Aa
Comfort for Dying Old Cockatiel
Petey, my 22 year and 5-month old cockatiel is dying. It started over two months ago when he go sick. He looked like the wild birds I've seen with West Nile virus. Just when we were certain it was the end, Petey rallied but hasn't been the same since. He's had loose stools off and on and has lost a lot of weight. I've used moulting and conditioning vitamins as a supplement for several years, but it's not making any difference now obviously. He does eat his regular seed, but not as much, and has trouble with his old favorite sunflower seeds. A spray of fresh millet gets the biggest reaction out of him these days.
He sleeps most of the time, keeps his feathers puffed up like he's cold, and seems to need his wings for balance more often than not. There's certainly a loss of coordination. Petey never would use a Happy Hut, so I have a small towel on the bottom of one corner of his cage that he likes to snug with. Better than nothing. During the worst of his illness, he wanted nothing to do with us. In the past few days, he wants nothing more than to sit under my chin and sleep.
I want to do right by my little companion, so any hints you can offer for comfort measures will be greatly appreciated. Petey was the first companion "child" that my husband I had. Life will be so strange without him, but I'm grateful for all the years we've had with. He's never had one single health problem in all this time, so it's difficult to see him like this. All I can think of is to keep him as warm and comfortable as possible until he's gone. :-(
He sleeps most of the time, keeps his feathers puffed up like he's cold, and seems to need his wings for balance more often than not. There's certainly a loss of coordination. Petey never would use a Happy Hut, so I have a small towel on the bottom of one corner of his cage that he likes to snug with. Better than nothing. During the worst of his illness, he wanted nothing to do with us. In the past few days, he wants nothing more than to sit under my chin and sleep.
I want to do right by my little companion, so any hints you can offer for comfort measures will be greatly appreciated. Petey was the first companion "child" that my husband I had. Life will be so strange without him, but I'm grateful for all the years we've had with. He's never had one single health problem in all this time, so it's difficult to see him like this. All I can think of is to keep him as warm and comfortable as possible until he's gone. :-(
Re: Eating
Yes, you're right. He hadn't eaten since Friday. Late last nite, he finally ate some millet -- probably because he was starving. He sat on my shoulder most of the evening, so maybe he felt better & got an appetite. He's also not drinking any water. :>(
Thanks for the condolences & the feedback.
Yes, you're right. He hadn't eaten since Friday. Late last nite, he finally ate some millet -- probably because he was starving. He sat on my shoulder most of the evening, so maybe he felt better & got an appetite. He's also not drinking any water. :>(
Thanks for the condolences & the feedback.
Karen, make sure your grieving bird eats, otherwise he will quickly get sick. Give him as much millet spray as he wants and other treats. If he eats from your hand the attention you give him will help. If he doesn't like millet spray so much (most do) then find something else he likes. He has to eat.
Karen, I'm so sorry you lost Figgy. The loss is terrible and it's sad what you and Figgy had to go through at the end plus the sadness of her mate, too. I thought I would be ok knowing that my cockatiel Baby Boy had lived so long and that when he died that would be of comfort to me. It isn't. I, too, am so sad about the last couple of weeks of his life and his death two months ago after 27 years. The end was too painful for me to ever think that the 27 years of his presence makes up for it. I see why many people never get another pet. I've lost many other much loved pets but this is the worst. He didn't want to go. He fought.
btw, maybe the Baytril helped with a developing infection and that's why she was doing better (and feeling better), but there might have been a serious underlying problem that weakened her and led to the infection and the lung gurgling. So you did all you could possibly do but there probably wasn't anything anyone could have done about the root age-related cause. This is just speculation on my part but that's what it looks like to me. Similar thing happened with my Baby Boy. Worry, treatment, improvement, then decline and big disappointment.
So you have my sympathies.
