FINCHforum

Now that I have gotten my newest Societies all settled in with my older Soc pair in my new F040 cage, I thought I would post a few pics of the F040 (which houses 4 Socs), its neighboring F030 (which houses 6 finches: two Gould hens, a pair of RCCBs, and a pair of OCWBs), and some Society nest cram pics (or as my pal chirpy calls them, cuddle pics!).

A bit of unfortunate news to report: I had originally adopted three new Societies (for a total of five Socs), but almost immediately after I got them home, I discovered that the choc Soc could not fly. There was something wrong with his wing. It was bent at a slightly strange angle. Not super-noticeable, which is why I did not see it at the store, and as he was kept in a relatively small Petsmart sales floor cage, I did not observe him trying to fly before I bought him. I went back and forth for a couple of days with what to do about him. I felt horribly guilty at the thought of returning him. But after observing him for several days, it became evident to me that he was having a lot of trouble getting around the cage (he climbed around using his legs only), which I knew would become a real hindrance with the added height of the F040. Also, he was not getting along with the other Socs. So I made the decision to return him to Petsmart. It was very sad, especially since he had the sweetest little song...but I did not think that I was prepared to take on the care of a disabled finch--certainly not one who was lame from the beginning (of course, I would care for a finch that became injured or ill while already in my care).

That leaves me with four Socs, who are now living together peacefully in the F040. In the "nest cram" pics, the hens are on top (Cress, my chestnut pied--although it is hard to tell her color bc of the shadow; and the new gal Calla, black-eyed white) and the cocks on bottom (Cranberry, choc pied, who is Cress's mate; Caramel, fawn pied, who is Calla's). I wasn't going to put in a nest at first, but I decided to do so for now. I think it promotes a sense of community among the four of them . And Cress, at least, was laying eggs regardless of whether or not she had a nest. No eggs since I put them together (and no eggs from Calla at all in the time I have owned her, although I know she has laid before), and if there are any in the next few weeks, I'll be removing them, as I am going on vacation during the second week of September and all ten of my finches have to be boarded for a week (that's another story entirely, which I will save for another thread).

Anyway, sorry for the epic post! Hopefully those of you not interested in the drama of my flock felt free to skip to the pics (which I will have to post in two rounds).

nest cram pics!

Really nice! I think the nest also gives them a sense of security in a new environment - they have a safe place. They would be fine no doubt without it, but nests make societies so happy! Also I agree that it will probably strengthen the mutual bonds.

I'm sorry about the one you had to return. I had to return one of the first two I bought and I hated to do it. When I could really observe him, I noticed a weird suspicious bump on the back of his neck and I didn't want to get into health issues immediately. He was a pretty crested, that don't appear in our stores very often. It may have been nothing - I had no experience then - but I was looking at a newbie learning curve to begin with and didn't want that kind of experience so soon. Sometimes there is a bird we just can't care for, for one reason or another.

dcompt thanks for the kind words and understanding!

I love pictures of Society nest-crams--they are adorable! Nice spacious cages, your birds are very lucky. Taking on a bird with health problems from the start is not for everyone, it is good you are being honest with yourself.

Sally thanks! I agree, it takes a very special person, and probably someone with more knowledge than I currently have about birds, to adopt a "special needs" finch. I felt awful that I did not spot it before I bought him. But it's not like he was sitting on the bottom of the cage at Petsmart or fluffed up or anything. I got the sense, after watching him at home, that he had either been born with this issue or had had it for so long that he had learned to deal with it. But I didn't really feel like it was fair to him to force him to live in a cage with so much space to traverse, if that makes sense. I am taking it as a lesson in discerning bird-purchasing (which is easier in some stores than others!). I had to remind myself, as well, that I do not have the resources to "save" birds or adopt or keep them just because I feel sorry for them. I applaud those who do! But until I have a decent income, a larger house and an aviary, or at least an entire room that I can devote to cages, I can only do so much.

Oops, just realized that Caramel is on top in the first nest cram pic! That was the one I took this evening, and the others are from yesterday. They go to bed so early--like around 6!

Societies definitely believe in early to bed. Mine turn in between 5:30 and 6:00 too. Well, mostly. On these long summer days, Patch and Flip stay out longer, and sometimes Patch doesn't give it up until almost 7:00. They're my youngest birds. Maybe it's just kids in the summer - Mom, do I have to come in NOW??

On my days off, if I am so thoughtless as to stay sitting in the living room past their 6:00 bedtime, I get glared at until I go away. Usually when they turn in I meekly fold up my tents and steal off to my bedroom and work there for the rest of the evening. They have trained me well. The things we do for our birds. However, since I'm generally only home in the evenings two days a week, it really does mess up their schedule for me to keep lights on.

Love the nest-cram pic's! Too cute!!!

And don't beat yourself up about not taking a bird with a disability. Not everyone has the time or experience for it (myself included) so you are only human and made the right choice

Adorable pictures!
best of luck

I love those nest cram photos! Oh my goodness. Their little faces seem to say
"Can we have a little privacy here Pleeeeeeeeeezzzzz? THANK you."