zebra finches can't fly

[quailmother]

has anyone ever had a baby zebra finch that can't fly? i have 2 babies that hatched and have never been able to fly. they try to hop as high as they can, but that's all. i separated them into a cage of their own. it is then that i noticed that each of them has one foot with no toenails. the other foot is normal. at first i thought maybe they had been picked on. but is it just a coincidence that they both have the same defect?

 

[craftiekids]

How old are the babies? They may have this problem because of something your hen lacked when she laid them. a vitamin, mineral or something or too close genetically to her mate? Who can say. As long as they appear normal in all other ways and in no pain, you may never know and you may as well enjoy them as they are. Maybe you can teach them to sit on your finger? That would be cool..... But consider vitamins for parents or let them rest in separate cages for a bit so your hen doesn't get too stressed from hatching another clutch too soon. Zebras are well known for prolific breeding so a vacation for mom is a great thing.... Post a photo, I love Zebra's and had some for several years.

Susie Q

 

[quailmother]

thank you so much for replying. i took all the nesty kind of plush and wicker cubicles. i know that i have 2 pair that are not related, but can't say for sure if there offspring bred with related siblings.
the little flightless babies are very frightened of my hands in their cage. but slowly they are getting used to me as long as i stay on my own side of their cage.
they are sweet and fun to listen to. quite chatty

 

[craftiekids]

Can't blame them for being scared, even a finger must look like a giant monster sausage! Ha, ha... They should get used to you cleaning and caring for them fairly quick. If they need reassurance put the same gender adult or parent with them so they can learn not to be spooky right from mom or dad. You can arrange their cage like quail, putting some pine chips in a corner to sit and stay warm in. (never cedar) and gravel on the cage bottom. Seeds, treats & foods and water in cups on the bottom as well. Maybe a few perches 2 inches off the floor so they can hop onto it. They just sound so cute and tiny... I always found they really loved rice. I made brown rice or quick grits. I also put bits of green grass or alfalfa. Of course I'm just a big ol' weanie.... I love to mess with my critters and baby them all really bad... Drives my husband crazy!

So Happy they're doing well....!!
Susie Q

 

[quailmother]

thanks for your comments. i have my little flightless finches in a cage designed for their needs. i have a natural small branch ( actually store-bought a piece of plush (bird cozy) and i have a plastic canary nest, hanging sideways. i put panti liners in these nests, they are self- sticking, easy to change, soft but not something their claws get stuck on.
i know it sounds weird, but i have these sideways nests attached inside my finch aviary. it offers a little, comfortable shelter, but does not allow for nesting.
for my quails i give them these little plush nests meant for small mammals. each of my quail, 2 button and 1 cothurnix live in separate cages and these nests are where they sleep. i think it is a substitute for a cage mate warmth -wise. they look so cute!
i try to set up my cages with each bird's need. safety first, then comfort.
just thought others might try these ideas.
thanks again for your reply.

 

[craftiekids]

Ohhh that's just too awsome!!! Send some photos we'd love to see them. my 9yr old twins are really fascinated and can't wait to see them. We are always interested in what others do for their birds and we can always learn from what others do! no matter what kind of bird it is! My girls just got owl pellets in school today and were fascinated by the different bones in the pellets... Yesterday my nephew and I were driving down the rd and found two baby chicks that must have fallen out of a bitty truck. Don't know how it happened but one is doing wonderfully the other broke it's leg. Not sure what to do with the poor broken one yet but they are eating well and cheeping loud. So happy that your little ones are doing well. We'll post pics when I find my camera..... Your little ones are doing so well,,,keep up the great work!!!!. My girls want finches now!

Again, We can all learn from each other! Thanks so much for posting !

Susie Q

 

[quailmother]

hi cfaftietkids,i will attempt to add a picture to my reply post. wish me luck! i.m not good at this.

 

[craftiekids]

Oh such pretty babies! Is one of male and one female? I only see one with the cheek patch. My 9yr old twins got a real boost out of seeing them. They want to know their names or can they suggest some... Just way too cute!!!!.

Susie Q and Abby and Annie!

 

[craftiekids]

Our Abby says "Oscar and Clara" What do you think? Susie Q

 

[craftiekids]

We lost one bitty but the other named James is doing beautifully. Susie