FINCHforum

This is my poor little ironically-named chap Lucky, a 5 month old male society finch who is currently flightless following an attack by a very rude (now separated!) cut-throat finch which in a home invasion a little over a week ago managed to pull every single flight feather from his right wing in her attempts to take over his prime real estate.

After the incident, Lucky was also taken from the aviary for some TLC in his own private suite, for some good nutrition, warmth, rest, and relaxation. What surprised me, however, was that after being handled a few times, he completely got over his innate fear of me, that which all normal finches have of humans generally, and after just a few days he began hopping right onto my hands and coming out of the cage to sit on my hand and sing to me! Finding himself unable to get where he wanted to go, he picked up very quickly that I could become his new set of wings so to speak.

So while I don't know if he'll stay the same when those beautiful wings DO come back in, I seem to be currently in the possession of a spontaneously tame finch who has decided I'm not so bad after all.

This came after just holding him for a few moments once - actually, while I was clipping his nails before bringing him to the new cage. Unlike before, he seemed to find he had no immediate reflex-driven mode of escape like he did when flighted, and in just that instance, prevented from following his instinct, he realized I wasn't actually going to hurt him. Just a day later he hopped onto my finger as if he'd always been tame and he is at this point completely comfortable with my hand in the cage or right next to him. I'm both flattered but also quite surprised it could be as simple as that to get a tame finch, but this little guy speaks for himself!

Sorry that the rude cut-throats got to him but what a sweet little bird! I am curious if he will stay this way once his wings grow back. Please let us know

I've always heard that if you clip wings the bird is easier to tame. Will be interesting to see if it lasts.
Do keep us updated

That's awesome. I think once finches get over that initial fear, they should remain tame. I've seen wild sparrows that are "tame". Your canary is also tame, right? Maybe you have a gift

Sheather

I've been enjoying handling the babies in CackleJax's open nest while I still can (CackleJax & KoJax dont care if I remove the nest & take a look at the babies).

But alas, I know it will be short-lived.

Would be neat if he stays tame

Sheather

You definitely have 'the gift' my friend .
Shall we start calling you Dylan The Bird Whisperer ?

I'm glad your little Lucky survived the C.T. attack. He was truly lucky.

I've had a couple of toddlers get beat up, and thankfully I pulled them out for nursing and tlc, before my own CT managed to kill them (although one Zebra baby has slight eye damage). He has a thing about babies, hates, HATES THEM !

Best of luck to both you and Lucky. I hope he stays tame for you Dylan.

I think it is unusual for any finch to be that trusting so quickly, so I would say that you do have a gift. Hope he stays this time.

I'll bet he stays tame after the feathers grow in. Lucky is lucky to have you to care for him. Pretty little bird too!

Sheather

Good morning Dylan.

Just wondering how Lucky is doing (?)

I did not handle Lucky yesterday and today he's afraid of me again.

His feathers aren't growing back yet.

Sheather

If he isn't freaking out badly, maybe if you swooped him up and sit him back on your finger, he will remember.

I notice that the slightest thing can freak out a finch...like a something they've never seen in the food bowl before, etc.

Sometimes I wonder if even us having on a different color shirt, or fingernail polish can affect/confuse them.

Who knows what gets into their lil birdie minds?