Necropsy needed?

[macattack]

I have a finch aviary outside. Never near my two large parrots. I just found another dead finch. no sign of attack. What worries me is that this is #4 in a 3 to 4 month period. And 1 just totally disappeared. Which had led me to believe they were being stalked. But i'm getting a bit worried it might be something internal. Either a disease or a virus. But i can't rule out owls, and predators that just can't get them, but might be able to bite, scratch, etc. Or even a cat.

this baby i will be taking for a necropsy, soon as the vet calls me back. But what should i check for? Anything outside of the ordinary? i know most necropsies can be vague unless you specify what you want. I just don't know what to ask.

Any ideas or experience with this?

thanks!

[The Outlaw]

Let your vet decide what tests need to be done. And, be sure the wire and toys in your cages are not made of toxic metals. Many a bird will succumb from lead poisoing or zinc poisoning over time.

[macattack]

thanks outlaw..Do you know what a standard necropsy entails? what they check for? what they don't? what i should ask for?

I have two vets i use. One if i let her decide could very well make this into a huge bill. The other is so laid back, and busy might not offer to do it at all. this is why i like to know BEFORE i get the vet on the phone, on what i want, don't want, and why...and don't quite know where to even start the questions to pose.

I've had that cage over a year. so its not that.

Vet hasn't called me back yet. darnit.