Candidiasis (fungal infection of the mouth and crop) in canaries and finches
Other names: Fungi، Candida، White mouth
Symptoms
- White patches in the mouth
- Regurgitation
- The crop empties slowly in chicks
- Weight loss and dull feathers
How it spreads
It increases after antibiotics, spoiled egg food, unclean feeding tools, or vitamin A deficiency.
Diagnosis
A stain of the droppings, crop contents or regurgitated material (Merck).
Treatment
Per Merck: nystatin 300,000 units/kg orally twice daily before feeding, and if it fails, fluconazole. For the flock: chlorhexidine in drinking water (10 ml/gallon for 1-3 weeks). And stay away from the source of infection. (All under veterinary supervision.)
Prevention
Do not use random antibiotics, clean the feeding tools, and remove egg food before it spoils.
Season
Summer
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.