FINCHforum

so ive got baby gouldians under a pair of fostering zebras. (babies hatched on sept 11) Upon checking the nest, one of the babies has died, but it was being fed, it had seed in its crop still, it wasn't stuffed like it choked to death but there was seed in the crop which eliminates starving... i didnt notice anything else really out of the ordinary... is there anything that I should be aware of in terms of zebras transmitting bugs etc?

It could have died from Alot of reasons,how are the other ones doing?
If they are feeding thats about all they can do,did the baby have any marks or blood on it ?

The other 2 are being fed and are fine. There were no physical marks or anything on the finch which would have suggested anything. it was just there in the nest... and as i said it still had food in its crop... so i was just curious and looking for some suggestions

How are the dropping inside the nest?

i havent had an opportunity to check out the droppings in the nest as a calabash (or gourd) with a only a small entry hole - difficult to check out the nest.

One very common cause for a nesting to die with a crop full of food is a yeast infection. Another is coccidiousis. Both can cause an off odor to the nest. Kinda a sickly sweet odor. Since you can't see in the nest try the sniff test.

If it is a true gourd nest it could be holding too much humidity inside.

Sean

when using gourds for nests it is better to drill a few small holes in the top of the gourd to help with ventilation