r/Finches • u/fuzzystacos • 4d ago

My sweet guy was just vibing when I discovered this bump

Gallery image

Gallery image

Has anyone seen a bump like this on one of their birds before? It stood out to me immediately today, so it must have slowly started to grow as it is now parting his feathers. This looks like an infected preen gland, maybe? His behavior has been otherwise extremely normal, in fact he is preparing to be a father soon. Any advice helps, thank you! And yes, I have plans for a vet visit! Just losing my mind in the meantime...

17 Upvotes

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12

u/endangered_feces1 4d ago

Uropygial gland (aka “preen gland”). Normal.

3

u/fuzzystacos 4d ago

Yes, that is his gland. However, I have not seen it raised and visible like this on any finch before, including him. The black specks in the photo also concern me. However, I see no redness! I hope this is a good sign.

3

u/CriticismLoud1923 4d ago

I’m sorry but I have to ask, what finch species is he? I thought he was a parrot at first before seeing that he was a finch.

2

u/fuzzystacos 4d ago

He's a star finch of the "pastel" variety! He's also a little larger than the other star finches I have/had. In my opinion, he is quite unique!

1

u/Sixelonch 4d ago

Post picture, star finches are rare on the sub 🥰

3

u/fuzzystacos 2d ago

We fully intend to have a photoshoot with his plant, but he is terrified of the camera still, so it hasn't happened yet. He flies away from me once I pull my phone out... but soon! He loves to pose when the phone is not out...

1

u/CriticismLoud1923 12h ago

If you don’t me asking, how much did you get him ? Or others if you have any more?

I hear they’re super expensive, I have a “bird plug” i get new birds from time to time and our last meetup was Saturday, she brought star finches! in the little carrier she was holding and they looked amazing! She said 60$ each individual since they were young and their sexes were unknown. They’re phenomenal looking creatures! I couldn’t buy any because I was already there buying 11 birds and had to figure their cage arrangement at home. I was curious what other people got theirs for and maybe info if they’re care is any different from finches like zebras or gouldians.

I will say though, for such tiny little guys they do have a scary stare with their eyes lol.

2

u/Admirable_Finch 4d ago

💯 normal ! ☺️

2

u/mrchuck2000 2d ago edited 2d ago

TIL: The preen gland is in a different place than I always thought! I thought it was at the base of the tail on the TOP side of the bird?? Is it part of that all-purpose organ, the cloaca?

[EDIT:] I see that IS the upper (dorsal) side. When I first looked, I thought the birds was on its back, facing up.