Cano died - unsure why

[evebaker]

We had a society and an orange-cheeked waxbill and are keeping them in a large cage (two large store-bought cages joined together into one) in the corner of the dining room near a window. We've had them since August 1st, and they also seemed to get along and be happy and healthy. I came downstairs this morning, and the waxbill was dead on the floor of the cage. He had been fine yesterday. Does anyone have an idea of what can suddenly kill a finch? We live in southern California, and though all the windows were closed, it got a little chilly last night - could the cooler weather have killed him? The two birds always sleep together in a semi-enclosed nest though. Is it possible a spider bit him?

Can/should I get a new finch right away today to keep the society company? Thanks for any advice.

[Sally]

So sorry you lost your little Orange-cheeked waxbill. It is so difficult to know what happened when you find them dead on the floor with no warning. Did you check his breastbone to see if it was protruding and sharp, a sign that he either was not eating or that he was going light, where they eat lots but don't absorb the nutrition.

I seriously doubt that the chilly weather is a factor. If they are in the house, they are out of winds, so they can tolerate cooler temps. Do they have a night light nearby? I guess night frights could always be a possibility, where he flew into the cage bars hard enough to kill himself.

Your Society would certainly appreciate the company--finches don't like being alone. If you know the sex of your Society, and you don't want breeding and eggs, babies--get the same sex. Another species will also work, lone finches will buddy up with whatever is available, but they normally prefer their own species, if possible.

[L in Ontario]

I agree 100% with Sally's comments and also that yes your Society would certainly appreciate a new friend for company. I'm so sorry you lost your Orange-cheeked Waxbill.

[lovemyfinch]

So sorry for your loss Do you have any idea how old he was?

[evebaker]

We got the two birds together from the pet store in August, and the pet store people said they are about 3-4 months old when they get them, so he was 6-7 months old, I'm guessing. I keep saying he too, but it could have been a she - we didn't know the gender. He died late last night or early this morning, Tuesday. Should we wait a day or two before we get another bird or should we get another one today to keep the society, Yeti, company?

[Animal Quackers]

I am so sorry for your loss!

[dfcauley]

[quote="evebaker" Should we wait a day or two before we get another bird or should we get another one today to keep the society, Yeti, company?[/quote]


I think if the other bird looks and acts healthy that it would be okay to go ahead and get him a friend.

[L in Ontario]

Agrees with Donna.

[evebaker]

Thanks everyone. We were out today and picked up another society to keep Yeti company. Hopefully they'll be happy together. Is there any way to tell the genders apart?

[Domenic]

Best way to tell is that males will sing and females won't.