In another article I talked about bacterial infections, good and bad bacteria in general. I'd like to expand on that a little and talk more about intestinal bacteria and their function. As you know all animal life (including our birds) has a symbiotic relationship with some strains of bacteria. The bacteria protect and aid in the body's every day function.

Various types of good and bad bacteria work their way through your finch's system every day. They can pick up bacteria just about anywhere no matter how much you clean, and you know it's ok. They need the constant exchange to stay healthy and replenish their system. Preferably they are getting more of the good bacteria than the bad.

Avi-Culture Probiotic - A live microbial supplement which improves the gut flora balance. Use after antibiotics. Select a Size: 5oz = $30.00 2oz = $20.00 ½oz = $10.90

Meet some of the good bacteria:
Lactobacillus acidophilus: This one should be plentiful in the intestinal tract. During its growth phase, it produces DL-lactic acid, as well as the enzyme amylase. Amylase is a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme. Lactic acid is used to suppress harmful bacteria in the intestine. Also helps control the overgrowth of yeast.

Lactobacillus casei: This has a wide pH and temperature range, and complements the growth of lactobacillus acidophilus. It also produces DL-lactic acid and amylase. It also aids in the digestion of a wide range of carbohydrates.

Bifido bacterium bifidum: This organism is highly susceptible to environmentally induced stress (a stressed bird for example). It's useful against pathogenic organisms such as E. coli & Salmonella. Produces acetic acid in addition to lactic acid. Acetic acid has a stronger antagonistic effect against harmful bacteria. It also helps prevent diarrhea.

Streptococcus Faecium: This is a fiber-loving bacterium with similar attributes to lactobacillus casei. It seems to aid in the production of compounds that have been documented as having powerful anti-tumor and antioxidant properties

In addition many of these bacteria have been shown to aid in stimulating the immune system. However they are not antibiotics and do not work quickly. It takes time for them to establish in the gut and really get to work.

Imbalance leads to problems:
At any given time, there will be colonies of all types of bacteria in the intestine. In a healthy gut the good microorganisms can keep the harmful variety in check and still maintain their normal digestive aids.

On the surface of the intestinal wall there are only so many places available for the microorganisms to colonize. If these places are taken up by the harmful pathogens the helpful bacteria will simply be excreted. Naturally this works both ways. In addition all bacteria have a fairly short life span so they're is a constant need to keep the ratio of good/bad bacteria stable.

However, several factors can lead to a change in the ratio of the various microorganisms in the gut. This in turn can lead to illness and even more problems. Stress and illness are the two main factors and they do interrelate. Stress can lead to illness, illness causes stress, and both will have an effect on your birds entire system.

Reasons for stress that can lead to illness:
Most stresses on your finch are natural every day types of stress. Most finches can cope very well on their own with these stresses provided you do what you can to correct any small problems they may be having.

• Insufficient space, or over crowding.
• Poor diet.
• Transportation from one environment (home) to another.
• Housing incompatible species together, which results in fighting.
• Temperature variations. Sudden changes or simply being too hot or too cold for that particular species.
• Bacterial infection, protozoal infection, worms, mites, lice, and ticks.

The breeding season itself can also be a source of stress. The pair must work very hard to raise their chicks. You'll always want your finches in top condition before breeding begins. Playing catch-up half way through the season doesn't work.

When your finches can't cope with the stress or conditions are not improved changes can occur in the gut that may lead to death. The first change is a shift in the pH levels inside the lower intestinal tract. This shift leads to a decrease of the good bacteria and an increase in the harmful pathogens. The finch will then become sensitive to other invading and existing microorganisms such as other strains of bacteria and protozoa. Finally the finch loses its ability to properly digest foods. The first signs of this are runny or discolored droppings, undigested food in the droppings and weight loss (aka. "Going Light / Failure to Thrive").

When you notice symptoms of stress or illness in your finch it usually means the problem has been around awhile. Finches do not always display their discomfort up front so by the time they do show symptoms they are already quite ill. Now it's a guessing game to figure out what is wrong with your finch.

Treatment:
Your first reaction to a sick bird is to treat the symptoms. Go for it. Broad spectrum antibiotics kill off most all bacteria strains. "Broad Spectrum", means they won't discriminate the good bacteria from the bad. They will kill them all. Amoxitex and Tetratex are very good broad spectrum antibiotics for this purpose.

If you treat with antibiotics and leave it at that you are risking the long-term health of your finch. Now that most everything in your finch's gut is dead, the finch must recover the good bacteria. Without the good bacteria back in control of the gut your finch won't be getting the nutrition it needs from the food it ingests and is still very vulnerable to another attack by the harmful pathogens. This is where probiotics come in handy.

If you feel the illness is protozoal in nature treat with Ronivet-S. If you think you finch is suffering from worms use Worm Out Gel. If the problem is external mites or lice use Avian Insect Liquidatdor. If the problem is internal mites such as air sac or scaly mites use Iverlux. Which ever is the current and most immediate problem, treat it. If you aren’t sure what is ailing your finch I suggest you read my Sick Finch article.

How to maintain a healthy gut (Probiotics):
One of the most important things you can do for a finch that has been sick or stressed is to help bring its body back into balance. This is done with probiotics.

Probiotics are the good bacteria. A good probiotic supplement will contain little more than what is necessary. Probiotics are a live bacterial supplement usually added to your finch's soft or moist foods. They can be used to treat some gastro intestinal problems but they are most effective when used as a preventative supplement. They should always follow any antibiotic treatment as well.

Probiotics are also live bacteria, usually obtained through a process of fermentation. Because they are only useful live storing them for long periods of time can be tricky. Lucky for us technology and our understanding of these bacteria has come a long way. Many of the brands of probiotics on the market today do have a long shelf life if they are stored properly.

There are 4 categories that Probiotics fall into. Three of these can only produce inconsistent and sporadic benefits at best.
They are:
  1. Non-Viable Probiotics; These are dead.
  2. Freeze-dried Probiotics; These will die rapidly if not stored in a very cool location.
  3. Fermentation Products; These are produced through fermentation.

The 4^th category is viable primary Lactobacillus/Streptococcus cultures. This type of Probiotic is live. They should have guaranteed shelf life, guarantee number of organisms, have protocol for counting, and should be very stable and efficacious.

My probiotics of choice falls in to the 4^th category. Avi-culture^tm is highly viable product consisting of select sub-species of primary Lactobacillus/Streptococcus bacteria. Their manufacturing labs have highly specialized culturing technology and rigid quality control enables us to market a superior Probiotic that contains a maximum number of viable bacteria.

Avi-Culture^tm is avian-specific and not a generic probiotic.

When used properly probiotics will colonize the intestinal wall keeping the harmful bacteria from over-populating and causing illness.

In the wild birds pick up the beneficial bacteria from the soil and some of the foods they eat such as insects. While you can offer a more natural alternative to you finches please be careful doing so. Pathogens can just as easily be in the soil or bugs, as can other harmful parasites and human made chemicals.

Keys to maintaining a healthy bird:

• Well-balanced and healthy diet. Vitamin, mineral, probiotic and extra calcium supplements when necessary.
• Provide a secure and happy living environment.
• Don't expose your flock to pathogens unnecessarily – Always quarantine new birds before introducing them to your birds.
• Treat all signs of stress or illness right away.

Maintaining a good diet and healthy digestive gut will help to prevent future illness and help your finches better cope with stress.

Always remember that your finches only have access to what you give them. They can't leave your home and find the beneficial elements they need. It's up to you do provide the very best for your finches. Keep them happy and healthy.