A little traumatic today....
One of my female z-finches was sitting at the bottom of the cage all puffed up since yesterday. This afternoon I noticed that outside of her vent was a what looked like a large, round, blood clot (a little smaller than the size of an egg) and some fresh blood on her leg.
It actually appeared as though her "insides" were pushed out of her and now on the outside and she was clearly suffering badly. I instantly jumped to action recalling somewhere where I read about a method involving helium to end her suffering. I made a quick trip to the store, purchased a helium filled balloon and of course we know the rest of the story...
I never thought I'd have to do it, and as unpleasant as it was, I must say I am thankful she's not suffering anymore. I could barely keep myself together while administering it, but the alternative was unthinkable.
