FINCHforum

One of my Orange Cheeked Waxbills went over the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon.

This particular little bird has been a little off for a while, but nothing that really jumped out at you. Eating fine, pooping fine, flying, bathing.... The only thing that was unusual, was that she liked to sit close to the heat lamp longer than my other birds in that flight.

Earlier this afternoon, she was sitting in her usual spot, with her mate preening her, and all appeared to be as per usual. I went out for a little while, and when I came back, I noticed the mate flying back and forth, calling frantically.

I went over to the flight, and sure enough, she was laying in the seed tray, dead.

I removed her, and her poor mate hasn't stopped calling and looking for her. Poor little fellow.

~Elana~

Oh no, so sorry for your loss. That's what happened with a goldfinch my dad gave me. Acted "normal" except for more than usual lamp bathing and a little calmer than usual...then no more . IVe been scared to get another goldfinch again.

Sorry to hear that . Its such a fihe line for such tiny creatures. Makes me think to pay attention to behavior changes.

lovezebs
So sorry about your loss, Elena . OC waxbills have such colorful personalities. It's sad to lose see one of them. Hope all is well with your other OC waxbills.

vienneparis & kyle & Atbird

Thanks guys...

I'm wondering if she might have been an older bird when I purchased her from the Pet Shop. I mean you never know unless the bird is closed banded with a date, and even then, it's no guarantee. I honestly don't know. The behavior could definitely have been that of an old bird.

I feel bad for her little mate. He was forever cuddling with her and preening her. He's beside himself, and has been searching and calling for her all evening. It's kinda heart breaking to watch their bewilderment when they lose a mate. Who says animals have no feelings?

~Elana~

So sorry for your loss, Elana. I've had similar deaths, where there wasn't much wrong with the bird and then suddenly they are just gone. It is especially hard when you have to watch a grieving mate.

Animals DO have feelings. It's a scientific FACT. They experience joy, sadness, etc. with better brain scanning technology we are able to see this. He is mourning

Sally & Atbird

Thanks Sally and Anna.

Yes, my little guy is definitely grieving.
He keeps flitting around, looking in all the corners, poking in the plants and calling :'(.

~Elana~

i am so so sorry too

So sorry for your loss Elana Fly free, little one...

rancho2& Ginene

Thanks girls...
It's sad when these things happen, especially when you don't know why, or what happened.

Her mate seems a little more setteled today, but will still go over to her favorite spot every now and again, and starts looking around.....

There's a girl on kijiji, looking to rehome three OC's. The ad has been on there for a few weeks, so don't know if she still has them. I sent her an e-mail, but haven't had an answer as yet . Apparently there is a bonded pair, and a singleton, which might be ideal. We shall see.

If she still has them, and if the price is right, I might snap up all three.

~Elana~

Oh Elana, I am so sorry. The best thing that ever happened to that little girl was being brought home by you. Even if she was an older bird, at least she had the perfect home then.
I've always heard that for animals (especially dogs) it is beneficial to see the body of their mate/buddy. Yes, they will grieve but if they are not given that chance, they won't know what happened to their friend and will be waiting and hoping he/she will come back.
Then again, as we can see with your little guy, he did see her and was still heartbroken. I hope you can find a new mate for him. And even though it might take a while, he will probably bond with the newcomer and be happy again.
Iso

isobea

Thanks Iso.

He is fiddling with the fake plants right now. Seems to be listless, kind of not knowing what to do with himself.

Still haven't heared anything back from this lady, so she may not have them anymore.
I'll be at the Pet Shop on Wed, and will take a look around. Maybe there will be someone there for my little one.

Enjoy your Sunday

~Elana~