Bixby. He Had The Heart Of A Lion.

Anansi

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Dec 18, 2013
22,301
4,211
Somerset,NJ
Parrots
Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
My Bixby lost his battle with an apparent congenital defect at 10:20 PM, last night. I'm devastated. My wife is in tears. And my older son, Aidan, (he'll be seven in three days) was inconsolable.

Bixby was born sometime around the end of July, 2013. We met him around a month later and visited him at the bird store until he was weaned and we took him home near the end of November. The week of Thanksgiving.

We had much for which to be thankful.

Bixby was the first bird I'd allowed myself to get since the loss of my beloved cockatiel, Suzie, two years prior. (I'd lost Suzie to Kidney cancer after 18 years, and it had taken 2 years to get to the point where I could even think of getting another bird.)

We met Bixby in August, 2013, and it was love at first sight. Even now, knowing what I've now learned about his genetic make-up, I don't regret my choice for a second. (For those of you who have followed threads of mine in the past where I've mentioned his "pretty boy" brother, Sir Chomps, I've recently - as in yesterday - learned that he is very sick as well. With tragically, and suspiciously, similar symptoms to Bixby's... and he too has been fighting it for months, now.)

By the time we took him home in November, he was already a part of our family. We began his flight training almost immediately, and watching him discover his love for flying filled us all with such joy.

Bixby was a character. He was such a sweet and loving bird, coming to shatter the stereotype of the aloof eclectus and becoming something of a cuddlebug. He enjoyed laughing for the inevitable effect it had on us. He would laugh. We would laugh. He would laugh some more. We would crack up. It was a delightfully self-perpetuating cycle.

I also loved his swag. Yeah, I said it. Swag. Bixby had major swag. You especially saw it in the cocky little tail flourish he would do whenever he pulled off a particularly tricky flight maneuver. In those moments, he just knew he was the Man!

And something I particularly enjoyed was the exclusivity of his flock call. Bixby wouldn't just flock call at random. Nor would he flock call to just anyone. In fact, my wife and I were the only ones who made the cut. And he'd only respond with a flock call when we called his name in a particular tone. One that we'd all somehow tacitly agreed was for the purposes of our call. It was always so amusing listening to friends and family try to get him to call out to them again and again, only to be answered by a purposeful and resounding silence. Then I'd call out, "Bixby!" and chuckle with delight at his immediate reply.

Last night was the first that Bixby ever answered Maya's flock call. He did it as he lay in my arms, dying. He knew.

He first showed signs of his congenital issues last July. From then until last night, he's fought for life with every ounce of strength in his outsized heart. With each round of antibiotics he would rally, only to be laid low once again by what we'd believed to be a horribly persistent infection. He was a warrior for every second of it. He took his medication willingly, and no matter how terribly he felt, he never took his anger out on us. Even last night, as he was hit with wave after wave of painful convulsions, he was always careful not to bite.

And he fought. Oh, he fought so hard! He fought to stay alive. Last night, near the end, I whispered to him that it was okay for him to let go. Aida, tears streaming down her cheeks, whispered the same. We wanted him to know that we understood. He'd fought like a warrior. A warrior with the Heart of a Lion. It was time for him to be free of his pain. To sleep. He'd earned his rest.

And so, finally, rest he did.

Bixby was a blessing. He was in our lives for a little under a year and a half, yet I'm hard-pressed to imagine our lives without that highly selective flock call of his.

Fly straight and soar high, Sir Bix. We love you. And we'll miss you.
 

Bundiibird

Active member
Mar 9, 2013
1,157
11
Rockhampton, Qld, Australia
Parrots
Bundiibird - Alex - hatched 31/08/09
& Millie - BFA - hatched 29/10/14 & Willow - CAG - hatched 30/10/19
Stephen, I am in tears as I read this. I am so sorry to hear this. Bixby was an amazing birdie and he loved you and your family the same way you all loved him. Sending you huge amounts of hugs and prayers.

Fly free little Bixby. May you RIP little one.
 

Taw5106

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Mar 27, 2014
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Texas
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Buddy - Red Crowned Amazon (27 yo)
Venus - Solomon Island Eclectus (4 yo)
Buzz CAG (2 yo)
Sam - Cockatiel 1997 - 2004
Tweety - Budgie 1984 - 1987
Sweety - Budgie 1985 - 1986
I am so sorry and sending hugs to you and your family. This is such sad news and heart breaking. Hugs.
 

EAI

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Jul 25, 2014
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Honolulu, Hawaii
Parrots
Budgerigar: Arrow, Esther, Kratos, Cora, Ducky.


Lovebird: Izzy, Gizmo.
So very sorry for your loss, to you, Stephen and your family. Bixby must have been beyond grateful to be comforted by your words, may he now fly in peace and free of any pain.
 

RavensGryf

Supporting Member
Jan 19, 2014
14,233
190
College Station, Texas
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Red Bellied Parrot /
Ruppell's Parrot /
Bronze Winged Pionus /
English Budgie
Stephen, I am in utter shock and disbelief. When I saw this thread I screamed "NO! NO!" Now I am in tears after reading this about Bixby. I am so very sorry my friend.. so sorry, more than I can say. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family :(
You did everything you possibly could have, plus an immeasurable amount of love on top of it.

