FINCHforum

Last night I forgot to put in a fresh water dish in the Finch cage after taking out the old water but I didn't realize it until this morning when I uncovered the Finches.

One of the Societies was clinging to the side of the cage where I usually have the water cup hanging. As soon as I put in the fresh water my 4 Finches practically landed on top of each other trying to get the first drink.

They were without water for about 10 hours. I hope I didn't endanger their lives by forgetting! I feel so bad!

Could they have died if they went much longer without water?

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On a lighter note: The societies have been in with the Owls for a few days now since quarantine and I hope the extra activity will keep the Female Owl from laying eggs. She has still been laying about 3 eggs a week yet. Here's hoping the Societies will distract her from laying any more!

And my crested Society MoeBird...aka "The Potty Peeper" is still announcing to the world with his loud peeps when ever anybody flushes the commode or takes a shower.

Probably not damage other than thirst. If you ever administer medication they say it is best to remove water before lights out and then give them medicated water first thing. That way they drink plenty.
These little finches have very fast metabilisms and can perish very quickly so it is best to possibly have 2 water sources. I have had one tube crack and leak out but fortunately had another hung. I also do a check each evening and morning....many times I spot something missing...water bottle, food dish, door open.....
If caught in the morning check or the evening check then the most that could of gone unnoticed would be 12 hours. Usually safe time unless you have very populated cages.
Don't feel bad, we all do it from time to time...at least yours didn't suffer harm

Deborah, I think we've all made that mistake--take the old water tube down and then get distracted. I am getting so absent-minded that after I have put up all the new water tubes, I go over each cage--food and water OK, food and water OK, etc. Sometimes I even double-check myself and count everything again--now that's getting pretty bad!

When I am getting ready to administer Iverlux for ASM preventative treatment, I take down all water tubes and take out all baths the night before, just before lights out. Then, when I put in that nasty water the next morning, they are thirsty enough to drink at least some of it. Never had a problem doing this. I have no idea how long would be too long, but during the night, they are quiet and sleeping anyway--during the day, they probably would need water sooner.

Yep - here too - been there done that... too often! Luckily no losses due to my absentmindedness.

Thanks for your replies they make me feel a lot better. I watched them during the morning and they seemed to be ok. I probably would have noticed it right away if I didn't cover them up for the night...I guess out of sight...out of mind so to speak.