Elderly Zebra Finch - how can I make him happy?

[fluffydust]

yes waxworms are similar to mealworms, but softer and fattier. They make a good protein and fat rich meal as a treat or for when brooding or ill.

They also don't creep under the sand as quickly!! Bit more expensive but don't get wasted and can be served live.

Hope you find some, or I suppose some mashed up cooked egg yolk is a good alternative. Protein and fat, nice and soft.

My old wobbly male is a big fan, and with some extra nutrients courtesy of the fertivit I bought for all of my guys he is even growing some lost feathers back.

The infra red lamp is just ideal, though mine broke the other day and while im waiting on another I have got a halogen heater on in the room facing the cage, not too close but I know he loves it as he sleeps in the nest closest to the heater.

[alisonmurphy88]

lovezebs thanks so much for your help but unfortunately Moody has passed away. I am so sad that he is gone, I know everyone on this forum will understand that he was literally a best friend to me. The only thing I'm pleased about is that he is reunited with his companion Freckles.

I genuinely can't thank everyone enough for all of their help. Hopefully someday I'll be a finch owner again.

Alison.

[lovezebs]

alisonmurphy88

Oh Allison, I am so sorry about Moody.

I know how hard it is to lose our little feathered friends, and the fact that he was an only, makes it all the more difficult.

Sometime ago, when I lost five tiny rejected newborns (that I was trying so hard to keep alive) I wrote the following little post, called Over the Rainbow. I think it's applicable here, and I hope it offers some comfort.


Somewhere over the Rainbow, there is a special place; where the gentle winds dance through the tall green grasses... where the golden sun always smiles down from the blue skies above, and where the waters run clear and sweet over shining pebbles in giggling brooks...This is the place where little birds go when they leave us. This is where Biggy, Spike and Poky, and all their little brothers and sisters, now get to play and fly and sing, amongst gently swaying branches and the dappled shadows of trembling leaves.Be happy my little ones.You were wanted and you were loved.~ Elana~

Yes, I hope that at some point in the future, you will walk into a Pet Shop somewhere , and fall in love again with some cute feathered, bright eyed sweetheart.

Hugs and warm regards.

[Spreckles]

I can help I think! AND ask a question of my own. I DO have an old bird which has started me down a long road of searching information about finches. I had a finch bonded pair of 2 varieties. I thought I had 2 males. After looking and reading I think I have a CB female of unknown subspecies and I had a red fire finch she was bonded too. The cat ate the red bird; great right? Someone left the door open to the room where the birds live. My bird nearly starved herself to death grieving. She is going on 8 years old, and healthy. I did buy a Society finch for her. That got her eating and interacting BUT they do not cuddle. My CB is still lonesome for a cuddle buddy but thriving well. I don't know what sex the PS finch is, but it is a little whipper snapper and a crack up. My old bird spends a lot of time cuddling the mirror which brings me to my question for the bird experts. SHOULD I try and get more CB's? What about a male and female? Is there a preference between the blue headed Cordon blues and Red cheek?

And back to you. me sympathy goes out to you. Who would think that birds we can't hold or touch could get so under our skins? They have their endearing ways. I would get your bird a buddy. It should perk him up. Since it is a zebra and they are cuddlers why not another zebra? I don't know if I happened to get the only un cuddly Pied Society bird or what but maybe sticking with the same species is better? A sweet little female might be kind to him. At least zebras are easy to sex. I hope your little buddy perks up but age is something that takes us all. Comfort yourself with the happy life he has while he has it. AND come talk to me when I lose my bird because I just love her.

[Spreckles]

I am so sorry for the loss of Moody and for the loss of his little buddy. Seems I may have posted my earlier post after the fact and I am sorry for that. I do hope you get some more birds. Is there really all that many people who do take them in and love them well?

Having lost one recently and having an old bird I share this with you. i loved Elana's poem, and her wishes for you to peek into one of those cages and see someone special who needs you. And get 2.