Bob
btw, maybe the Baytril helped with a developing infection and that's why she was doing better (and feeling better), but there might have been a serious underlying problem that weakened her and led to the infection and the lung gurgling. So you did all you could possibly do but there probably wasn't anything anyone could have done about the root age-related cause. This is just speculation on my part but that's what it looks like to me. Similar thing happened with my Baby Boy. Worry, treatment, improvement, then decline and big disappointment.
So you have my sympathies.
Bob
I sent you a private message regarding your bird. I hope you will get him/her to an avian vet asap. 6 years old is young for a King Parrot. Don't just assume it's got an untreatable problem.
Hello
I can understand. My bird Baby I think has had a stroke and my husband wanted to put her down. Instead I put her in a deep container with soft towels and water bottles for warmth.She knows I am trying to help her even though most people would laugh at me. I am getting her to eat and drink a little but she is very disorientated.She was born 6 years ago on 2nd november which is my husbands birthday.I am not sleeping and crying but I think she is suffering and I wonder if I am being selfish. she looks at me with her beautiful eyes as if she wants help. By the way she is a beautiful king parrot.I prayed to god to help her I hope he finds it in his heart to help. I will look after her regardless of other peoples comments I want her to be comfortable until she gets better or dies I know most vets would put her down so she is better off at home.
I can understand. My bird Baby I think has had a stroke and my husband wanted to put her down. Instead I put her in a deep container with soft towels and water bottles for warmth.She knows I am trying to help her even though most people would laugh at me. I am getting her to eat and drink a little but she is very disorientated.She was born 6 years ago on 2nd november which is my husbands birthday.I am not sleeping and crying but I think she is suffering and I wonder if I am being selfish. she looks at me with her beautiful eyes as if she wants help. By the way she is a beautiful king parrot.I prayed to god to help her I hope he finds it in his heart to help. I will look after her regardless of other peoples comments I want her to be comfortable until she gets better or dies I know most vets would put her down so she is better off at home.
I found this poem on a cockatiel forum and added the credits.
Maybe it will help someone here as it did me.
"I'll lend you, for a little while, a bird of mine, He said. For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he is dead. It may be six or seven years, or maybe twenty-three, But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief, You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, as all from earth return, But there are lessons taught down there I want this bird to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in my search for teachers true, And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give him all your love - not think this labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to call, to take him back again. I fancied that I heard them say, 'Dear Lord, thy will be done.' For all the joy this bird shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shower him with tenderness and love him while we may, And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
And should the angels call for him much sooner than we planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand."
Adaptation of the work of Edgar Guest, newspaperman and poet (1881 - 1959)
Maybe it will help someone here as it did me.
"I'll lend you, for a little while, a bird of mine, He said. For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he is dead. It may be six or seven years, or maybe twenty-three, But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief, You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, as all from earth return, But there are lessons taught down there I want this bird to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in my search for teachers true, And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give him all your love - not think this labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to call, to take him back again. I fancied that I heard them say, 'Dear Lord, thy will be done.' For all the joy this bird shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shower him with tenderness and love him while we may, And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
And should the angels call for him much sooner than we planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand."
Adaptation of the work of Edgar Guest, newspaperman and poet (1881 - 1959)
1 Comments
That's beautiful thank you
I'm so sorry to hear about Petey. I have owned birds for over 35 yrs. Birds will hide that they aren't feeling well. so when you start to notice that your bird is not eating and starting to sleep more and their feathers are puffed up and they start having loose droppings they need to see a vet yesterday.. keep him or her warm by putting a heat lamp on top of the cage. To keep him or her warm on the way to the vet try putting hand warmers on the bottom of the box or carrier then cover with a towel. make sure that the towel does not become hot, if it does add another towel, it should be warm to the touch. cover the box or carrier with a blanket and go.
