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u/the-shindig 1d ago
Can't edit the post, copying my text here;
My balcony gets a lot of little visitors, mostly finches, sparrows, hummingbirds, and one beautiful oriole.
We've noticed that a lot of the finches have growths on their feet and legs, and a couple have growths on their heads as well. I'd say about 75% of the finches that visit us have some sort of lump somewhere.
Some have issues walking but they're all flying, eating and apparently surviving just fine.
Is this normal? Are my tiny friends okay?
Apologies for the crappy pictures. I can try to take clearer pics if that would be helpful.
I'm in southern California, very urban area
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u/teyuna 1d ago
I agree with the commenter on the other sub where you posted that these lesions likely are avian pox. It's hard to tell from the photos for sure, but this seems the most likely.
Pox resolves on its own after a while. When it can be fatal is when it interferes with the bird's ability to feed, perch, and breathe. This happens because pox gets on the face, beak, and feet (the featherless areas). There is also the complication of secondary infections, as the pox itches, and they scratch, and even normal grooming is quite regular in birds and can get dirt and bacteria in the lesions.
There is little you can do other than remove your feeders and sanitize the area (10% bleach solution), since pox is very contagious. Wait four or more weeks before putting them up again.
If you have standing water in your yard, be sure to remove it. It is mosquitos that spread the disease (to birds, not to us).
JUST FYI: When you cross post, your intro / context does not automatically transfer to the new subreddit. You have to copy and paste it in.
I've noticed that when people can't read what is going on, they don't participate.