Finch Update

[kiffie]

I got up this morning to check on the finches and found Dumb upside-down at the bottom of the cage. I thought she was dead. She wasn't.

I put her into the nest, but she fell back out a minute later and was upside-down again. This went on a few more times before I opted to just hold her. I wrapped her in a towel to keep her warm and petted her for almost three hours. She went to sleep a few times, but would wake up at regular intervals to have a small freak out. She tried to run -- her legs worked, but her feet wouldn't grip -- and ended up upside-down, twitching.

By this time I realized that her end was not going to be quick. The Humane Society isn't open today, the nearest vet that takes birds is in Long Beach and I doubt she'd make the trip. So I dipped a Q-tip in water and started hydrating her. Then I spent half an hour holding her upright so she could eat some seed. She's lost a lot of control in her beak; it took her almost a minute sometimes to eat a single seed. But she still managed to get quite a bit down.

I honestly don't know what I'm going to do. There's something seriously wrong with her, but she's still able to eat and drink -- granted, with help. She can't perch, can't walk, can barely beep...

;_;

Comments

[vespurrs.livejournal.com]

*HUGS*

[kiffie.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[kiffie.livejournal.com]

I wanted to take her this morning, but like I said, the humane society wasn't open today. A vet visit would mean driving her a considerable distance and there's no guarantee she can even travel.

Granted, this was before I realized she could eat on her own*, but I still have to do some serious thinking tonight.

*I will have to return to school soon, and my mom simply can't take care of a bird that needs to be held to eat, drink, and poo. If the bird were larger, perhaps, but we're talking about a wee!finch no longer than someone's index finger and incredibly fragile.

[kiffie.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :3

[angrylemur.livejournal.com]

That sucks, so much. I'm sorry.

Hugs.

[kiffie.livejournal.com]

She's old. She's lived a good life.

I just figured she'd go in her sleep or something, not... like this. :/

*hugs*

[lilblueunicorn.livejournal.com]

Oh Kiffie... I'm so sorry. D:

I hate it when they suffer. :( At least you're there and you're making her as comfortable as possible. Poor little darling.

-§parky

[kiffie.livejournal.com]

At least you're there and you're making her as comfortable as possible.

Even if my arm falls asleep while I'm holding her up to eat. I know she's sick, but she eats so slow and by the time she's done, I can't feel my fingers anymore. X3

It's worth it.

[lilblueunicorn.livejournal.com]

"It's worth it."

Most definitely.

I'll say a prayer for her.

-§parky

[kiffie.livejournal.com]

<3

[kiffie.livejournal.com]

Poor Frick. :(

I think the dumbness was kind of what made me love these two. I don't think they've got a braincell between them, but at the same time, they're both too stupid to be afraid of humans. If they weren't, I don't think Dumb would have ever let me hold her to give her food and water.