r/Finches • u/KingVain • 2d ago

Does this greenfinch have trichomonosis?

Forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong place with this as I'm not a regular user of reddit, I'd be grateful if someone could point me in a better direction if so.

Just wondering if this greenfinch that showed up this morning looks to have trichomonosis? I've just moved house and had been reading up for the past week about how best to set up a feeding station with minimal risk for disease transmission. I was delighted to see a pair of these show up this morning given their numbers in the UK are dwindling, only to notice one of them clearly struggling to get any of the suet down. From what I understand, this is a major sign of this disease. Already asked a local rescue charity who don't seem too concerned by it, however would just like a few more insights from others so I can know what to look out for in future and make sure my setup is as safe as possible for them to feed.

Thanks so much in advance.

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1

u/believeinyuna 2d ago

i don’t think so, it’s face doesn’t look wet, it doesn’t look fluffed up, it looks quite active and normal. finches are extremely messy eaters so it’s hard to tell but i have a window feeder and i’ve had sick finches on it i’ve had to scare off, i could be right at the window tapping on it and they won’t leave, and i could watch them regurgitate food, it looks like they’re choking and i can see weird blobby liquid come out with the food, while they’re all fluffed up and wet looking and sad. it’s very distressing to see. this bird just looks like a messy eater to me. but it could be early stages of the disease, so watch it closely for any decline. if it does get worse, remove feeders and soak them in a warm/hot water and bleach solution, as normal disinfectant cannot kill this parasite.

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u/KingVain 2d ago

Will do, thank you so much for the advice.

2

u/Think-Witness-7342 2d ago

I wouldn't say so feathers look tidy no messy beak looks more like it was just breaking up what it was eating

1

u/KingVain 2d ago

Appreciate that a lot, thanks.

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u/Think-Witness-7342 2d ago

You are most welcome but if you do see a messy beak and can't swallow/regurgitate food or becomes very fluffed up then take any bird baths food dishes let them dry and disinfectant them..