Then his brother too! I hope the breeder was made aware and knows of this serious issue coming from his birds and I hope to God that he cares and stops this pair from producing.
 

getwozzy

New member
Feb 26, 2013
7,218
7
Oregon
Oh Stephen.... I am so so sorry to hear this- it's hard to type through these tears, and my heart is breaking for you and your family :( Big hugs for you, my friend- fly free Sir Bixby....always loved, never forgotten.
 

Betrisher

Well-known member
Jun 3, 2013
4,253
177
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Parrots
Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
Oh no... not Bixby! I'm so sorry, Stephen! It never occurred to me that Bixby's illness could be life-threatening; I thought the vet would find the right medicine and he'd bounce back. I'm sure you thought the same thing. :(

As you say, your Bixby was a gallant and loyal bird, loved his family to the last and acknowledged his Maya with a loving cry. I can't imagine how sad you must all be! I wish there were something we could do to make it hurt less, but all I can think of is that we honour our dear friend, Bixby, as the wonderful boy he was.

I remember noticing the tone of your posts changed as you and Bixby got to know each other. Your confidence grew as you and he developed your bond and you chimed in more and more often with useful posts derived from experience. Then, you began telling us funny stories about Bixby as he grew up and his personality blossomed in your care. It was so lovely and I strongly recall reliving my own relationship with my Beaks as I watched you growing yours with Bixby.

No matter how sad or how bereft you feel, do remember that it was Sir Bixby who made you a real parront, Stephen. He was the guy you came to know so well and he allowed you to train him and hold him and he trusted you with his life. He did well. So did you. We will never forget you, Sir Bixby: you were a good bird.

Hugs and tears from Trish tonight for Stephen and his family. Tender cheeps from Dommie and the Beaks for their dear friend, Maya, in her grief. XXXX
 

JerseyWendy

New member
Jul 20, 2012
20,995
24
Having had the pleasure to meet Bixby, he indeed had swagger, and most certainly the heart of a lion.

I can't even see the screen through all my tears :( ..... Hugs to all of you!! And some more.

Fly free Sir Bixby - you will never be forgotten. :smile015:
 

Pinkbirdy

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Feb 26, 2013
2,203
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Clifton Springs Newyork
Parrots
macaw,LS2,congo grey,2Blk Hd caiques,Hawkhead,yellowstrk lory,Blue frnt amazon,sun conure ,Yellow sided greencheek ,Goffin ,Rosebreasted Cockatoo,Greenwing Macaw,Blue and Gold Macaw,Nanday conure,Ecle
Im so sorry :( I commend you for be able right so beautifully about him. Its so hard when are birds are sick for so long .
 

Minimaker

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Jul 29, 2014
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Illinois
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GW Macaw-Sailor, Goffins Cockatoo Mako, GC Conure-Tazzy, Turquoise Conure Yuki, Budgies-Percy, Annabeth, Elsa
Reading this broke my heart, tears streaming down my face. So sorry for you guys, so sorry for Bixby. All I can say is he had to have had the best life with your family. You fought right along with him every step of the way. Sometimes there's nothing we can do, it's just their time and when God wants us no one will stop him. You did everything you could and more. Somewhere out there is another parrot who needs a home like yours, who might never get the chance to be loved or live as good a life without you guys. Hopefully in time when you heal from this you can find him and bring him home and your time with him will be many many happy healthy years.
 

Sunset_Chaser

New member
Sep 25, 2014
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Minnesota
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Bella (B&G Macaw)
2 Yellow Naped Amazons,
8 Lovebirds,
2 Green Cheeks,
2 Sun Conures,
2 Indian Ringnecks,
2 Quakers
Oh Stephen, I read this as soon as I finished up with morning chores, crying with you and your family for the loss of Bixby. He was such a brave little guy! He's no longer suffering and knew how much you loved him. Hugs to you and your family!
 

gracebowen

Active member
Jan 14, 2015
1,439
3
San Antonio
Parrots
Cora lovebird
Sky parakeet
When I was 20 I accidentally killed my parakeet and it took me awhile to want another bird too. My condolences on the loss of Suzie and Bixby.
 

Allee

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Oct 27, 2013
16,852
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Texas
Parrots
U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
Oh Stephen, I'm so very sorry. It's hard to type through the tears. I didn't get to meet beautiful Sir Bixby, but I felt like I knew him. Stephen, your writing skills and the photos you shared allowed beautiful Sir Bixby to touch the hearts of so many. I so looked forward to reading threads and posts describing the unique bond the two of you shared, it was always a joy and an inspiration.

While my heart is breaking for you, please know that Sir Bixby could not have had a more charmed life than the one he had with your beautiful family. I'm so glad you were beside him during his journey and there with him to say goodby. This thread is a beautiful tribute to a very special bird.

Fly free Sir Bixby, you were dearly loved. You will be missed.
 

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
:( I am so sorry Stephen for you and your families loss. I just can't believe Bixby is gone. You did all you could for him and he lived his life knowing he was loved. He was a wonderful bird!
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Stephen, my heart breaks for you, your family, and Maya. I am shocked and tearful Sir Bixby has passed.

Sir Bixby's soul touched us all, and your deeply loving and moving tribute symbolizes how precious the parrot-human bond can be.
 

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