1 Comments
I have had mine for 34 almost 35 years when do we know it's their time, as my baby just seems old at this point, but I did take him to the vet in his 20s with a cold and they saved him, he is now 34 and he's really old, having old man issues,
Regarding my message on June 7 to Elyzsmom, my 28 yr old cockateil who has had some strokes over five years ago, blind in one eye, and loses her balance, I purchased the sun deck platforms from fosters smith and put them in the midde of the cage so she can walk elevated and not fall off her perch. They are great, in and outside the cage, and very inexpensive. If the link doesn't work, the website is foster smith and search under bird accessories.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=5059+11295+8367&pcatid=8367
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=5059+11295+8367&pcatid=8367
1 Comments
Thank you as I have so many walkways for my bird so he doesn't have to climb to much..my old man
my 'tiel paulie just passed away peacefully tonight after becoming very puffed up and tired looking. i'm not sure how old he was as we found him 10 years ago and couldnt find an owner. he was always a singing, chirpy little guy and was always the best cheering up i could ever have when i was down. i played him peaceful music that he would always sing along too as he put his head down and left us. i never thought i'd be so attatched to such a little bundle of fluff, though im glad i got to spend his last moments by his side. Rest peacfully my paulie bird, heart goes out to everyone else that has lost a little bird friend x
2 Comments
So sorry about your loss of Paulie - I am sure he was comforted by being with the one he loved in his last moments. RIP little Paulie.
Rip little birdie love
Sadly as I sit here crying and read all of your heartbreaking stories, my 32 year old grey cockatiel Toto, is dying. I believe he has congested heart failure and after his usual shower and blow dry (which he loved and "asked" for on a weekly basis) he reacted much differently. He could barely move, his heart beat sounded like a train going 100 mph and he was struggling to breath. He hasn't eaten or drank anything for over 26 hours and we feel it's just a matter of hours.
I have a heat lamp on him and his cage is draped with his favorite hand towels. I tried an aye dropper with water but even just a 1/2 drop near his beak caused him to cough and stress out. I was in my 20's when we got him as a companion to my other cockatiel (who passed at 25, 9 years ago) and I am now in my 60's. Toto is 7 years older then my son! I know most of you can relate.
What a long, fun road this life has been with my "boys" in it. I am forever grateful for their love and the joy they brought us. They both had a great life and I could never stress this old man out by bringing him to a vet now...after I lost my "first hatched" son, alone at the Vet's, I want Toto to die with us, at home.
I am so sad and we haven't stopped crying the whole day, but I can only pray he is comfortable and knows he is loved. I plan on preserving him as I did his brother Cleo, and our family knows that when my husband and I die, Cleo gets buried with me, and Toto gones in with my husband. Call me crazy, but this is how dear they are to us and how strong the bonds are between us.
Praying for all you out there who have lost your beloved feathered friends, and praying that my boy goes peacefully in my arms.
I have a heat lamp on him and his cage is draped with his favorite hand towels. I tried an aye dropper with water but even just a 1/2 drop near his beak caused him to cough and stress out. I was in my 20's when we got him as a companion to my other cockatiel (who passed at 25, 9 years ago) and I am now in my 60's. Toto is 7 years older then my son! I know most of you can relate.
What a long, fun road this life has been with my "boys" in it. I am forever grateful for their love and the joy they brought us. They both had a great life and I could never stress this old man out by bringing him to a vet now...after I lost my "first hatched" son, alone at the Vet's, I want Toto to die with us, at home.
I am so sad and we haven't stopped crying the whole day, but I can only pray he is comfortable and knows he is loved. I plan on preserving him as I did his brother Cleo, and our family knows that when my husband and I die, Cleo gets buried with me, and Toto gones in with my husband. Call me crazy, but this is how dear they are to us and how strong the bonds are between us.
Praying for all you out there who have lost your beloved feathered friends, and praying that my boy goes peacefully in my arms.
2 Comments
Pia, I know this was several months ago but I still choked up reading your story. I posted here almost two years ago as Byebye. I know how much it hurts and I'll pray your pain has somehow become less painful.
