FINCHforum

He was fine yesterday and now this morning he's sitting on the bottom of the cage all huddled up and he's even letting me pet him!! NOT NORMAL for my finch!!

I picked him up and put him in his nest. i feel so bad idk what to do

hun the first thing I would do is make sure you put some heat on him, electrolytes if you have some.
Saying prayers for the little one

Hi Lynn, Sorry to read about your finch. Try putting a heatlamp on the cage - closest to one end of a perch (or even pointed at the floor if he stays there). Heat is the first line of defence when we notice a finch is fluffed or sitting on the floor - it indicates they are not feeling well. Then I would add a pinch of NV Powder, Guardian Angel, Vitalize or any other finch electrolytes / vitamins to his drinking water. Place a millet spray on the floor to help entice him to eat.

Keep us posted on his condition.

You need to keep him warm...first add a heat lamp either nest to or above him. You can add some NV powder to his water. Is he eating and drinking. Can you feel his breast bone, is it sharp?

cindy wrote:You need to keep him warm...first add a heat lamp either nest to or above him. You can add some NV powder to his water. Is he eating and drinking. Can you feel his breast bone, is it sharp?

His breast bone doesnt feel sharp. I put some fresh millet down and he seems to be trying to eat. gonna get a heat lamp soon!!

I have to wait till tomorrow to get a lamp, So in attempts to warm them i threw a towel in the dryer and draped it over the cage. good idea? or no? I thought maybe it would indirectly transfer some heat.

Definately can't hurt.
Almost any lamp placed close enough to the cage will give off some heat, if you have any try putting it as close to the cage as possible without actually touching it.

Agreeing with Janine - take the shade off any lamp and put it so the lightbulb is right up beside a perch or the nest (if it's an open nest) if possible. If needed he will sit right beside the light and if he doesn't, he'll move away.

Best wishes.

After I've been doing the warm towel over the cage for a little over an hour now (with a normal lamp near the cage). I feel like i am seeing an improvement. Apollo has started moving from the floor too his nest, and I've noticed him eating. still very tired but at least he's doing something!!

Excellent - keep refreshing the warm towel. Is it for sure (100%) a male finch???

Well he's got chest bars and orange speckled cheeks. He's also grown quite close to the female i keep him with. So in my best opinion its a male.

I got a Lamp you guys!! how long would you advise i leave it on for?

please leave it on 24/7 for a few days - at least until 24 hours after he is feeling well again.

L in Ontario wrote:please leave it on 24/7 for a few days - at least until 24 hours after he is feeling well again.

Thank you so much for the advise! you have been such a big help!! you have no idea!

How is he today?