Death of a Zebra Finch :(

[alisonmurphy88]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum but I've been keeping a pair of male zebra finches for 3 years. They've always been the best of pals but two days ago Freckles fell ill, I took him to the vet and they told me there was little help for him and that it would be kindest to have him put to sleep. I am devastated by this sudden loss, I really love my birds like family, but I'm most worried about my remaining zebra finch Moody. He saw a vet 2 months ago and was a little low on calcium but that has been addressed. The vet assured me that the organ failure that caused Freckles death was not contagious but now I am so worried about Moody being lonely. I have considered purchasing a female companion for him but my partner doesn't think this is a good idea.

Can he be happy on his own? How can I make his life better now his best friend is gone? I would be so, so grateful of any advice.

Thank you so much.

Alison.

[Sally]

So sorry for the loss of Freckles, it can be so devastating. Moody would probably appreciate a new partner, since finches are social creatures and don't really like to be alone. If you get him a female, then you will have to contend with breeding issues. If you don't want to be bothered with that, I'd get him another male companion.

Welcome to the forum, though it is under sad circumstances. There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch keeping and especially the Zebra finch. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier to answer locale-specific questions later on.

[alisonmurphy88]

Thank you very much for your advice. If I were to get another male companion for Moody, is it possible that the two of them would fight with one another? He's quite a fragile little guy so I want to make sure that he isn't going to be over powered by a newbie.

Thanks so much again for your help. As sad as it has been I just want to make sure Moody enjoys his life as much as possible.

[lovezebs]

alisonmurphy88

Hi Alison, and welcome to the Forum.

Sorry to hear about your little boy. Finches as a whole, (and Zebras in particular) are extremely social creatures, and don't do well on their own.

Another Zebra boy (or a Society finch boy), would be a very good idea. A Zebra girl, would mean eggs and baby Zebras (who are, by the way, super cute) .

Good luck.

Elana

[alisonmurphy88]

Hi Elana,

Thanks for this information. I thought that he would be feeling lonely and read about finches who were alone turning to plucking and dying shortly after their companions, which obviously would be awful. I'm a little torn at the moment as I feel on the one hand Moody deserves a pal, but I'm worried about bringing endless finches into the family over the years to keep the other happy. As much as I loved my two, when they get sick I get very anxious and sometimes struggle emotionally. I obviously don't want to give my remaining finch up, but do you think he would be happy if I donated him to an owner who already has several finches?

I'm so confused as to what would be best

Thanks so much.

[lovezebs]

alisonmurphy88

Hi Alison.
Choosing to offer Moody up for adoption, is a very personal decision, and I can't really tell you what you should do.

Personally (now that's me) I would get Moody a little companion. If you're worried about fighting, (which can happen, I won't lie to you), I would opt for a Society Finch. These little birds, are laid back, easy going, and generally as sweet natured as they come. They also like to cuddle and snuggle, and are very social.

Elana

[alisonmurphy88]

lovezebs

Elana,

Thanks so much for your helpful advice. I think one of the reasons it's been so hard to deal with the death of Freckles is knowing that Moody is lonely without him, so at the moment I am leaning towards getting a male society finch to buddy up with Moody. It would be far too sad to let him go.

Thank you again for your help.

Alison.