomavirus was found to be involved with these poor breeding results. This discovery was presented to the AAV International Conference 1989. In 1990, as co-author with John Sammut, Dr Marshall explained the best methods for breeding the mutation Gouldian finches in the book "A guide to breeding the Gouldian". The second edition of this book is available through Australian Bird Keeper. Dr Marshall's world-renowned book, entitled "Gouldian Finch Health" is now out of print but is available online in our clients only section. Dr Marshall knew that if his health programmes and products were successful with the most fragile members of the finch family, the beautiful mutation Gouldian finch, then they would be extremely useful for all seed-eating birds. Dr Marshall used the canary and mutation Gouldian finch to test the effectiveness of this super health product range and health programmes, because both of these birds are highly susceptible to disease. The finch birds are special in the bird kingdom because their bowel is totally free of all bacteria in the healthy state. This means that when their diet is not perfect and their cage or aviary is not perfectly dry and clean, then they become susceptible to illness. The health programmes became a very important part of breeding the inbred and fragile Gouldians and they are now used successfully for all finches. Particularly good results have been found with exhibition canaries and ornamental aviaries. The health products made it much easier to breed finches. As well, there were far less illnesses so common during the breeding season and during the stressful first juvenile moult. The secret in breeding the fragile finches rests with:
Dr Marshall's Health Programmes for Finches The health programmes for finches differ markedly from those described for exhibition birds such as canaries and Zebra Finches, or for the colour mutation Gouldians. They have been designed for a natural but potentially unfriendly aviary environment and focus on maintaining a strong level of natural resistance. Finches required a dry, warm, stress free aviary environment, appropriate feeding practices and exceptionally clean food and water conditions if they are to remain healthy and breed prolifically. By allocating a time for an annual moult many diseases are controlled. During this time breeding activity must stop. Similar types of finches must be are housed together to facilitate the breeding and moult cycles. Special attention must also be given to overcrowding and intra/inter-species aggression. Individual treatment is less important than an understanding how best to help the flock manage its particular health problem. Sick individuals are treated in isolation. The flock is treated with water cleansers. Antibiotic treatment is withheld unless several birds have died and only after the exact nature of the problem has been determined. This may require veterinary assistance and the microscopic examination of droppings or dead birds. Above all the natural resistance that has been developed in the aviary must be preserved. When medicines are required they must be administered under veterinary guidance. Routine treatments against worms, lice, mites and environmental germs should be administered regularly to all finch aviaries. These preventative treatments enhance natural immunity within the flock. Breeding results improve and disease is controlled when the health programmes and routine treatments are combined with good management. Overcrowding, species incompatibility, nutritional deficiencies, poor drainage, exposure to inclement weather conditions and the introduction "new" birds are the major causes of most disease outbreaks. Good management requires knowledge of the exact needs of every finch species kept and is the best means of controlling disease. Bird keepers should be aware and well informed of the importance of a healthy flock for breeding success. True and continuing health relies upon good aviary management that nurtures a strong level of natural resistance. The use of medicines should be limited to routine procedures that control worms, coccidiosis and environmental germs. Antibiotic medicines should only be used in the event of serious disease. The nature of the disease must always determine the choice of medicine and this is best achieved by the microscopic examination of fresh droppings or dead birds. The health programmes described here first and foremost develop a strong natural health within the flock and then use medicines in an informed manner to maximise breeding success. The following programmes should be used for finch aviaries.
The Winter (Pre-Breeding) Programme is recommended for flocks that have previously experienced infertility and poor breeding results. A General Breeding Programme is recommended for most of the year. It has been designed to stimulate a strong, natural occurring and enduring level of health in breeding pairs. It is often combined with the pre-breeding programme to improve fertility and breeding performance by ensuring the birds are vital at the time they come into "breeding condition" and maintain their vigor throughout the entire breeding season. The General Breeding Programme also provides the breeding pairs with the energy and nutrients needed to rear robust young. The Prevention Programmes use finch friendly products to help prevent illness in finch aviaries. They include a quarantine programme for new birds and a routine disease prevention programme for coccidiosis, worms, lice, mites and environmental germs. The Special Health Programmes have been devised for finch aviaries during the high-risk times of autumn and winter when breeding and aviaries full of young birds coincide with the onset of cold weather and seasonal autumn rains. Mice and rodent worry are also more prevalent at this time. Detailed information on Dr Marshall's Gouldian & Finch Health Programmes is available in the clients only section. Copyright © 2004 Rob Marshall, All Rights Reserved. |