New finch parent here

[MicheleTx]

so sad today...I was at the doctors office after work....my husband got home first and texted me....I lost a zebra finch today......Im so sad...maybe I did it thou...I had 2 male finches and 1 female finch in a cage together....maybe I killed her...should they have been seperated ...1male 1 female ? I am feeling bad....she lasted 2 days...do you think the males killed her due to jelousy... please help me..I have never had multiple birds in 1 cage...just so sad

[lovemyfinch]

So sorry you lost her Michele
Not the best way to welcome you to the forum

Sometimes when we bring new finches home they already have an underlying health problem and changes in their environment can bring it out. Finches are so tiny that it doesn't take very long for them to succumb.
I think that if it was the boys you would know from marks on her body, I really don't think it was your fault in any way.

Feel better hun, it happens to us all.

[Lisa]

Hi Michele -

Sorry to hear about the loss of your little zebra hen.

Zebras are notorious for aggression. It's usually best to pair these guys up male to female or even then you have to keep an eye on them as they can bully something fierce. Also, the cage size plays a big part it in as well. The males will attempt to set up territories and guard them aggressively, sometimes preventing other birds from using the food dishes, the perches, you name it. If you have a nest in the scenario, it gets even worse.

Do the two males seem aggressive at all to each other? Had you noticed either or both of them picking on or chasing the hen before? What size cage do you have them in?

By the way, welcome to the forum!

[kheather]

did you just get them???? I would say more than likely they didnt kill her. Hopefully she came with a warranty. I know some finches can be aggressive enuff to hurt the odd man out, I personally suggest either trading a male for another female if healthy, or sticking with the two boys together if you are not worried about having babies. Was she puffy at all, or lethargic?? did she have any signs of plucking or issing feathers or blood like they did hurt her maybe. zebras can be aggressive, but i would be surprised if they are at fault. Zebras can be aggressive so i wouldnt have one female with two males.

[debbie276]

So sorry for your loss

[cindy]

Welcome to the forum and so sorry for your loss.

I agree with Janine, she may have had a underlying condition that may have led to her passing.

[MicheleTx]

my other pretty Gouldain finches....Please God let me keep these guys...

[MicheleTx]

I just hope my Gouldian finches dont die

[kheather]

Personally if I were you...just in case, you could give them a heat light so they have a warm basking area. Some birds like it and find it soothing. You know like one of the dome clamp lights from hardware store with a 60 watt bulb. Also if you arent...try giving them some grated hard boiled egg. I like to mash it in with dry breadcrumbs till its a moist crumbly texture. Just help give em' a boost from stress of petstore and moving...then start watching them make sure eating drinking and active, chirping. they are very pretty and look good from pics!!take some pics of your zebras if you like.