Sick Bullfinch (1 Viewer)

[Bob Biggs]

We have a couple of feeders in our garden with nuts and also use a bird table and a ground hopper for seeds.

Last week a female bullfinch just sat on the ground hopper for most of the day, looking very sick. Eventually, she disappeared but we found her dead a few days later.

To-day, a male Bullfinch is doing just the same!! He looks bad. Presumably suffering from the same thing. We've had quite a few birds in the garden this winter. At one stage Bullfinch [9], Siskin [14], Blackbirds, Song Thrush, various Tits, Dunnocks etc. were very active and have stayed off and on for the last two months. All will have fed on our food but there's no sign of these other birds havng the same problem. Can anyone throw any light on this?

 

[willowa]

Peanuts have toxins in them. Did they eat the nuts. Also salmonella can kill birds. Bird poo carries it. They may have picked somthing up then come into your garden.

 

[Bob Biggs]

Peanuts have toxins in them. Did they eat the nuts. Also salmonella can kill birds. Bird poo carries it. They may have picked somthing up then come into your garden.

No, the seeds. My main question is why Bullfinch and not others [ as far as I know, that is].

 

[willowa]

No, the seeds. My main question is why Bullfinch and not others [ as far as I know, that is].

Bullfinches eat the buds of fruit trees. Someone near to you could have sprayed some fruit trees??

That would explain why the other birds are not affected.

 

[david2004]

There are many reasons the Bullfinches could be affected, but there is the possibility they were infected in your garden so added hygiene measures are essential! The RSPB has some advice : http://www.rspb.org.uk/gardens/whatyoucando/feedinggardenbirds/hygiene.asp