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Finches/Baby finch wont fly

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Expert: Megan - 10/22/2009


Question
I have a baby finch that is about 1 month old and he will not fly.  He is out of the nest and hops around the bottom of the cage.  His sibling (not sure if male or female) flies fine but he wont.  Is this normal? What should I do?

Answer
First off, see if something with his wings. You can either do this by spreading them out (but be careful! Finch bones are thinner than toothpicks!) or by holding him in your hand and loosening your grip on him when he is too far from a perch to hop and is forced to use his wings (try not to do this too high up but not too close to the ground either). If he absolutely refuses to fly you have a choice to make.
You can either make the cage so he can hop around and keep an eye on him and take him to the vet if he starts to look sick or you can take him to the vet now and see if something is wrong with him.

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Megan

Expertise

For time's sake, I have made a FAQ site, http://finchfaqs.webs.com/. Please go there first to see if your question has been asked before. Note: the website is still under construction but the FAQ is up Please include the species of finch when asking me. It is easier for me to give you advice if I know what kind of finch I'm dealing with. Also, please include a picture of the bird if possible. Pictures are worth a thousand words after all. I an answer any questions on FINCHES NOT CANARIES. I know how to tell what pair will be good parents, bad parents, sociable with other finches, unsociable and anything else you may wish to know about your feathered friend. Please note: from now on anyone who emails me directly will be ignored. I am unsure how some questioners are getting my personal email address but I will no longer even look at these emails.

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I own finches, have read handbooks on how to care for them,and have researched the internet dry on finches.

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Northern Alberta Caged Bird Society

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