One of my zebra finches, Gerard, has been ill for some time. At first I thought it might be air-sac mites and he seemed

Hello, my name is***** I have experience and education in exotic/avian medicine in addition to dogs and cats. I am NOT available by phone so you may ignore the request for a phone call if it automatically generates and we will continue the chat via text. I may need to respond with several follow up questions so I can best help you.  It may take me a few minutes to respond as I may be typing up a response or helping another concerned pet owner.

Veterinary Practice Laws of my state only allow me to provide general advice regarding your pet’s health condition. I cannot provide a diagnosis or prescribe medications without performing a physical exam on your pet.  I will help you decide if the problem with your pet is something you can manage at home, or if additional diagnostic testing or treatment needs to be performed by a veterinarian.

Gerard sounds like he is in a more dire state with open beak breathing and sitting at the bottom of the cage. There can be other reasons outside of the respiratory tract (enlarged organs or eggs if female, pressing on the respiratory system) or within the respiratory tract: fungal infection, pneumonia, heart disease, cancer. Do you have a veterinarian near you that seems birds on emergency basis?

If we can't find out the underlying cause, its just guess work from here. I really feel that he needs medical attention. The best you can do at home is provide a small incubator type set up that is in a quiet area and warm, a part from the medications you have tried. Provide access to his favorite foods near him and keep any perches lower to the ground. Ensure the water bowl is shallow so he cannot drown in it. I worry that without care he may pass at home as birds are very prey animals and tend to show signs of illness only when the disease process is far along.

I know how difficult of a time this can be. I don't want to sound insensitive, but I worry he is suffering as well. You may be able to call your nearest vet clinic and at least help him pass along if they aren't comfortable treating birds.

I wish you all the best.