Why is this happening? ... R.I.P. Cordon Blue male.

[KelleyFrench]

I posted earlier under "Brawl in the Finch Cage" and I have no idea if this is related.

I separated my Cordon Blue pair from my 5 Gouldians about a week ago after a fight in the large cage they all shared. In the fight both C.B's got pecked a lot and the girl lost all her tail feathers.

Then just the other morning, the C.B. male was missing all his tail feathers too, and he was opening and closing his beak constantly like this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0s-Q2RE ... e=youtu.be

I emailed an avian vet who said the pair might be fighting, or he could have seed stuck in his throat but to spray him for mites just in case. Less than 24 hours later, the male is dead. Anyone recognize the behavior in the video?

I feel like I must be the world's worst finch owner. I've successfully raised dogs, cats, horses, hamsters, rabbits ... but these birds are getting the best of me.

The little girl seems fine. Should I take her to the vet anyway? Should I give her a Gouldian to keep her company? Or go get another Cordon Blue male for her?

[KelleyFrench]

I see the link didn't work in the original post. Here's the correct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0s-Q2RE73s

[Sunbay]

So sorry.
Looked like he most definitely had some sort of breathing problem. But, he didn't look puffed, lethargic, or 'sick' compared to how hard he was breathing.
Wonder if he did have something stuck? I don't know WHAT could have been done if that was the case.

Love these little guys. RIP little one.

[debbie276]

Very hard to tell from that video. It really only looks like hes agitated. So sorry you lost him I would just watch the hen for signs of something amiss. You could do either, put her with the goulds or get her a new mate. Don't beat yourself up over it, sometimes things just happen quickly and without warning.
good luck

[DanteD716]

Dont feel bad, you did what you could and he didn't look such besides his breathing. I would get her a new mate, or a female companion

[KelleyFrench]

I agree. I think the original cage size was borderline but the male to female ratio was a problem. Then when I separated them into their own cage, (the largest I could find on an emergency run to PetSmart), I bet the stressed out female just kicked his butt. I did give them nesting material and that was probably a mistake. I was thinking it would provide a hiding spot, but she probably saw it as pressure she didn't need.

I think I will wait until her tail grows back and make sure no one else gets sick and there's no indication of mites or any other issues, then I'll get her another RCCB. I have space to move her and her new boyfriend into a 36 x 36. The 5 male Goulds are in a 48 x 51 and they seem content now.

I really appreciate this forum. Several things that breeders told me when I bought these birds have turned out not to be quite right.

[Rox]

I can't offer any more advice over and above what the other's have already said but I just wanted to say sorry for your loss. It's scary how quickly they can pass and it does leave you feeling helpless

I think it's a good idea to wait for her to get her tail back and then start again. Good luck