RIP Spooky.

stockjock

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First post, long post, and not a very happy one.

51993475_10215702206482071_6240276104548974592_n.jpg


I have extremely sad news to report. My cockatoo, who I have owned for about 35 years and who has been perhaps my best friend just passed away a few days ago.

He had been breathing slightly hard and was really breathing hard today and suddenly he started having convulsions and passed pretty quickly. I called the vet but it was too late. I am only thankful that he went quickly and did not seem to be in much pain.

He was the best pet I could ever have. Just a wonderful friend and companion and I will miss him so much.

Rest in peace Spooky you are a wonderful bird.

Here's a message I sent to his vet.

Mentioned that my Moluccan Spooky passed this morning. Won't have any testing done, but wondering if you have an idea what might have led to his demise.

Here's his story.

I got Spooky when I was in my early 20s. I'm now in my mid 50s. I call him "he", but the bird was very small for a Moluccan and was probably a she.

The bird had seizures for years. Maybe 2-3 per year. I'd hear him squawk, unusually, as if in distress and he'd be out of it with the right foot balled up underneath. I'd place him on the carpet and within 5 minutes or so, he'd snap out of it and be fine.

He was a feather picker but not a mutilator. The plucking seemed to get worse towards the end.

The bird was unusually needy towards his later days. Would want to sleep with me in the bed constantly. When I was on the sofa, he'd walk over and just stand there looking at me/us until I picked him up. Then he seemed happy.

His skin seemed to change recently. Bear in mind, many of his feathers were gone. But it seemed to go from soft to rather dry and scaly. Definitely a change in texture.

The sleep patterns also changed. Usually, he'd fall asleep maybe 9 pm or 10 pm and sleep through the night. In the final weeks, he wanted to spend time with me constantly. He'd wake up at midnight, 1 am, 2 am and beyond. He'd call for me to come and get him and then he'd seem happy.

Saturday night, I fell asleep on the sofa maybe 11 pm. Woke up around 1:30 am and he had walked into the bedroom and was staring at himself in the mirror. He loved to look in the mirror, but not at that hour. I picked up up, went to sleep in the bedroom and let him sleep on my shoulder for a few hours and again he seemed happy.

Within the last day or two, I noticed that his breathing seemed labored, but only slightly so. Today, it was much worse.

I Googled some of his symptoms and came upon a page about mites. It said a warm bath could help, so I gave him one. He fought hard, but I tried to calm him down and eventually he did, only the breathing was incredibly labored.

I took him from the bath, wrapped him in a large clean towel and held him like a baby. His breathing got worse.

I put him under the blanket with me and made kissy sounds. He repeated them, but again with difficulty breathing.

He then went into some scary convulsions and jerked his head to the side.

I laid him down, gently, on the carpet outside of his cage. His breathing was so heavy and labored that I figured it was just a matter of time. I pet him and told him what a great bird he was. He passed shortly thereafter.

I thought maybe he had a problem with Teflon, as I sometimes use that (today as well). But I don't use it much, try to keep the temperature low, and he seemed to be having distress before this.

Poor thing, I'll sure miss him. If anyone has any idea as to what was going on, let me know.

The vet did reply and said that he believed Spooky had a bad heart. He said that the birds can live to 70+, but in his experience, that was rare. Usual lifespan based on his observations was about 35-40 and he said that was likely my bird's age. He said that some of his unusual behavior prior to his passing was indicative of a bird sick with heart failure. He said he doubted that did anything wrong, and also doubted that he could have helped or saved the bird. He recommended Green Cheek Conures, or if I insisted on a Cockatoo, go with a Goffin, rose-breasted, or similar, rather than a Moluccan or Umbrella.

Also...

While I miss Spooky to death, I'm likely going to get another bird. Because my Moluccan was so tiny (smallest the bird store had seen), I'm considering maybe a different type of Cockatoo. I'd love to find one that doesn't destroy its feathers, and maybe isn't an insane screamer, but maybe that is too much to ask?

Part of me wants to buy a baby, but then I'm no baby and wouldn't be able to care for it forever. Part of me wants to get a rescue bird, but most of them are really old and have a lot of issues. One offered to me is 35, but that's not a young bird and it might also be bigger than I'm looking for (bare legs too).

I found one Citron cockatoo at a bird store than keeps coming back because it's so loud. It sounds like a shrill (did I mention shrill?) air raid siren, but is otherwise sweet with perfect feathers. 2 owners have returned him, so far. Age unknown, but I don't think too very old. I could actually return him for 2 years (store credit) if it doesn't work out, but my GF has heard him and thinks I'd be crazy to get such a loud and shrill bird.

