what do i do :S

[finchboiuk]

okay my zebra finches had 6 eggs all 6 watched but 2 died but one baby kept falling out the nest so i took it in and hand fed it then after a few days my other zebra finches had 3 chicks they were only 4 days apart so i put him in there nest they looked after him and fed him but now all they zebra finches have fledged and this one chick is just running on the floor they fledged about 2 weeks ago he is missing the top part of his beak and feathers also on 1 foot he only has 1 nail what do i do he is just running around the floor and some of the other birds have started to try and pluck him i feel so bad for him

[mickp]

you won't like hearing this but if that bird were in one of my aviaries I would be putting it to sleep permanently.
there are two ways to do this, the first is by physically wringing/breaking the birds neck
the second and for most people easier way is to use gas.
that's just my opinion though and I know that many others here will say different

[L in Ontario]

Why he is missing some of his top mandible/beak. Is it from the other birds or is it a birth defect? Same with his toes and feathers - has he always been missing them or is this all the results of the others plucking/picking him?

Could they all regrow if he was put in with less aggressive birds or in a separate cage?

[finchboiuk]

you won't like hearing this but if that bird were in one of my aviaries I would be putting it to sleep permanently.
there are two ways to do this, the first is by physically wringing/breaking the birds neck
the second and for most people easier way is to use gas.
that's just my opinion though and I know that many others here will say different

thanks im not quite ready to give up just yet but thinks i know is an option and im swaying that way

[finchboiuk]

Why he is missing some of his top mandible/beak. Is it from the other birds or is it a birth defect? Same with his toes and feathers - has he always been missing them or is this all the results of the others plucking/picking him?

Could they all regrow if he was put in with less aggressive birds or in a separate cage?

with the beak i think he hit it when he fell out the nest because there was blood all over it and i dont know about the toes but it looks like its getting better what i have done is put him in a flight cage along with his adopted parents and 2 siblings but they all still have access to the outside so the parent come in and out the aviary to the cage and the chicks stay in there

[dfcauley]

Gosh... so sorry to hear of this baby's misfortune.
I think the decision to put one down is a very difficult one. Only one that you can make and you will know when it is time.
I have had to do this a couple of times and for me it is never easy. But when I have to I use the gas method......
Best of luck and kudos to you for trying!

[6finchfriends]

Doesn't it sound and look like the other birds have picked on him and that's why he's in bad shape? Couldn't you just put him in another cage until he's well? Or rehome the poor little guy? His upper beak isn't that bad that he can't eat on his own. I wish I could come get him but I can't.

[finchboiuk]

for now hes staying and alive but im thinking when they start weening them maybe keeping him in a cage on his own in my bed room but then is this cruel to just let him live and alone like i said hes in a cage with his parents and away from the others i just hope he will be okay i dont want to give up on him

[poohbear]

Unlike Mick I'm a bit of a softy and have always kept a spare cage for disabled birds.It's always been a part of my birdkeeping....providing they can feed themselves.

[lovemyfinch]

I am also a softy A lot here I hope recall Tiny Tim Was left behind in the nest when the others fledged, he was born later. I handfed him, but he never did learn to fly...poor little guys feet were all mangled, toes upside down. I pulled him once a week to clip his nails and give him with little bath. Nothing saddened me more than we he passed at around 10 months of age It was probably the best thing for him, but the entire family loved him so much and everyone misses him coming to the cage front every morning for his cuddles and scritches.

[dfcauley]

I would not put one down that can live without suffering.....
IF he can eat then your cage could always be modified for his comfort. I would not leave him alone though. You could get him a friend. Society finches are very sweet and would probably get along well with it....

[cindy]

This is what you can try when he starts to wean, get some pellets like Zupreem, grind them to a powder...(coffee grinder is great for this). It may be easier for him to handle. He can still drink since they use their tongue like a straw. A few missing toes should not stop him. Don't worry about the nails missing, he will be fine. His little feathers will grow back.

The beak is going to be the thing to watch. It is going to be an issue with getting enough nurishment. The beak is pretty sensitive, nerves and blood supply running through it, it may grow back some, it is hard to say. Food may be an issue for him, you will have to play around with different things. Seed he may not be able to handle to well.

What I would do if he continues to get picked on after the clutch weans...place him a small cage with a calmer, gentle finch...maybe a a sibling that is not aggressive. The aviary might be a bit much for him when he weans...get him stable and see how he does, he may surprise you.

I admire you for wanting to give him a quality life, sometimes these special little one surprise us and pay us back two fold.