RIP Darwin :(

[Tavaci]

My Zebra Finch Darwin died today. I had just him and his mate Emma. But now it's just Emma all alone :(

I think he died from the heat. We've been taking my finches outside during the day, along with my mom's two parakeets. They usually do fine, as we've been taking them outside for at least a good two months now. Both Darwin and Emma couldn't have seemed healthier. And we never put the birds in a spot where they were constantly in direct sunlight; they usually had shade for most of the day. And they always had access to water. And today wasn't any hotter than it usually is. But today I went out back after school to try and see if I couldn't snap some pictures of some wild birds. There was none out there, so I went over to check on our birds and Darwin was just laying at the bottom of the cage. I brought all the birds immediately inside and left Darwin alone for a little bit, just in case he still had some life in him but he never moved :'(

So I have a few questions. First off, why was it that Emma seemed alright but Darwin didn't make it? As I said, they were both very healthy. They had plenty of food and water... But, it was probably the heat right? Darwin and Emma both seem very healthy. They're colors are bright, their are constantly active and chirping. Is there something I may have missed?

Also, I know that finches are very social birds and shouldn't be alone. So I want to get Emma a new friend as soon as I can. Should I wait a while for her to get over the death of Darwin? And also, is it imperative that I get her another zebra finch male?

I really feel like a bad bird owner now :(

[hollyhawkz]

Oh that's horrible, I'm so sorry for your loss.

[jenseits]

So sorry for your loss. I think without a necropsy it will be pretty difficult to tell what exactly caused the death.

Sorry I don't know anything about finches. Hopefully someone else can let you know what to do next.

[LovelySydney]

Im sorry for your loss.

[poohbear]

Your bird could have died of a hundred different things...it's something you have to get used to when keeping finches.Some may live many years,others just one or two.
Unless exposed to hours of sun without shade I doubt that temperature is responsible.Hundreds of keepers,some very experienced breeders,post on these forums year round asking why their birds suddenly die..you are not alone.
Get another companion for your hen soon...either another zebra or a similar finch...societies are usually very placid with other birds.

[Powder]

Too bad about your little finch...it was just his time to go. I'd get your hen a new friend asap....that would make her and you happy again...the weekend is coming up!

[Tavaci]

Alright, I'm going to get her a new friend as soon as I can! Not sure yet whether it'll be a zebra or a society yet; or whether it'll be male or female (though I'm leaning towards male b/c I like the songs they sing). Only problem is I can't afford anything yet... Maybe next week!

Also, just as a side note, we do have two parakeets. The parakeets and my finch are in separate rooms though. But sometimes we do put their cages nearby. And I guess it's normal, but they don't really interact much with each other. It was the same case a while back when I had a cockatiel. I put them in the same room one time, and for a little while they were curious of each other, and then they just ignored each other.

[rewki]

I am sorry for your loss, fly free Darwin, fly free.