FINCHforum

A sad experience today. After work I noticed my male gouldian was on the floor of the flight cage and had his eyes closed. Several minutes later, he fell to the side and was gone. He was only one year old. For several days I found him at the top of the cage on top of a nest box flexing or twitching his wings out a little. I just got him 10 days ago to replace a male that was infertile. I talked to the breeder and he wasn't familiar with the behavior I saw. All the other birds (zebra, female gouldian, canary and 2 societies) are all doing well. Fresh food and water daily. I am a novice at this but would sure like to learn more so it doesn't happen again. Any thoughts?
Had to put my little maltipoo to sleep a few weeks ago. That was much tougher but still...

atfelix
so sorry about the loss of your gouldian and your maltipoo...

Andy, I'm so sorry for your loss. It's never nice to loose a pet

Always keep a newly purchased bird in a 3 feet cage for at least one month before releasing it into the aviary or flight cage. Quarantine is a must.

So sorry for your loss
Wish I could help more but have no idea what could have caused it.

The breeder and I discussed the need for quarantine but since all my birds come from him and the gouldian came from a large aviary with many finch varieties, we felt it was not necessary. I definitely will quarantine next time but am not convinced that would have made a difference here.

Sorry for your loss

atfelix
Finches often carry several suppressed diseases. Once they are shifted into a new environment they become stresses and these diseases become active. I am not saying that this is the reason for your loss; just sharing my views. I can understand the pain of loosing a feathered friend. I am so sorry.