Big unexpected loss...:(

[crumpet912]

Out of nowhere my 10 month old Cutthroat cock became ill and died in less that 4 hours. He was absolutely great this morning, displaying his throat and singing to him mate. He was fluffed on the perch this afternoon and then on the bottom of the cage, 30 mins later, he's on his side. He was my favorite, i loved his song, and i don't know what happened.

I had a good love over him and noticed runny droppings, he did not eat or drink since this morning. His feathers look normal, nostrils, eyes, ears and beak all are normal and clean. His droping turned bright green and yellow, then dark brown. Infection? And so quickly? The bigger probelm is the female is acting out of sorts, eating and drinking excesively and is a littel fluff. They've been courting and mating for about two weeks. Will she still lays eggs? Can she raise them on her own, or should i provide a stand in, like a society. I have two pair of laying societies and a pair of zebras, can i put the eggs in their nests? Any suggestions would be great. And i will keep you updated on her state of health.

[GOULDYGIRL]

Very sorry for your loss. It's very hard to loose a bird when they looked perfectly fine and then a few hours later they are gone. That happened to me with a parakeet before I got into the finches and I was devastated. He was a baby that I hand raised too, I have no idea what happened.

I think if I were you I'd leave the female by herself with the eggs and see what happens. Since cut throats are suppose to be a bit aggressive I don't know how she'd do with a society. If the eggs turn out not to be fertile then maybe I'd try finding her another mate if your interested in breeding them.

Keep us posted on the female, I hope she's ok.

Sorry again,
Renee

[B CAMP]

Sorry for your loss, I guess thats the bad part of our passion its always worse when you don't know why

[L in Ontario]

That's very sad. I would not bring any new bird in for a while. Until you know for sure that the hen is still in perfect health and didn't catch anything. If she lays eggs, she should be fine alone with them. Kepp us posted.

[jamezyboo21]

Sorry for your loss.

[crumpet912]

She seems to be fine, calling for her mate for the last couple of days, but in good health. She also laid one egg the day after he died. She laid it on top of her nest and it rolled off and broke. There haven't been anymore since. Since i've had the pair, they broken three eggs. I do have a pair of societies in place just in case and i've padded down the bottom of her cage with shredded paper. so we'll see.