Society Finches, Missing Eggs and Two Hungry Hatchlings

[SocietyBird]

I have them in a make shift incubator .... a big glass container with a heating pad in the bottom and towel around it. The nest sits on top of the heating pad and temperature holds at about 94 degrees F. I wet a paper towel and stick it to the inside of the glass for humidity - seems to work well. I notice first thing in the morning they're hungry but don't take as much as what they do later on in the day. But an hour later their ready to be fed again and eat like champs!
I LOVE this stage of handfeeding - it IS so much fun and SO adorable!

[Sally]

I agree, they never seem to eat as much the first feeding of the day. I think they are still half asleep, and then when you come for the second feeding, they are more alert and awake.

[Derk]

SocietyBird
WOW! Good for you. I am so glad my zebs raised their chicks. I am not so sure I would have accomplished what you have done!

[SocietyBird]

Hey everyone,
Thought I'd give an update. I lost one of the babies the day before yesterday. It was so so sad. Both seemed to be doing quite well - feathering out nicely and eagerly anticipating their food. There was however a difference between them.... The little one who died had an incident when he was only a number of days old where he went all stiff and stopped breathing. I was able to bring him around - but there was something a little odd about him right from the start... His peeps were different and he was definitely the weaker of the two. Feedings always seemed more difficult - like at times he was struggling .... but I thought he was going to be okay - for whatever reason though that was not to be the case.

It was really sad, and after so many days of care to lose that little guy ...

The other little one is doing REALLY well. Big and strong and ready to eat however, whenever and whatever!!! Eyes are fully open and he seems to be taking in more and more of the world every day!

[Derk]

SocietyBird
So sorry for your loss. I am sure you will hear from others that will tell you how difficult it is to feed and raise this little guys. Honestly, I think you should be so proud of how well you have done! So what are you going to call your little champion???

[SocietyBird]

((((thanks Mary))))

Yeah, it is a difficult thing but so rewarding... I'm not sure what I'm going to name him (or her?) ... lol He has a large, dark head and has quite a big personality too.... I'm open to suggestions!

A friend of mine put it right when he referred to the raising of these tiny little birds as "good for the soul". So true...

(((smiles)))

[Derk]

SocietyBird
I am not great at the name game. Best to Elana in on this. lovezebs...you who?

[Sally]

So sorry you lost this little one, it is always hard when you hand feed, as you put so much into it. It sounds like this little one had some problems, you did your best. Good luck with the last one, he sounds like he is much stronger.

[Babs _Owner]

SocietyBird

Sorry you lost the little one But what a wonderful attempt. Good luck on the new baby! Seems like it coming along well

[SocietyBird]

A few pics of my little guy...

[Derk]

SocietyBird
Well, with lungs like that he must be strong! Wait a go! I just read your Dr Seuss quote - perhaps you could choose a name from one of his books?? What colour are you expecting this guy/girl to be?

[SocietyBird]

Derk
What a great idea!!! If I only knew whether it's a male or female... I'm expecting chocolate colouring as mommy and daddy are . . . but his little feathers look lighter than any of my other babies so we'll see ...
Cindy Loo Who would be a good name if it's a girl! lol

[Babs _Owner]

Derk SocietyBird

Yes!! Dr. Seuss name!! Oh hes/shes adorable!!!

[SocietyBird]

Quick update on my little survivor...
Much to my surprise she's (he's?) lighter in colour than ANY other Society Finch I have... all my Societies are dark chocolate colour! This little cutie is as tenacious as she is pretty!!!