rescued spice finch

[connie]

I rescued one spice finch (male, judging by his beak) and two black-cheeked zebras from a local pet store. They were in very poor shape and the clerk told me that had I not bought them, the owner was planning to euthanize all three (all were in the same tiny cage). The zebras seem to just need some good food, clean water, and some room to fly, but the spice finch has *really* long nails (except for one that is missing), poor feathers, and just seems massively stressed. I have him separated but near the zebras (they were picking on him pretty badly) but still right next to them so he has some other birds nearby. I placed some of those pedicure perches in there because I am afraid if I try to trim his nails now, the stress of it will kill him. He can hold on to a perch well, but gets hung up on the bars from time to time (always manages to free himself quickly). He's eating and drinking. I'm keeping the area quiet and calm and warm (heat lamp). My question is, am I doing the right things for him? Should I be doing anything else? Should I get him a companion spice finch? I would be very grateful for any guidance.
Connie

[Martie]

You didn't mention how long you have had this bird, but assuming it's been a few days, it sounds to me like you are doing the right things. I might suggest that if he is eating and drinking and seems pretty OK - those nails would be causing stress, too, and you might want to catch him up and clip them. If you can catch him and do the clipping very calmly and fast, it will be less stressful for him and he will feel so much better without those nails. Long nails are very common in Spice finches - even those kept in the best conditions, so likely an issue of neglect rather than illness.

I'm sure others will chime in here - but this is what comes to my mind right off the bat.

Thank you for rescuing him!

[finchmix22]

Thank you for rescuing those finches! So far, you're doing the right thing. They may need some meds, but right now the best thing is a warm and safe place with good nutrition. Once they are settled and calmer, I'd trim the nails, at least a little. The finch can get injured if he's getting caught on bars etc. Good Luck with them.

[Ria]

Hi Connie! Welcome to the forum!

Like the others said, you're doing all the right things so far. Give the birds a few more days at least to settle in and recover some. Then, you can try trimming the spice's nails. Another thing you can do is offer them some egg food - either commercial bought or homemade (just crushed hardboiled egg, include the shell) this is high in protein, which is especially good for your plucked guy.

Getting another spice is a good idea, but not until he's fully recovered. A new roommate can be quite stressful! plus, finches have a tendency to pluck a plucked bird more and more. the new bird may just continue the plucking! Once all his feathers are regrown, then consider a companion.

Congrats on your new birds!

[kathmcm]

I can't understand that kind of pet store owner. If they can't sell them and don't want to take care of them why don't they just give the birds away on Kijiji or similar, to someone who will.

I'm glad you found them before it was too late. In addition to what the others have said about helping their recovery is that I find my finches really love a spot near a window with direct sunlight. They probably haven't ever had a bath so that might really be appreciated (warm water, warm room). For my 2 green singers, happiness is a sunny afternoon with a bath and a fresh hardboiled egg to share!

Welcome to the forum!

[PrettyBird]

Good on you for rescuing them! sounds like they were crammed in that tiny cage for a while. Its good you seperated him from the zebras.

I think you are doing a great job with them so far. I would like the pp said, give some egg food and vitamins in the water for him.
I wouldnt let him go too long with the long nails though. If it was me, I would have trimmed them right away before putting him in a cage.
You said he gets stuck on the side bars at times, and that can be dangerous, I think the sooner the better, and he will be greatful for it

I would hold off in getting him a cage mate until a few weeks pass and hes in better condition.

Good luck with them and keep us posted. WOuld love to see some pics of ur new additions

[connie]

Just wanted to thank all of you for your replies--the zebras are plumping up and seem soooo very content. It makes me smile just to see them. The spice finch is much more perky than he was--still looks underweight to me but he is eating well and is squeaking like a rusty hinge. Two of his toe nails have fallen off with new little nail buds present. There was no blood anywhere--I've never seen a bird lose a nail before. Hope this isn't a bad thing. I plan to trim his remaining long nails soon (just as soon as I build up some courage!). They have all been bathing (seems like every time I turn my back they start splashing). Thanks again for the guidance!
Connie