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82861 tn?1333453911

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.  :-(
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Avatar universal
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
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Avatar universal
I'm so sorry you lost your little boy :(
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Avatar universal
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.  
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Avatar universal
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
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Avatar universal
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!
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Avatar universal
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
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