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Post by merlin on Dec 6, 2011 16:30:54 GMT
My conservatory claims another victim, well nearly. I managed to revive it in the warmth of my hands. It's one of only a pair, we used to get lots but I wonder if it's feet can give us a clue.
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Post by sweetpea on Dec 6, 2011 16:40:05 GMT
I'm no expert but that doesn't look to good. i just buried a sparrow, victim of one of the cats.
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Post by wildlifefriendly on Dec 6, 2011 16:56:54 GMT
It is caused by a parasite. I found this info which explains it better than I can
"Chaffinches are often seen with a parasitic condition known as bumble foot or a fungal attack called 'fur foot'. The infection is not directly fatal but it can cause a loss of agility and make the individual vulnerable to predators. Advanced infections can cause the loss of toes but there is evidence that the birds can recover naturally. Unfortunately, there is no way of treating wild birds even though there are treatments available for captive birds. "
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Post by wildlifefriendly on Dec 6, 2011 16:58:31 GMT
P.S. I love the close-up shot
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Post by Louise on Dec 6, 2011 17:06:46 GMT
I agree, that close up is enviable, Merlin As for the foot, WF has said it all, i saw one of the finches with it last year, can't remember which type but it's definately a common condition for the species
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Post by Lou78W on Dec 6, 2011 17:16:15 GMT
Fab closeup Merlin ....poor little bird. I remember you mentioning this fungus last year Louise
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Post by grindle on Dec 6, 2011 17:52:13 GMT
it's a great closeup Merlin, there seems to be a few viruses hitting our birds lately
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Post by merlin on Dec 6, 2011 18:50:02 GMT
it's a great closeup Merlin, there seems to be a few viruses hitting our birds lately Pity it's the small birds and not the biguns, we've plenty of Ravens Rooks, magies, Buzzards even Gulls.
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Post by peony on Dec 6, 2011 18:51:21 GMT
Great photos Merlin, but its sad to see its infected feet. I'm glad you were able to rescue it
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Post by sweetpea on Dec 6, 2011 21:54:39 GMT
its a hard world out there, nature can be so cruel.
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Post by SueA on Dec 7, 2011 12:51:10 GMT
Lovely pics. Merlin, glad it recovered, you've had birds there with the same foot conditition before haven't you. I've never seen it on any birds here only the similar thing which pigeons suffer from, I always feel really sorry for them when you see them limping around.
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Post by merlin on Dec 7, 2011 13:33:52 GMT
I'm glad to report that it's hopping around just now
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Post by Cherry on Dec 7, 2011 14:20:31 GMT
No I have never seen these diseases either. We do have a limping pigeon. He is a good age now and could have been hit by a car. He is not back yet.
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