RIP Swee

[lovemyfinch]

I just got up and noticed that my beautiful WB normal gouldian Swee wwwasn't on his perch with everyone else this morning. I found him under the perch laying there passed away. I did notice yesterday that he spent the greater part of the day perched under the light with one of the fledglings, and had just figured that they were keeping eat other company, being as how he was still eating and drinking.

This is my first loss, and he was my first gouldian. I still can't believe how attached we can become to these little ones.

Now for my question, he wwas in the aviary with Sweatpea, Bluebell, Red and the babies. Is it possible that it was just his time (5 years old) or should I now be treating everyone for some sort of illness. As I stated this all happened so quickly and I never noticed that he was sick.
RIP my beautiful Swee.

[dfcauley]

Oh Janine, My heart hurts for you this morning. I am so sorry for the loss of your little Swee. It is NEVER easy.

Since you don't know what it was I don't think I would treat them. Just watch carefully the others. If he was five years old, it may have just been his time.

Again.... so sorry .

[cindy]

Janine,

I am sorry for you loss. My thoughts are with you. He was a very beautiful boy.

[GOULDYGIRL]

Oh Janine, I don't even know what to say, except I'm so very sorry RIP Swee!

(((HUGS)))

Renee

[L in Ontario]

Aww - Fly free and high Swee! I'm so sorry and know your heart is breaking over his passing, Janine. I too would think it's very possible it was his time at 5 years of age. I know he had the best life with you!

I also would not treat the others right away if they look healthy and active but keep an eye on them for a while.

[Pukasand]

So sorry to hear that, Janine.

[Nagdabit]

Our sympathies for your loss. We share your pain.

Rory and Sherry

[CandoAviary]

The awful part of the finch keeping hobby...death
I am sorry for your loss. 5 years could of been his life span....could of been something unforeseen. They can have heart attacks and cancers and pass before old age. Whatever the cause, he had a full life with you. Sorry for you heartache.

[lovemyfinch]

Thank you everyone for your sympathies. I just got home from work, went to check on everyone - everyone else seems fine. Just missing my beautiful little boy.

[L in Ontario]

You will never forget nor replace him; but do cherish your memories of him.

[mrshorn]

Janine- I am so sorry about Swee. I know you loved him very much, and I am sorry for your loss. Losing one of our little buddies is never easy, and I can relate to how you are feeling. I think we are on our way to our first loss as well, and I didn't realize how sick it would make me feel. I wish there was something I could say to make all the sadness go away, but those words just don't exist. You are in my thoughts, and I hope you feel better soon!

[Domenic]

It's so hard to lose a bird unexpectedly, especially one you have grown attached to. I hope you keep one of his chicks in remembrance of him.

[lovemyfinch]

Unfortunately Swee and Sweetpea never had babies with me. She laid one egg twice but neither hatched out. It had been decided here on the forum that Sweetpea was probably too old.... So I had been keeping them as pets.

[monotwine]

So sorry for you loss. Its always the worst part of keeping such little critters.
Swee was a handsome fella and seemed to have had a great life with you.

[Sally]

Janine, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is always hard, but the first one is the hardest, and to have it be your first finch makes it even worse. Just remember that you gave him such a good life.