A Finch in a Pinch

Children are always most curious and observant when it’s time for bed. So, of course, it was at bedtime last week when our younger son noticed that one of our zebra finches had redness around her tail.

“That’s probably normal,” I said, hurrying him off to bed. But I wasn’t actually sure. I am relatively new to finch rearing, having taken up finches as my pandemic hobby while others were baking sourdough and crocheting.

The next day I looked more closely at our little Lisa’s tail. It was pretty red, and Google seemed to think she might be eggbound, with an egg stuck inside. The online predictions were ominous. I started to get nervous.

We’ve never taken our finches to a vet. Bird vets are not easy to find, and we’ve been able to handle things ourselves at home—until now. I spoke with a friend who is a vet—and who kindly called me over the weekend to offer some advice—but Lisa refused to be caught, and I was afraid I would hurt her if I tried to ease an egg out of her.

It sounds terrifying, right?

Another vet who texted in response to my question and photo said Lisa really needed to be seen. She mentioned that Lisa would likely need sedation and an X-ray. Yikes. I called the vet she recommended, and I was relieved when the pleasant voice on the other end of the line said that their exotic bird vet had one opening that evening.

Whew.

I’m a big believer in turning to professionals when you’re out of your depth. I also knew that if Lisa didn’t make it, I would feel better knowing we had given her a chance. Finches were flying through my dreams at night, and every morning I peeked nervously into the cage to make sure she was still hopping around.

By this point, I had also asked more than a few people to pray for Lisa. I know God loves our little finch, who—with her brother, Bart—still feel like miraculous gifts, hatching the way they did in our home during the pandemic.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.” (Matthew 10:29)

I kept thinking of that Bible verse. A finch is so tiny, but God creates even the tiniest creature for a reason—and with love. God has entrusted our family with these little, fragile lives that have brought us so much joy. So, on what felt like the coldest day of the year, we warmed up our van so we could load the birdcage inside. My older son and I limped our way around the beltway in rush-hour traffic and started the 60-mile round-trip.

When we finally met the vet, we had to turn the lights out so he could catch Lisa in his hands, since finches can’t see well in the dark. Once he was able to examine her, he confirmed that she didn’t have an egg inside. Her cagemate and mother, Hermione, is apparently plucking too many feathers out of her when she grooms her. There’s no treatment needed. Nature is amazing but odd.

Soon enough, we were on our way home, and I kept thinking with pride—and relief—how the vet said that our finches were strong and healthy.

And they are so loved, not just by our family, but by our Creator. Just as each of us is.

“Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:30-31)

Whatever is worrying you today, may you experience the love of God and know that He holds you in the palm of His hand.

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