Gouldian Finch Foot Disease

Gouldian finches are popular, colorful little birds that are generally easy to maintain, and live from 8 to 17 years. Though this beautiful finch is not known to commonly suffer from any particular foot disease, they can sometimes get scaly leg; a mange condition caused by a burrowing mite.

  1. Identification

    • Knemidokoptes are microscopic mites that can burrow into the legs, feet, face and beak of some birds. This mite will spend its entire lifespan on the bird, feeding on the keratin in the skin. Budgies are most often affected by "scaly face," while canaries and finches are more commonly known to suffer from "scaly leg." Scaly leg symptoms include scaly, crusted lesions, overgrown, twisted nails and swollen tissue on the legs and feet. Due to the disfigurement of the feet caused by the overgrowth of keritan, it may become impossible for the bird to perch.

    Progression

    • A Gouldian finch infected with scaly leg may not show any very early symptoms. According to a Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine article by board-certified avian veterinarian Linda Pesek, it is believed that knemidokoptes are acquired in the nest, and that the infection can remain latent for a long time. If left untreated, the bird may suffer a serious secondary bacterial infection, permanent disfigurement or arthritis.

    Possible Secondary Causes

    • In canaries, scaly leg can occur due to old age. It does not appear to affect Gouldian or other finches in this manner. Birds with a vitamin A deficiency tend to be more susceptible to this condition. Birds on an all-seed diet can suffer poor feather condition and a dull, lackluster color--two indications of this deficiency. Foods like cooked, mashed sweet potato, carrots, apricots and pumpkin are good choices to add to the finch diet for a boost of vitamin A.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis is based on the appearance of the characteristic scaling and crusting of the legs and feet. Scrapings are taken from the affected area by a veterinarian and observed for mites by a close magnifying glass or a microscope.

    Treatment

    • Treatment often involves ivermectin, prescribed by a veterinarian. Some bird-keepers remove the mites using a product called Scalex, which is available in most pet stores. Petroleum jelly, a once popular home remedy, is falling out of favor because it sticks to the bird's feathers and is not safe for the bird to swallow. The product is applied daily to the legs and feet to suffocate the mites and to soften the scales, making them easier to remove.