My sweet baby passed away...

[fhgwgads]

This morning I found one of my four babies at the bottom of the cage after having passed away sometime between last night and this morning. I have no idea from what, I hadn't really noticed anything other than yesterday he/she was on the bottom for a bit but I went over and she went back up to the perch. I suppose she could have been sleeping more than usual but I didn't notice because they all nap periodically, and I am not home all day. I also noticed that one of the four seems to be the alpha and at night would chase one of then away from the top perch where they all sleep. I don't know if it is because this one was sick and weak or if that is part of what caused it. I would hope it didn't have to do with bullying, or the alpha not letting the poor thing eat.. I don't think that is the case though. Maybe she was just sick. I know there was nothing I could have done since it happened so fast.. and I know these things happen. I am still sad. She was my favorite out of the four, was the youngest. I fed her from my hand from the time she fledged. I loved her with all my heart, and I wish I could have helped her, or held her, comforted her. I have been upset about it all day. I have to find a place to bury her. I already took her out and placed her in a shoe box with some tissues. She looks so peaceful now. Her sweet eyes are closed, her beak is still half black, and her little feathers are soft and gorgeous. I just hope she is at peace now, flying around and enjoying herself, knowing how much I loved her. RIP my sweet little baby.. I never named you.. And I am pretty sure you were a girl.. so I will name you Aurora Bean. Rest in peace my sweet little baby girl.

[Angela&Shalamar]

so sorry

[debbie276]

So very sorry for your loss

[cindy]

Sorry for your loss.

[chirpy]

Oh, this makes me so very sad... I am so sorry

I know how much you loved your little babies.. but like you said it happened so quick.. I am so sorry for you loss. Hugs you way

I know little Aurora Bean knows you loved her.. with all the care and hand feeding, what a sweet little girl.

[Ginene]

I am so sorry, Ashley. She's flying in heaven with my fledglings now...xoxo

[Perfex]

That is sad to hear. Sorry about your wee chick.

[fhgwgads]

Thank you all for your condolences. This is becoming so heartbreaking. The one alpha is now picking on the next youngest. I am afraid to go to sleep so I moved them next to my bed. And Kuri knows something is up so once I moved their cage she started bugging out. I left a light on for her and Shadow... not that he cares. And Sparrow was quiet all day too. Usually he sings all day long. I think they are all girls too.. the three of them and the one that died. I really need to separate then but right now I have no car to use and no money to get a small cage.

@Ginene I am hoping I can get a ride to you soon! I have to work until Saturday.. so I really hope that they will calm down and stop fighting. And I hope I don't end up with another dead baby. I feel terrible.. I feel like it's partially my fault because I haven't been able to get to you for the cages! Ugh!! I am not trying to sound depressing or look for any pity I am just venting and ranting because most people would never understand how upsetting and frustrating this is.

But once again, thank you all for your kind words. They are very much appreciated.

[Musetta]

Your story made me so sad! I am truly sorry for your loss and for your continued troubles. I hope things look up for you and your zebs very soon!

[30 Seconds to Bob]

My condolences. It's especially heartbreaking when we lose one we become particularly attatched to. Bob

[Bee-Beep]

I am very sorry. Please don't beat yourself up. They are delicate creatures and we do our best to care for them.
I can feel you frustration about things not coming together quickly enough with the changes you need to make. I pray things will be able to happen faster for you.
Kathy

[Sally]

So sorry this has happened to you, but don't feel it is your fault. Our little finches are quite good at hiding illness, so by the time we notice it, they are often too far gone.

[Zebrafincher]

Hello fhgwgads,

don't beat yourself up about it. I had a young male Zebbie, Hughie, (6 months old) who passed away during the night in his nest, and I still have no idea of why! I was devastated at the time, and believed it was something I had done. Since joining the forum, I have come to know that finches do sometimes pass away - for a variety of reasons. It might have been genetic problems, or an infections - you may never know. Birds are also notoriously good at masking their illnesses - unlike cats or dogs, you may not know they are sick until they are really unwell.
I'm sure you loved your little one, and will care for the others just as well. There's nothing you could have done. It might have happened even if you had had them in another cage. God bless.