We have seen three sickly chaffinches over the course of two weeks, two of which died. Another one seems to be weak and has trouble flying any distance. Has anyone else come across this? We can’t get near enough to check her and I’m very worried. Also it seems odd that they are all chaffinches.
Hello Debbie, take a look at THIS recent post as it may give you a possible answer to your question although without photos it is difficult to say what exactly has caused the illness as there could be several reasons. Trichomonosis seems to be more common in finches and it spreads easily, hence several can die. Remove all food and especially water dishes and give the general area a good clean to reduce the contamination. Birds can find natural foods during spring/summer, early autumn months so you don't have to worry about feeding them at the moment. You will find links to information on my reply.
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Regards, Hazel
Hi Debbie, if it is the trichomonas parasite it spreads through regurgitated food containing the parasite that other birds pick up when they eat the discarded food. Hence it is best to withdraw all food and water so it disperses the birds and they are not in close contact as the eat. Birds will manage quite well without our help during spring, summer and early autumn months as there's plenty of natural foods for them to find.