Sad news for new Mommy

Kathleen · Post by **Kathleen** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 11:04 am

I just don't understand what happened....baby zibra chick "Bird-nuh" died in the middle of the night yesterday. I had hand raised him from a 2 day old chick, but on day 18 he died. I always thought there was something wrong with him because he seemed to go into spasums several times a day as if he was in pain. But then again, I have never raised a baby bird this small and thought maybe this is the way they act, and maybe it is. My family and friends were also sad, for we all were looking forward to seeing Bird-nah grow up. His eyes had finally opened a tiny bit....I could see a tiny shinny spot in the center. We were all so happy and thought he was going to make it. We have four eggs tha are due to hatch within the next week and hope the parents take care of them all. I'm not ready to foster another baby, but of course I will if need be. If anyone can shed any light on why he died after making it for 18 days, I would appreciate any comments or advise. Thanks to all.
Kathleen

Post by **Sally** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:12 pm

Hi, Kathleen, so sorry for your loss. It is always hard to lose one of our finches, but especially so when you have developed such a bond with them. There is no way of telling what has happened with it. I have read that birds that are handfed are slower to develop and wean, but your baby was way behind in development, if its eyes weren't fully open yet at 18 days. It should have had eyes open, getting pretty feathered, and starting to hop around on your hand, and it should have gotten rapidly larger. Parent-raised babies are about ready to fledge at that age. I've only handfed once, but that baby never had spasms. It sounds like your baby was not well from the start, and probably never had a chance. I'm like you, will handfeed if I have to, but I sure hope I don't have to. The parents may just have been immature and will do better this next time.

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:30 pm

So sorry Kathleen...

trevorama · Post by **trevorama** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:15 pm

Hi Kathleen-just read your post and I'm so sorry to hear what happened. I do agree with Sally that it sounds like something was going on that you could not correct or prevent. You did all you could. I don't like to hand feed because it's so emotional (or maybe that's just me) but here I am doing it now. It's just one day at a time. Hope the parents take care of the new babies well.

Kathleen · Post by **Kathleen** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 12:03 am

Thanks guys.....yes this baby finch in 18 days never really got any new feathers, and although he looked like he was growing, he seemed to becoming less active as time went by. It's so sad because he was always eager to eat, even that evening before it died. The next morning when I went to check on him, he was gone and his crop was still full. Poor little guy....we miss him....it really makes me sad to think of such a sweet little thing in pain...got to sign off for now. Thanks again
Kathleen

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 12:15 pm

hi kathleen
sorry for your loss,i really am i have been there and so have many people on this site,i am afraid there is no way to stop it either,i hope you feel better eventually

ken

tursiopschic · Post by **tursiopschic** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:08 pm

So sad after the fight to keep him alive! He probably was disabled in some way as other posters said.

Hopefully your next hatchlings thrive for you!