FINCHforum

Haven't been on the forum for ages, so sorry to come back with my sad news.

I had a feeling they were both older. The pair came from a Petsmart and had no leg bands. They had a healthy clutch of 4, just a couple of month after I got them in July of last year.

The female became eggbound early in the spring when I had given them a nest to try for a second clutch--she finally laid a couple of soft shelled eggs, and then recovered fully with the help of some added calcium, so I decided not to let them breed anymore for fear of loosing her. Felt they may have just been getting too old.

Other than that one eggbinding, they've been a loving couple, and apparently in good health this past year. But I noticed about a week ago, that the male's breast did not look as colorful as usual, although he seemed to be fine. (We all know how well they hide any symptoms though, eh?) I started supplementing with some NV powder instead of the usual Calciplus since I thought it might be a problem with molting, though I haven't noticed any loose feathers around.

Last night I came home from work and he was on the bottom of the cage, in very bad shape - fluffed up and puffing. He died within the hour. I was glad that I had left a sprig of millet on the cage floor, and bath water, when I headed out to work. I know he had access to food and water at least, in his last hours.

It was so sad to see Jane down on the cage bottom looking at him, and when I removed him she called for a bit....

I'm glad there's a bird mart this weekend in Cloverdale. I'm going to go and see if I can get her a Society finch to keep her company. I feel so bad for her all alone now, but do not want to get another goldbreast male for her. If I do, then she'll surely die the very next day!

I had planned to get Societies next time anyway. Since I can only have one pair due to space, then I will get societies. I had them years ago, and I like their song more than the goldbreasts, and they'll be calmer, and a lot less picky about their food! So I'll start with one, just to keep Jane company. When she passes then I'll get another mate for my society.

This is when I wish I had lots of room for an aviary. I hate keeping a single bird like this, so knowing me, I won't be able to wait for the quarantine period! She is so lonely, and I hate to leave her until the weekend even, but have no choice. This is the hardest part about having caged birds!

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent my sorrows on you all.

So sorry to hear that Fran I hope you have good luck at the bird fair. I wish you were closer, I would have been able to help you out.

I'm sure Jane will be ok for a few days till you find her a friend.


My condolences.

Renee

I am really glad to hear from you, although the news you have to share is terrible. Sorry for the loss. Nothing more can be said.

If you lived closer, I would give a soc for free. I have a bucket full of them now.

Very sorry for your loss, I think its a good idea to get a society for company.
But your boy had a good life with you and lots of the things he liked to eat and love

Thanks to all of you. I knew that my fellow finch keepers would understand.

Wish I could take you up on that offer of a free finch, Chris! But thanks for the thought.

I'll let you know how Jane likes her new roomy.

So sorry to hear about Dick. You were a great finch mommy to him!

dfcauley wrote:So sorry to hear about Dick. You were a great finch mommy to him!

Thanks. I did try to give them as natural a setting as I could, given the space. And a great variety of foods. He was always more timid than Jane about trying new things though. I'll be anxious to get home tonight and see how she's doing after being alone all day. Hope she's OK.

I'll miss that brilliant shot of color flying around. But on the other hand I look forward to the sound of "crickets" that Societies make.

So sorry to hear about Dick Franny It is always hard when we lose one of our fids, but even more so when we have become attached and used to watching their individual characters.

May he rest in peace.

I am sorry to hear of Dick's death. Sorry the female is lonely. Sorry that you have grief. I agree, this is the hard part of keeping finches. Or any pet for that matter. He had a great life in your care. The bird you buy at the fair will be a lucky bird.

I'm so sorry for your loss! It's always hard to lose a pet, no matter how small.

So sorry for your loss--we never get used to it. I would be tempted to forget the quarantine period, especially if you are comfortable with the breeder you purchase from, and his/her birds look very good. A quarantine period is designed to protect your flock, but Jane is the only one to protect just now. Just my personal take on it. I think you are very smart to go with Societies, and a Society will be very good company for Jane right now.

Thanks so much everyone, for your kind thoughts.

Poor Jane was so quiet last night. Can't wait until the bird mart tomorrow. Hope someone there has societies, or knows a breeder who does. I'll like to get a boy, because I like there song, but would that be a problem with Jane? I wouldn't want them to breed, or for him to pester her, trying. What do you all think? Boy or girl?....

Sally, that was my thought. If she's old, too, and alone, then I think it's worth the risk, just putting them together right away.

Thanks Ursela. It's not easy when it's time for picking up their tiny little bodies from the bottom of a cage. So sad. Wish I had known his age. I'd like to think that at least he's had a long life, and his last year was a happy one, raising a family with Jane.

Thanks Candice and Janine. Even when you have lots of birds, its tough to lose even one. They are truly one of natures most beautiful creatures.

Thanks everyone for understanding.