FINCHforum

I was given two beautiful cordon bleu finches two weeks ago today for my birthday. I have a good home for them, have the appropriate lighting, have given them fresh water every day, etc. . but one of them died yesterday and it broke my heart. He was all puffed up and I thought he was cold so I turned up the heat and put a heating pad on the top of the cage. EVidently, this wasn't the problem. The other bird (which I think is a female because it has a brown head and is smaller) seems okay, but now I'm worried that the other might have something contagious to the one still living.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. . . any advice you can give will be so appreciated. I love this little bird and want to keep her alive. I cannot afford a vet visit (they want $300 for the necropsy and to eval the living bird minimum) and I just cannot afford that.

I have never owned birds before, but I will do whatever is within my means to help this little one. She was fine this morning when I looked at her, in fact she was singing a little, which I have never heard before. Is that a good or a bad sign???[/b]

I called an avian vet clinic and they told me that she will naturally want another cage mate. I don't think I can afford a bleu for her. . . do you think a society finch would be okay? My brother has 10 finches right now (zebras, societies, orange billed, owl and gouldians) and I think the zebras are a little too aggressive for my girl.

I don't think it's wise to add another bird until I know this one is okay. . . how long do I wait to find out how this one is?? Will it make her more ill to be alone???

I'm so sorry for all the questions. I realize I am very inexperienced.

Society and owl finches would make decent matches for a cordon bleu.

You will need to quarantine her for 6-8 weeks to help minimize chances of her being sick and spreading the disease to any new birds. You will also need to quarantine new birds before introducing them to her.

So sorry to hear about the loss of your CB.

I have a pair which have been together for many years, are very bonded and I know either one would be heartbroken if left alone. The society would be a suitable replacement if you can't find/afford another CB.