I'm so sorry, mine is also getting old, my vet saved mine from that when he was in his 20s he is now 34 mine is not sick, he is old, and just getting things, I know he doesn't have a long time left,,I really came on here hoping someone knew about how in their last days we can keep them comfy or do we put them down? Going to call the vet..making me cry, I'm so sorry about your baby I know how amazing they are
I completely understand, my 25 year cockatiel is in the process of dying, and I have shed many tears already. I was looking to see if there was anything I could do to make her more comfortable, I know taking her to the vet will just speed things up, and put her under undue stree, but I was hoping there was something I could do to ease her. Dying is not easy for anyone or thing.
1 Comments
Did you find anything out because mine is at that point, when he was in his 20s the vet got him all better, he has lived another 10 yrs since, he's now 34, he's not sick this time he is old..I just don't want to watch him suffer
You lost your little friend. There is NO pain like that. He depended and relied on you for EVERYTHING. You gave him EVERYTHING that he needed in his life!!! Don't ever think that you didn't! You did! Birds don't "think" like we do. Even if they "talk". They live for the moment....and they can't think that their "human" did anything wrong for them.
My mom died last month....but I felt worse when my 34 year old cockatiel died this year. I know it sounds HORRIBLE....but my mom could TELL me how she felt...and my birdie could not. Two different things. I feel your pain.
My mom died last month....but I felt worse when my 34 year old cockatiel died this year. I know it sounds HORRIBLE....but my mom could TELL me how she felt...and my birdie could not. Two different things. I feel your pain.
2 Comments
Mine is 34 and it's so hard seeing him get thinner and thinner, he can't fly, sometimes can't balance, seeds get stuck on his beak, I have made it where he can walk to anything in his cage,..I'm sad I have had my Dpikey since I was a 16 yr old girl
Spikey
So sorry that you lost your little friend. You are in the company of many people who share your sorrow.
thank u to let me know that there are lot of u there. i loss my cockatiel last sunday night. all too suddent that he stop heart bite. its hard for others to understand - just a bird?! ppl feel wried to me. but u all know what i felt.
. lot of cried and regret. 12 yrs he is intelligence - never fly away from my windows. singing alot. start to spriek each day when i leave for work. fly to the high place to avoid from caging. too many memories. they are far more intelligence than i expect.
. lot of cried and regret. 12 yrs he is intelligence - never fly away from my windows. singing alot. start to spriek each day when i leave for work. fly to the high place to avoid from caging. too many memories. they are far more intelligence than i expect.
1 Comments
Me too mine is now 34 and not doing so well, he's not going to make it much longer
I'm so, so sorry that you lost your precious Prince. I KNOW what it's like to lose a cockatiel who was such a huge part of your life and your family. If my sympathy could help you feel better, your grief would be over. Yet I know you'll miss him for a long, long time. A part of your heart flew away when he left.
My 26 year old cockatiel, Prince, died last night at 8:30. It seemed a if he was waiting for me to get home to say goodbye. He was a delightful pet and brought many years of joy to my family. We are very saddened and the house feels so lonesome. I noticed in the past few months changes in his behavior, crouching in the corner with his face against the cage, difficulty walking and falling off of his perch and puffiness as if he was extremely cold. He also stopped saying "I love you". You never think that a pet touches your life in such a dramatic fashion until they are gone. We miss you Prince!
I, too, am so sorry for your loss. As I previously posted, I lost my 34 year old cockatiel on Feb. 20th. The grief is horrible. I live in a condo and had no yard to bury him in. It was tearing me up what to do with his precious little body. I didn't want him cremated or stuffed, either. I got an idea from a vet, in New York City who says people (there) who live in apartments have this same predicament, too. So, at his suggestion, this is what I did. I bought a large potting urn from Home Depot along with 40 pounds of potting soil. I wrapped my bird in his favorite towel, along with his favorite toy and a photo of us. I placed everything in an air-tight bag and buried him in the planter. I decorated the top of the soil with more toys and his picture. So now I'll have him with me always. If I should ever move, he'll go with me. I hope some don't think this too morbid...but rather a solution for those at a loss what to do.