If anyone has any thoughts, opinions, recommendations, feel free to share.
 

SailBoat

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Regarding Spooky. Your Vet's guess is a real possibility, but without proper testing it can only be a guess.

Your heart will lead you regarding the future.

Let your next Parrot and yes an older one, choose you.

Very sorry for your loss. Warm Amazon Feather Hugs and Prays. Your Spooky knew s/he was loved and that is truly wonderful.
 
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Scott

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Welcome, I am so sorry your first post is of a loss. My deepest condolences for the passing of Spooky.

Birds are masters of deception and attempt to mask illness until the issue becomes acute. Certified avian vets can frequently determine underlying illnesses with a necropsy aka autopsy. I respect your option to refrain from testing. Hard to know if the periodic seizures were a proximate cause, and Teflon typically acts fast.

I respectfully recommend you take time considering another bird. Screaming is typical behavior, and sadly plucking is an even more difficult behavior to manage. Of the "white cockatoos" described, Goffins may be the best candidate for relative independence. Conures are a favorite among our members.

Age is a consideration, do you have family who may wish to inherit a cherished companion? You can write a script advocating for acquisition from the following sources; rescues, individuals, pet shops, breeders, etc. Whatever course you decide, there is wisdom and merit in having the bird "choose" you. I too live in the San Diego area and know there are good supplies of popular species.
 
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stockjock

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Regarding Spooky. Your Vet's guess is a real possibility, but without proper testing it can only be a guess.

Your heart will lead you regarding the future.

Let your next Parrot and yes an older one, choose you.

Very sorry for your loss. Warm Amazon Feather Hugs and Prays. Your Spooky knew s/he was loved and that is truly wonderful.


Thanks. It's funny that you mentioned, "let the parrot choose you". When I bought Spooky, it was back in the days where they were mostly imported. I visited an importer who had a massive cage in his garage with maybe 20 cockatoos in it.

I walked up to the cage and all of them flew away, except Spooky. He stayed at the front of the cage like he was checking me out. I liked his attitude and took him.

And talk about attitude! He was a wild bird and it took me a very long time to train him. But eventually, he became a very gentle sweetheart.
 

noodles123

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First post, long post, and not a very happy one.

51993475_10215702206482071_6240276104548974592_n.jpg


I have extremely sad news to report. My cockatoo, who I have owned for about 35 years and who has been perhaps my best friend just passed away a few days ago.

He had been breathing slightly hard and was really breathing hard today and suddenly he started having convulsions and passed pretty quickly. I called the vet but it was too late. I am only thankful that he went quickly and did not seem to be in much pain.

He was the best pet I could ever have. Just a wonderful friend and companion and I will miss him so much.

Rest in peace Spooky you are a wonderful bird.

Here's a message I sent to his vet.

Mentioned that my Moluccan Spooky passed this morning. Won't have any testing done, but wondering if you have an idea what might have led to his demise.

Here's his story.

I got Spooky when I was in my early 20s. I'm now in my mid 50s. I call him "he", but the bird was very small for a Moluccan and was probably a she.

The bird had seizures for years. Maybe 2-3 per year. I'd hear him squawk, unusually, as if in distress and he'd be out of it with the right foot balled up underneath. I'd place him on the carpet and within 5 minutes or so, he'd snap out of it and be fine.

He was a feather picker but not a mutilator. The plucking seemed to get worse towards the end.

The bird was unusually needy towards his later days. Would want to sleep with me in the bed constantly. When I was on the sofa, he'd walk over and just stand there looking at me/us until I picked him up. Then he seemed happy.

His skin seemed to change recently. Bear in mind, many of his feathers were gone. But it seemed to go from soft to rather dry and scaly. Definitely a change in texture.

The sleep patterns also changed. Usually, he'd fall asleep maybe 9 pm or 10 pm and sleep through the night. In the final weeks, he wanted to spend time with me constantly. He'd wake up at midnight, 1 am, 2 am and beyond. He'd call for me to come and get him and then he'd seem happy.

Saturday night, I fell asleep on the sofa maybe 11 pm. Woke up around 1:30 am and he had walked into the bedroom and was staring at himself in the mirror. He loved to look in the mirror, but not at that hour. I picked up up, went to sleep in the bedroom and let him sleep on my shoulder for a few hours and again he seemed happy.

Within the last day or two, I noticed that his breathing seemed labored, but only slightly so. Today, it was much worse.

I Googled some of his symptoms and came upon a page about mites. It said a warm bath could help, so I gave him one. He fought hard, but I tried to calm him down and eventually he did, only the breathing was incredibly labored.

