Zebra Finch Acting Sick

[HeyItsRaymond]

One of my male Zebra Finches was sitting on the bottom of the cage with his eyes closed. I though he might be injured or sick because one of my other males is aggressive and been attacking the other males.

But when I tried to catch him he was active and flying around. Got away from me outside the cage and was difficult to catch.

Just as a precaution I quarantined him.

Placed him is a makeshift "hospital cage" with seed, water and millet. Placed the cage on top of the light to provide heat (does a pretty good job).

What should I watch for? He seems wide awake and active now. Going to keep him in there until tomorrow morning and see how he does.

[lovezebs]

HeyItsRaymond
Hi there.
Good idea to pull him out for a while just to see what is going on. I would place a light over his enclosure for light and heat. Also place a towel or something over a part of his cage, so he can have a place to cool off and some shade if he wants it.

The light undetneath offers a constant heat, which might overheat him too much, without offering a means of cooling off.

Is he eating, drinking and pooping normally? Something to keep an eye on. A perch of sorts would be a good idea as well, in case he would like to get off the ground.

Good luck with your little boy.

~Elana~

[HeyItsRaymond]

Put him back in the main cage. He's fine now. Think he was just hiding from the aggressive male that was picking on him.

[lovezebs]

HeyItsRaymond

Hi Ray.
Glad to hear your boy is feeling better. I'd recommend more fake vines and greenery, so that there will be some privacy and hiding places. Sometimes just seeing another bird can trigger aggression and an attack.
You really need to watch that the aggressive bird (s) are allowing this fellow access to the food and water dishes. Sometimes adding a couple more feeding stations might be helpful.

Good luck.

~Elana~