Lucky the Tame Society Finch

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Sheather
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Lucky the Tame Society Finch

Post by Sheather » Thu Sep 03, 2015 3:15 am

This is my poor little ironically-named chap Lucky, a 5 month old male society finch who is currently flightless following an attack by a very rude (now separated!) cut-throat finch which in a home invasion a little over a week ago managed to pull every single flight feather from his right wing in her attempts to take over his prime real estate.

After the incident, Lucky was also taken from the aviary for some TLC in his own private suite, for some good nutrition, warmth, rest, and relaxation. What surprised me, however, was that after being handled a few times, he completely got over his innate fear of me, that which all normal finches have of humans generally, and after just a few days he began hopping right onto my hands and coming out of the cage to sit on my hand and sing to me! Finding himself unable to get where he wanted to go, he picked up very quickly that I could become his new set of wings so to speak.

So while I don't know if he'll stay the same when those beautiful wings DO come back in, I seem to be currently in the possession of a spontaneously tame finch who has decided I'm not so bad after all.

This came after just holding him for a few moments once - actually, while I was clipping his nails before bringing him to the new cage. Unlike before, he seemed to find he had no immediate reflex-driven mode of escape like he did when flighted, and in just that instance, prevented from following his instinct, he realized I wasn't actually going to hurt him. Just a day later he hopped onto my finger as if he'd always been tame and he is at this point completely comfortable with my hand in the cage or right next to him. I'm both flattered but also quite surprised it could be as simple as that to get a tame finch, but this little guy speaks for himself!

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~Dylan

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Re: Lucky the Tame Society Finch

Post by Rox » Thu Sep 03, 2015 4:20 am

Sorry that the rude cut-throats got to him but what a sweet little bird! I am curious if he will stay this way once his wings grow back. Please let us know :D
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Re: Lucky the Tame Society Finch

Post by debbie276 » Thu Sep 03, 2015 5:38 am

I've always heard that if you clip wings the bird is easier to tame. Will be interesting to see if it lasts.
Do keep us updated
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Re: Lucky the Tame Society Finch

Post by Atbird » Thu Sep 03, 2015 7:56 am

That's awesome. I think once finches get over that initial fear, they should remain tame. I've seen wild sparrows that are "tame". Your canary is also tame, right? Maybe you have a gift :)
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Re: Lucky the Tame Society Finch

Post by Babs _Owner » Thu Sep 03, 2015 8:47 am

Sheather

I've been enjoying handling the babies in CackleJax's open nest while I still can (CackleJax & KoJax dont care if I remove the nest & take a look at the babies).

But alas, I know it will be short-lived.

Would be neat if he stays tame :)

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lovezebs
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Re: Lucky the Tame Society Finch

Post by lovezebs » Thu Sep 03, 2015 8:47 am

Sheather

You definitely have 'the gift' my friend :-).
Shall we start calling you Dylan The Bird Whisperer ?

I'm glad your little Lucky survived the C.T. attack. He was truly lucky.

I've had a couple of toddlers get beat up, and thankfully I pulled them out for nursing and tlc, before my own CT managed to kill them (although one Zebra baby has slight eye damage). He has a thing about babies, hates, HATES THEM !

Best of luck to both you and Lucky. I hope he stays tame for you Dylan.
~Elana~

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Re: Lucky the Tame Society Finch

Post by Sally » Thu Sep 03, 2015 8:58 am

I think it is unusual for any finch to be that trusting so quickly, so I would say that you do have a gift. Hope he stays this time.
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wildbird
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Re: Lucky the Tame Society Finch

Post by wildbird » Thu Sep 03, 2015 11:06 pm

I'll bet he stays tame after the feathers grow in. Lucky is lucky to have you to care for him. Pretty little bird too!

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Re: Lucky the Tame Society Finch

Post by lovezebs » Sun Sep 06, 2015 11:04 am

Sheather

Good morning Dylan.

Just wondering how Lucky is doing (?)
~Elana~

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Sheather
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Re: Lucky the Tame Society Finch

Post by Sheather » Sun Sep 06, 2015 12:03 pm

I did not handle Lucky yesterday and today he's afraid of me again. :(

His feathers aren't growing back yet.
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Re: Lucky the Tame Society Finch

Post by Babs _Owner » Sun Sep 06, 2015 12:38 pm

Sheather

If he isn't freaking out badly, maybe if you swooped him up and sit him back on your finger, he will remember.

I notice that the slightest thing can freak out a finch...like a something they've never seen in the food bowl before, etc.

Sometimes I wonder if even us having on a different color shirt, or fingernail polish can affect/confuse them.

Who knows what gets into their lil birdie minds?

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