So sorry for your loss of Mellow. Don't punish yourself over this. 26 or 27 is a very old age for a cockatiel. It's very likely that he was just at the end of his natural life. The vet visit alone could have stressed him to death, had you tried it. You must have taken excellent care of him for him to live so long - you were a great caretaker for your little boy. My heart goes out to you for Mellow :(.
Hello Everyone. Our cockatiel Mellow has died last Friday, he was 26 or early 27. He was the best, sweetest and funniest guy. He has been unwell lately but we stupidly just assumed that he would get better naturally as he did many times before. Not so, poor Mells passed away and my boyfriend saw him lying at the bottom of his cage Friday morning. I feel very bad and guilty for not taking him to the vet, maybe they would have cured him. I cannot believe he has died, it is the saddest thing ever, we are devastated. Deep condolences to everyone that ever lost their bird or any other pet, I would do anything to bring him back but its too late now. I cannot believe that we didn't take him to vet even though he got stressed at vets but maybe it would have changed what happened.emi
I'm so sorry you lost your little boy :(
I know how devasted you'll be if you lose your bird. I just this week lost my darling cockatiel. He would have been 34 years old in two months. I got when as a baby when I was 24, so I've had him almost my entire adult life. We literally went everywhere with me....even flying on a 747 once. Throughout his life he'd had his share of mishaps. Broken wings, broken legs, being blinded in both eyes, but he always mended and recovered from his accidents. His last year was rough. He broke a bone in his wing that prevented him from flying. He had the most confusing look on his face when he continued to try to fly. But soon he got used to us carrying him everywhere that he wanted to go. It got to be a routine. Then he stopped eating seed about three months ago. He only wanted treats and millet. But that kept him going and he was as feisty as ever. Then he developed lumps on the bottoms of his feet and we could tell it was hard to walk. On his last morning he didn't cry to get out of his cage. I kept checking on him and the last time I did, he was on his back staring up at me. I got him out and held him under my chin and rubbed his head and cheeks....which he loved so much. After about 1/2 he suddenly scrambled, through out his wings and flew to heaven. He was gone. I'm inconsolable and doubt the pain will never end.
I think my cockatile is sick or dying he has been breathing hevy and he won't whisle any more he has not been acting like him self he is 26 and his name is f.e please help I will be devastated if he goes
I have just found this forum while looking for some health tips for my cockatiel "Sparky". I think he is on his last legs and it's no wonder! He is at least 30 years old and may even be 32 or33.
My late wife and I have been very lucky to have had so much pleasure from a loving and very friendly companion and it will be a massive loss when he does go!
My late wife and I have been very lucky to have had so much pleasure from a loving and very friendly companion and it will be a massive loss when he does go!
Thank you tielbob for your kindness.
I checked her after she passed and the lump was just feces that hardened outside of her anal area which was clean and clear. She couldn't walk good so I think from sitting in the back of the cage it just developed. So I think she had another stroke (she had two over the past six years but she was doing okay). Almost 29 years is a long time to have a little one just be gone. Her mate was screaming this morning and my blind male kinda stopped screaming. Time will pass - Saturday she will be buried in my mom's yard with all the other tiels.
maryann
I checked her after she passed and the lump was just feces that hardened outside of her anal area which was clean and clear. She couldn't walk good so I think from sitting in the back of the cage it just developed. So I think she had another stroke (she had two over the past six years but she was doing okay). Almost 29 years is a long time to have a little one just be gone. Her mate was screaming this morning and my blind male kinda stopped screaming. Time will pass - Saturday she will be buried in my mom's yard with all the other tiels.
maryann
You are reading content posted in the Birds Community
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
