one zebra finch

[Tammy]

I adopted a female zebra finch with an eye issue. she is by herself for now. I know that they are very social birds. my question, if her eye issue is permanent does that mean she should be by herself. no friend or cage mate. I was thinking about getting a male zebra or maybe a society finch. what do you guys think. it's sad to live alone -tammy

[debbie276]

What kind of eye issue, is it contagious?

[Tammy]

I don't believe so. she seems to be blind in that eye.

[lovezebs]

I would say, that the first issue is to get this little girl better. Once she is better, then you can decide if you want to breed (male zebra). If you want a sistet friend ( another female zebra). Or if you want to go with a society ( who tend to be more easy going and non aggressive).

However, if the condition is contagious ( as Debbie mentioned) then you don't want to expose another bird to it and end up with two sick birds. Or God forbid it spreads to whatever other birds you have in close proximity.

Has little girl been checked by a vet?

[Angela&Shalamar]

She should do fine with company. Although unless you want to breed I would opt for a society finch or a very calm female zebra as she may be at a disadvantage socially. Otherwise place her cage next to that of another bird. That way she has some company but is protected.

[Sheather]

Zebras can be mean. I'd get her a society companion or maybe even two in case she tried to bully the society (societies don't exclude others in odd number like some finches, they love all company).

[Zebrafincher]

Hi Tammy,

if you are worried about your little female, be aware that birds will often pick on weaker ones. I have three birds - Kevin (canary), Beaky (Zebbie) and my star finch, Merl. Merl has always been a bit weaker (he cannot fly very well) and a bit of a runt. He gets picked on by the other two if they are let out. I keep them all in separate flight cages, but let them out separately. Merl has a mirror and is in love with himself, and seems to be a very happy little bird. He speaks to the others all the time. As suggested, perhaps this set up might work for your little girl.

Best of luck,

Kind Regards


Zebrafincher
Proud owner of:
“Kevin the King”, groutchy, cranky canary – 12 years
Beaky the Zebbie – 9 months old – a real, real cutie!!!
Merlin “Merl” the Starfinch – 2 years – and “bossy as anything for such a small fry!”

[Tammy]

thanks everyone, the previous owner did take her to the vet. the vet said to flush the eye(water) and see how it goes. which I think that's code for I have no idea what's wrong with your bird. I plan to order colloidal silver tomorrow. I hear that is really good for eye issues. I don't want to breed. I hate seeing her alone. maybe I will buy a society finch to keep her company. thanks everyone.

[Corkysgirl]

I have an "old" bird that's had a chronic eye issue for over 3 years, came and went. It's weird because it doesn't seem to be contagious. (She had a fostered baby in with her who never caught it) But it responds to Amoxitex. The only issue is if I stop it, it comes right back. Because of her age, 10 years old, I keep her on a low dose of Amoxitex. Not optimal for a young bird to do this, but as a last resort. I did treat her with Colloidal silver, which worked when she was younger. I'd make sure she was completely over any possible infection before introducing another bird. If you have any questions or need medicine you can contact Laraine at ladygouldianfinch.com You can identify eye issues with the website also. http://www.finchniche.com/feat_health.php

[debbie276]

Laraine at ladygouldianfinch.com You can identify eye issues with the website also. http://www.finchniche.com/feat_health.php

Just a note,
ladygouldianfinch is not Laraine but instead Myra from the finch niche and Joann

Laraine is at https://ladygouldian.com/
Here is the link to eye issues at Laraine's:
https://ladygouldian.com/node/223

[cindy]

I would get her a zebra hen to keep her company...better she is with her own kind especially since you do not want to breed her.

[Zebrafincher]

How is your little girl hen doing?


Zebrafincher
Proud owner of:
“Kevin the King”, groutchy, cranky canary – 12 years
Beaky the Zebbie – 9 months old – a real, real cutie!!!
Merlin “Merl” the Starfinch – 2 years – and “bossy as anything for such a small fry!”