Scott most excellent link@ will you stick it ornithology thread too? I need to read with some glasses on print is so tiny. Definitely will read closely when time permits.

Lisa, you fed an excellent diet. Definitely nit deficient in Vitamin A. That was they only link with gout i saw, and said in article not appearing that gout is nutritional..

I saw viruses may play a role. And with a young bird like yours, I could lean he came home with a virus, many are out there, many times the bird can overcome them, and we never know. So much research needs doing in parrots. And there has become more warehouse breeding of birds for pet trade than used to exist. And not enough regulations and testing.. just thoughts

And also possibly a hereditary condition. As Scott mentioned.

And while additional stress like moving, can push them past the ability to cope sooner, this was an ongoing issue, and was going to take him anyway... sadly.....I so wish they showed us early signs of being in trouble,....I so wish they did. You didn't do anything wrong!

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"When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear. "Thomas Sowell

Thank you everybody again for taking time to write a response. This is such a supportive community. I'll be reading and educating myself more about birds. I would go to that pet store again and buy Alex again even if I knew he came with a virus or a disease. I just wished I knew then what I know now... He was an amazing bird and very special to our family.

Scott is, of course, absolutely right, Lisa, and I don't think there was anything particularly wrong with Alex's diet. I also believe that many pet birds are victims of bad breeding practices and come with pre-existing health and/or genetic issues that prospective owners know nothing about and, like you, are left heartbroken as a result. I'm so sorry that this has happened to you Lisa, but I do believe that you are most wonderful bird mom. Your heart will know when the time is right to try again.

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"Words speak us more than we speak them.” Hercule Poirot (He may be fictional, but he’s my favourite “Belgian upstart”!)

Hi Lisa, when reading your words and expression of love for Alex, I do picture you bringing home a rescue/re-home some day and loving it for it's lifespan, whether short or long. You are a gem.


I try to do the best for Ellie and Bertie everyday. Today I am more knowledgeable than yesterday. Tomorrow I will be wiser than today. We learn, we grow, we change - like you, we do our best today and every day.

Thank you, Ellie! Your kind words made me feel good today. A rescue bird is in my thoughts

I'm not surprised Lisa. I do detect the heart of gold in you.

Thank you, Martina for your support. It's been good to have support especially from people like you who understand what it feels like loosing a bird ...

You're more than welcome Lisa. I've had birds all my life and have loved them all but was not prepared for how quickly baby Baci would become the love of my life and had no idea how utterly devastating it would be to lose him. I was so lucky to find this community who opened their hearts to help get me, a complete stranger to them, through what was a very dark time. I'm so glad we have been able to provide some measure of comfort for you, a fellow traveller.

Baci's life was short but his legacy lives through my efforts to pay back this community for it's kindness, and it's already apparent that you are honouring Alex in the same way. I'm so looking forward to the day that you bring your new baby home - it'll probably make me cry all over again but they will be happy tears this time! Any little birdie who gets to come home with you will be the luckiest birdie in the world

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"Words speak us more than we speak them.” Hercule Poirot (He may be fictional, but he’s my favourite “Belgian upstart”!)

Thank you, Martina! You said it very well, I feel the same way - I am complete stranger to this community and you've been helping me so much through this dark time.