Ask Lafeber

Can a Zebra Finch get depressed after egg loss?

One of my female Zebras had been sitting on an egg for a while, but after a few weeks and seeing no progress with it, I took it out. Ever since then (three days ago), though, she’s been sleeping a lot more. She is eating, drinking, preening, and bathing, but has just been sleeping a lot more.

I don’t see any signs of sickness, though she is sleeping on the floor where the Sun shoots down, so it’s a nice warm spot. So I think she only is laying there for that reason.

What do you think? Is this an “egg-loss depression”? I’m worried about her, but since I don’t see any clear signs of sickness, I don’t know what I could do to help her.

Hi Charles,

Any change in behavior can be a first sign of illness. It may just be that she was used to sitting on the egg and was used to being inactive. But generally once the eggs are gone, the bird goes back to normal. She may have a mild infection or something else going on. She might be getting ready to lay again. Keep an eye on her and if you feel like she just isn’t right, you might want to take her to the Vet.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda