Comfort for Dying Old Cockatiel

[Jaybay]

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.  :-(

[jacobgl]

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

[tielbob]

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.

[Katsquest66]

Rip little birdie love

[PiaTheBirdLady]

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.

[Byebyebaby]

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.

[Katsquest66]

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

[Sharonea]

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.

[Katsquest66]

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

[Byebyebaby]

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.

[Katsquest66]

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

[Katsquest66]

Spikey

[tielbob]

So sorry that you lost your little friend.  You are in the company of many people who share your sorrow.

[nanaaprilap]

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.

[Katsquest66]

Me too mine is now 34 and not doing so well, he's not going to make it much longer

[Byebyebaby]

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.

[prince26]

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!

[Byebyebaby]

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.

[tielbob]

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  :(.

[MellowTheBird]

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

[tielbob]

I'm so sorry you lost your little boy :(

[Byebyebaby]

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.  

[birdboy1234]

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

[Decker3951]

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!

[marypar]

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

[tielbob]

These little ones can't tell us they don't feel well - it's also not in their nature - if they show any weakness or illness, predators select them in the wild.  So if they don't feel well, they don't show it, and other times they might even feel ok but not be.  It's not practical in day-to-day life to think that we can spot every problem a bird might develop, or that we can do something about it to 'fix' it even if we find something wrong. You are right about several things you said:  Your vet probably would have euthanized her. Also, Kelly was greatly loved and she knew it.  On the other hand, you assume it was an impaction but you don't know if there was something internally wrong that caused it or if it was a tumor or something - things beyond anyone's control. In the end, no matter how long our beloved pets live, it's never going to be long enough. I'm really sorry you lost Kelly :(.

[Larkwind]

I'm really glad I found this thread.  My lutino boy, Cheri, started looking pretty worse for wear on Sunday night.  He's 18 years old and has had your problems typical of the over-bread lutinos.  He's always been a little "slow" and went blind early in life, but otherwise has always been very happy and loving.  He sings me such sweet little songs.  I'm leaving work early today to take him to the vet, and hopefully they'll be able to tell me what's happening.  I don't want to hear that his time is near and that his body is failing... but if that's what they tell me, then I'll do whatever I can to make him comfortable until he's gone.  Who knows, maybe he just needs to change of diet or some vitamin supplements.  But he is quite old and frail, so I feel like I just need to prepare myself to say goodbye.  I'm just absolutely dreading it.

[marypar]

My darling Kelly, who was a loving angel, is gone. I got her in 1986 and she was my first cockatiel. About six years ago she had some strokes that caused some disability but she thrived with love from two males and me constantly petting and loving her. This morning, my husband said she drank her water and looked fine. I went to the cage soonafter and she was on her back. I picked her up and noticed she had some big hard thing under her - Now I feel guilty she was impacted but I know the vet would have said she lived a long life and would have put her down. Should I feel guilty? I loved her so much and she knew sit. Now her two males are just looking and preening her (and they will probably start yelling for her unless they understand she is gone.

Please help me with my guilt. She really looked fine and I didn't notice if she wasn't pooping at all, because she ate a lot and yesterday was fine.

Thank you all. I am a 69 yr old and I have her since I was 41. I am leaving her on the floor until tonight.

Thank you all. The two males left are brothers and they are 27 this year.

MaryAnn

[Tracycoetzer]

So sorry to hear about Zuni, my cockatiel is 27 years old, his name is Twinky, He has been my beloved companion and has also gone all over the place with me, he was looking quite healthy and chirpy, talks and sings a lot, undertands what people say. Put your hat on he puts his bell on his head, was a little bit slower than usual but started showing a bit of anger by flinging himself against the cage and flapping his wings but enjoys a walkabout when I am at home, he hasn't been able to fly very well for the past few years but still looked young and spirited. So happy to see me when I return home. But at few days there has been a sudden change, he falls of his perch at least a couple of times, he has got weak and finds climbing difficult with his beak and his feet. He looks very weak, then suddenly regains his sprightlyness but not for long, he puffs himself up and  when I talk to him, he takes time to respond to me. He seems to get more upset with me, as if the things he used to do make him a bit annoyed.This morning I left him it nearly broke my heart, I know he does not like me going out a sometimes he comes with me but he was desparate that I should not leave him. They said I could bring him to the office (he is used to travelling and enjoys it and enjoys new surroundings-advised not too because of stress not sure on this one) Not sure how to handle this

[lharg]

My bird is20 something years old and I had him for 18 .I been taking him to the vet for his tube feeding to keep his strength. It s breaking my heart not hearing his voice. I know he will be leaving me any day now. Does it get any better not having them around?they saidvthey would have to take xrays and blood work on him to find out what's wrong but I just choose the meds and feed tubing but I think it's just his age.

[Murdochsroomate]

I'm so sorry to hear about Zuni and the other birds that have passed.  My Murdoch left me on August 22nd, only about five weeks after I posted here when he was sick.  He was only 6 weeks away from his 25th birthday.  Once I knew his heart was failing I put a web cam in his cage and watched him from work.  Because of this, I could see that he would spend all day on the floor of his cage, then come and sit on his perch by the window around the time he was expecting me home.  The day before he died, he greeted me by singing to me -- for the first time in a long time -- and we had lots of cuddles.  The next day, I came home from work, and he was again on his perch, but he didn't want to come out of his cage or eat or anything.  As I was falling asleep around 11pm, I heard him throw up.  I got up and uncovered his cage, and he was continuing to throw up.  I lifted him out of his cage onto his cage top, where he threw up for about 10 minutes.  Then he just started breathing really heavily and came over toward me.  So I picked him up and brought him to the sofa with me.  He breathed heavily for another 10 minutes or so, then his body started to collapse into the sofa...so I picked him up and held him against my chest and repeated that I loved him.  Then he stretched his wings forward and died in my hands.  This fall, I took his body back to the West Coast, buried him on a cliff with a beautiful view of the water, and placed a bird house in a tree there in his honour.  I consider myself fortunately that I had nearly two months' warning that I was going to lose Murdoch.  I was able to spend lots of special times with him, and to do some of my grieving of his eventual loss while he was still with me...after he'd gone to bed at night.  But it was still a shock when it happened.  Mercifully, he had quality of life right to the end and suffered for little more than a half hour before passing.  But I still miss him dearly.  I can't imagine getting another bird right now.  Our relationships with our birds develop deeply over years. They just can't be easily replaced.  Sending my love to everyone who's loved and lost a bird.  

[tielbob]

So sorry about losing Zuni.  You were so kind to hold and comfort her all night. I'm sure you greatly calmed her fears as you did that.
My experience was similar in that way.  In July, my cockatiel Baby Boy looked like he wouldn't get through the night - then at about 1 am I saw him on his back on the cage floor. I cradled him on my chest keeping him warm and spoke softly to him and stroked his crest. I wanted him to feel safe and loved and to know nothing would come hurt him in his weak state (his heart was failing, I believe.)  Hours later he looked over at me and across the room at my elderly Dad and then died. It was 5:30 am by then, the worst night of my life so far and I'm old enough to have been through plenty. I still can't go in the room that was 'his' with his cage and all. It's too painful.
Losing these birds is devastating after loving them so much for so long. Many people will think that's silly but not the ones who have posted in this thread.
Sorry again about Zuni :(

[crtmtnviews]

My vet treated my lovebird Zuni with Baytril for a crop infection a few weeks back. She got better and then started eating constantly and I took her back to the vet. The vet said at 12 yrs old it was time to spoil her (i.e. the time is near) and I could stop the Baytril.He suggested birdie bread. Birdie bread turned out to be the spoiling my lovebird needed to maintain her weight. Zuni gobbled up in the week before she made a turn for the worst Last night she began losing balance and having seizures and it was horrifying to know that I had to wait until the animal hospital opened at 8 am in order to put her at final ease. We layed her to rest this afternoon after a horrifying night of increased frequencies in seizures. I wrapped her in a towel so she wouldnt bite as she fought for her life and held her all night. Thankfully there are places that are open on the weekend - and even on a Sunday morning - that could help ease her suffering and we could take her home.
Thanks everyone for sharing. These posts helped me realize no matter how small our pets, birds are loved as much as dogs and cats. Sorry for the losses everyone here has suffered.