My name is Sarah. I have emailed you before regarding finch care. You were so nice and supportive. I love your website and use it when something is amiss with my birds or if I just want to learn more. I am writing because a tragedy has befallen my house. My 4 zebra finches passed away last night. They were my little babies, even though they were fully grown. They were so sweet.

The only thing that could have killed them all at once, is the fact that out of all the precautions my husband and I were taking (no fabreeze, no scented candles, no drafts etc) we forgot one very important detail. We boiled water in a pot to put a little humidity in the house. The water got too low and I believe the birds died of Teflon fume poisoning. I remembered not to have Teflon pots warming up on the stove or heating oil on the stove, but it had never crossed my mind regarding boiling water. It was horrible. My husband watched them die in a matter of like 1 hour. By the time I got home from my night class they were gone. I never thought that I could be this attached to these little guys. They were little clowns of the house. They brought a lot of life into the house. I would study and read and there little noises would keep me company and make me smile. I loved to watch them interact with each other. They were my little friends.

I wanted to tell you, b/c I thought that you could understand the loss I was feeling. And because I wanted your readers to know that these little details are really important to remember. If my story can save someone else’s little friends, that would make me happier. I look forward to hearing from you.

Article © Sarah Willingham 2004