I took him from the bath, wrapped him in a large clean towel and held him like a baby. His breathing got worse.

I put him under the blanket with me and made kissy sounds. He repeated them, but again with difficulty breathing.

He then went into some scary convulsions and jerked his head to the side.

I laid him down, gently, on the carpet outside of his cage. His breathing was so heavy and labored that I figured it was just a matter of time. I pet him and told him what a great bird he was. He passed shortly thereafter.

I thought maybe he had a problem with Teflon, as I sometimes use that (today as well). But I don't use it much, try to keep the temperature low, and he seemed to be having distress before this.

Poor thing, I'll sure miss him. If anyone has any idea as to what was going on, let me know.

The vet did reply and said that he believed Spooky had a bad heart. He said that the birds can live to 70+, but in his experience, that was rare. Usual lifespan based on his observations was about 35-40 and he said that was likely my bird's age. He said that some of his unusual behavior prior to his passing was indicative of a bird sick with heart failure. He said he doubted that did anything wrong, and also doubted that he could have helped or saved the bird. He recommended Green Cheek Conures, or if I insisted on a Cockatoo, go with a Goffin, rose-breasted, or similar, rather than a Moluccan or Umbrella.

Also...

While I miss Spooky to death, I'm likely going to get another bird. Because my Moluccan was so tiny (smallest the bird store had seen), I'm considering maybe a different type of Cockatoo. I'd love to find one that doesn't destroy its feathers, and maybe isn't an insane screamer, but maybe that is too much to ask?

Part of me wants to buy a baby, but then I'm no baby and wouldn't be able to care for it forever. Part of me wants to get a rescue bird, but most of them are really old and have a lot of issues. One offered to me is 35, but that's not a young bird and it might also be bigger than I'm looking for (bare legs too).

I found one Citron cockatoo at a bird store than keeps coming back because it's so loud. It sounds like a shrill (did I mention shrill?) air raid siren, but is otherwise sweet with perfect feathers. 2 owners have returned him, so far. Age unknown, but I don't think too very old. I could actually return him for 2 years (store credit) if it doesn't work out, but my GF has heard him and thinks I'd be crazy to get such a loud and shrill bird.

If anyone has any thoughts, opinions, recommendations, feel free to share.


This made me tear up. I am so so sorry. I have an Umbrella Cockatoo, and while she is a nightmare at times, she is my best friend as well. It is clear you loved your bird very much!
I hope things get easier...
Did you have a necroscopy done? I am not trying to be insensitive, but until you know the cause of death, it seems risky to bring another bird home. I say this, in part, because of viruses that can remain active for many months, and even several years in air ducts, carpets, furniture etc.
Personally, I do not ever use anything with Teflon/PTFE/PFOA.
 
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stockjock

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No necropsy done. He died on the weekend, vet was closed and I had to make the call. But he had a good mostly healthy life here, so I'm assuming another bird would have a similar experience.
 

Terry57

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I am so sorry for your loss of Spooky. My heart goes out to you.
 

wrench13

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Our condolences on Spooky;s passing. We know what its like to loose a loved feathered buddy.
We madea contribution to Cornell University's Vet program, in Spooky;s name ,designating it to be used exclusively for parrot related studies and programs. Fly free Spooky, fly high.
 
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stockjock

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Our condolences on Spooky;s passing. We know what its like to loose a loved feathered buddy.
We madea contribution to Cornell University's Vet program, in Spooky;s name ,designating it to be used exclusively for parrot related studies and programs. Fly free Spooky, fly high.

Spooky thanks you.
418862_2907163072055_131324466_n.jpg
 

sunshine.within

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I’m so sorry for Spooky, poor baby. He looks gentle and friendly.

I would like to point out though that parrots don’t destroy their feathers because they’re so inclined. It’s their environment, or their life, or their owner(s) (or all of these factors together) that drive them to such behavior. Looking for a parrot who “doesn’t destroy his feathers” is no guarantee that he won’t start doing just that at some point.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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stockjock

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I’m so sorry for Spooky, poor baby. He looks gentle and friendly.

I would like to point out though that parrots don’t destroy their feathers because they’re so inclined. It’s their environment, or their life, or their owner(s) (or all of these factors together) that drive them to such behavior. Looking for a parrot who “doesn’t destroy his feathers” is no guarantee that he won’t start doing just that at some point.


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Yes, I understand this.

His feathers looked like hell, but he was beautiful to me. I miss him so much.
 
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LaManuka

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Welcome stockjock but I wish it was in happier circumstances for you. Spooky looks like a real sweetheart and I’m truly sorry for your loss.

