FINCHforum

I purchased my shaft tailed finches (male and female) 6 months ago from a pet store and I was told they were approximately a year old.

Just today I returned home from being away on holidays for 3 weeks and left my finches in the care
of my husband. They were very well cared for.
The night Charlie died, my husband said my shaft tails were singing and acting normal. The next morning he went in to do his usual care for them and Charlie, my male, was dead in his nest. Does anyone have ANY suggestions as to why he may have died? I got the news while I was away and am still terribly upset...especially that I didn't have the chance to say goodbye before he buried him
Also...my female, who is approximately a year and a half old, is alone now. Can anyone suggest what I do now? Do I purchase another male and if so does it matter his age? or if he's younger? Will she die being left on here own? I just have have no idea what to do now and I want to do it right.
*sigh* People think its silly to mourn a bird but I will so miss his good morning song, his contant singing throughout the day and his sweet disposition. *teary eyed*

Thank you... it was comforting to know I could come here when I got home for some advice you wonderful people in this forum.

So sorry to hear of Charlie's death. Unfortunately sometimes they die and we just don't know what happened. I have gone into my aviary and found a bird dead that was perfect before going to sleep. On the other hand I have had one be sick and live forever.....

I would get a friend for your hen. Finches really are social and expecially shaftails..... they don't like to be alone. I am so sorry for your loss. I love shaftails. They are so full of personality.

It is normal for us to mourn over our birds. I have cried over mine many times that I have lost and it doesn't get easily...... we just love them. I just recently lost my beloved Mario (the gouldian in my avatar) and was devasted over it....

Sandra, I have shaft tail...mine sing, come to the perch closest to me to see me and chatter. The cage use to be near our desk, there were times when I would turn around and the pair and their young would either be lined up on a perch close to me or they would be in the corner closest to me watching me.

I lost my male, Moe (Daughter named him because after a bath he looked like he had a mowhawk) to an accident during a thunderstorm. the night lights went out and there was lightening. He must have startled and hit something. I was heartbroken, he had so much personality and was a sweet bird. I decided to keep the offspring with the mom...they are very close and so comical.

I feel for you, it is hard when you loose the ones that tug at your heartstrings the most. No it is not silly at all, I cried for days when I lost my favorite parrotlet.

Your female should be ok but if you can find her a mate it will help her not be so lonely. Wish you were closer, I have males.

So sorry Sandra
As for getting another male, I would personally wait a week or so just to insure that the hen is fine. After this waiting period, you could go out and get another male, just make sure that you quarantine first. Our birds seem to get over this sort of thing much quicker than we do

Thank you Cindy, dfcauley, and Janine. I appreciate the sympathy and your input. It helps to know we're not alone in this. Tonight I completely cleaned the cage from top to bottom and will wait out the quarantine time. Funny enough Lucy has seems okay already and is chirping up a storm here. I find that so strange since her and Charlie were so close. I guess I'm doing the mourning for both her and I.
Anyhow I will most likely bring in another mate for her. My concern is whether the age of the male matters since Lucy is at least a year and a half old already? Does anyone know?
thanks again....

Age does not matter to birds. Check your PM's.

Liz I've never used PM's before but I did attempt a reply.
Did you get it okay? Its showing in my outbox and I'm not sure
if that's where its supposed to be? or if I did something wrong.

I think is more compatability and companionship. Hope you find Lucy a new friend soon.

charisma wrote:Liz I've never used PM's before but I did attempt a reply.
Did you get it okay? Its showing in my outbox and I'm not sure
if that's where its supposed to be? or if I did something wrong.

If only you were closer, I would give you a male But seeing on the map how close you are to Liz, I am sure that it has already been worked out.

A PM will show in your Outbox until the recipient opens and reads it. I did receive/read your PM this morning and I will let you know as soon as I'm 100% sure on the gender, Sandra.

fingers crossed!!!!!

This morning is my first morning home from my holiday in my "bird room" without Charlie greeting me. Lucy is chirping away but it just seems too quiet without Charlie's beautiful song. I just feel so sad and I can't seem to stop crying. I guess I was more attached than I realized.
I'm just thankful Lucy seems okay.
Thanks again everyone for your support. So much.

Sandra...completely understand. I hope with time your sadness passes, he is in your heart forever.

I'm so sorry Sandra I've been gone on vacation as well and missed a weeks worth of news. I totally understand how we get attached to our birdies! I hope you have lots of pictures of Charlie to remember him by and I also hope you find a companion for your girl soon.

Im so sorry to hear about Charlie , and I understand about losing a pet bird, as well as other animals . it is always a possibility that Charlie was not, in fact, as young as you were told in the pet store. I believe that after a few weeks charlie's mate will accept a female friend or possibly a new mate!