PLEASE HELP!! My BLEU is in trouble!!

[newfinchmom]

I was given two beautiful cordon bleu finches two weeks ago today for my birthday. I have a good home for them, have the appropriate lighting, have given them fresh water every day, etc. . but one of them died yesterday and it broke my heart. He was all puffed up and I thought he was cold so I turned up the heat and put a heating pad on the top of the cage. EVidently, this wasn't the problem. The other bird (which I think is a female because it has a brown head and is smaller) seems okay, but now I'm worried that the other might have something contagious to the one still living.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. . . any advice you can give will be so appreciated. I love this little bird and want to keep her alive. I cannot afford a vet visit (they want $300 for the necropsy and to eval the living bird minimum) and I just cannot afford that.

I have never owned birds before, but I will do whatever is within my means to help this little one. She was fine this morning when I looked at her, in fact she was singing a little, which I have never heard before. Is that a good or a bad sign???[/b]

[newfinchmom]

I called an avian vet clinic and they told me that she will naturally want another cage mate. I don't think I can afford a bleu for her. . . do you think a society finch would be okay? My brother has 10 finches right now (zebras, societies, orange billed, owl and gouldians) and I think the zebras are a little too aggressive for my girl.

I don't think it's wise to add another bird until I know this one is okay. . . how long do I wait to find out how this one is?? Will it make her more ill to be alone???

I'm so sorry for all the questions. I realize I am very inexperienced.

[Crystal]

Society and owl finches would make decent matches for a cordon bleu.

You will need to quarantine her for 6-8 weeks to help minimize chances of her being sick and spreading the disease to any new birds. You will also need to quarantine new birds before introducing them to her.

[tammieb]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your CB.

I have a pair which have been together for many years, are very bonded and I know either one would be heartbroken if left alone. The society would be a suitable replacement if you can't find/afford another CB.