Adopting an older bird isn’t such a bad idea... whichever way you choose to go I’m sure the fates will steer the right bundle of feathers your way:)
 

Betrisher

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Rest in peace, Spooky: you were a Good Bird!

Stockjock, you could consider a galah for your next bird. Yes, they're cockatoos, but much less needy than the larger varieties and, being smaller, a lot easier to house. Also, they don't have the ear-splitting scream the larger varieties do but a less disturbing sort of 'hoot-hoot' flock call which they (usually) limit to the early mornings and late evenings.

The Citron that screams could be a blessing in disguise or, maybe, the opposite. My Rosetta screams at various times of the day and it's very, *very*, **VERY** wearing after a while. When they say it makes your ears bleed, they're not far wrong. If you decide you can live with a screamer, that's fine, but make extra sure your girlfriend and neighbours can live with it too because lots of people can't physically stand it.

Then again, you might be the owner that saves the Citron from itself. Do you think you can occupy it enough to prevent it screaming? The thing is that it would be truly tragic for the bird to come home with you only to be returned yet again to the shop because of its screaming. Whatever you decide to do, please let us know. Everyone enjoys the stories of older birds learning to fit into a new home. It gives hope to so many of us who are dealing with Birds With Baggage. :)
 

SailBoat

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Thanks for the reminder Betrisher.
Complete Thread with Segments: I Love Amazons - An On-Going Journey!

Baggage – Re-homed Pray
By: Evenlynn Colbath

Now that I am home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked into my warm new bed,
I would like to open my baggage,
Lest I forget,
There is so much to carry –
So much to forget.

Hmm, Yes, here it is, right on the top –
Let’s unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my side hides Fear and Shame,
As I look on these things I have tried so hard to leave –
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.

I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn’t good enough – for they did not want me.

Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things,
And take me right back?

Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To finally put away my baggage...

Provide with Permission
A present to the Parrot Forum /Amazon Forum by: Steven (SailBoat)
 

EllenD

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I'm so very sorry for your loss...

I recommend a necropsy as well...HOWEVER:

***I gotta say this because it sounds like you're under the wrong impression about Teflon and any products that contain Fluorinated compounds like PFOA, PTFE, etc...It's not that YOUR BIRD had a "problem" with Teflon...ALL BIRDS have a problem with Teflon. Always. It kills them.

***If you own ANY bird at all, you absolutely cannot use any products that contain either Teflon or any other of the Fluorinated Compounds, including pots, pans, bakeware, cookware, space heaters, griddles, George Foreman Grills, etc. IT WILL KILL ALL BIRDS, USUALLY QUICKLY, BUT NOT ALWAYS!!!

I have to say that the Teflon off-gassing over-time at least played a part in your bird's early death, and I would almost say that I'm 100% sure that it was the reason for any Neurological issues he had, such as the seizures. And if your bird had ANY Cardiac or Respiratory issues at all, then every time you used Teflon in your house, it would have stressed him and exasperated those issues. This isn't an optional thing, and it's not a "sometimes" or "only effects certain birds" thing. It's ALL BIRDS. So please, if you do get another bird, you MUST get rid of ALL of your Teflon pots/pans and anything else that contains it and any other Fluorinated Compounds!!! You must use either cast-iron, stainless steel, or ceramic non-stick cookware...And any appliances you buy, large like an oven or small like a heater or griddle, you must call the manufacturer first and ask them if they are "Bird Safe", and if they contain any off-gassing Fluorinated Compounds in them...

I'm so sorry this happened, and I'm sorry you got bad advice somewhere about using Teflon, but I would bet my life that it definitely at least played a part in your bird's death, if nothing else it made any underlying congenital issues he had with his heart or respiratory system much worse...And the seizures are sure sign of toxicity, regardless of his age when they started or how often it happened. You just cannot use Teflon in a house with a bird. Period.
 
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stockjock

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I'm so very sorry for your loss...

I recommend a necropsy as well...HOWEVER:

The bird passed on the weekend and I did not have the desire or space to put him in the freezer to await a necropsy.

While I am accepting his Vet's view that he passed due to heart disease, I have removed all Teflon pans from the home just to make sure we have a good environment going forward.
 

noodles123

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I'm so very sorry for your loss...

I recommend a necropsy as well...HOWEVER:

The bird passed on the weekend and I did not have the desire or space to put him in the freezer to await a necropsy.

While I am accepting his Vet's view that he passed due to heart disease, I have removed all Teflon pans from the home just to make sure we have a good environment going forward.


On the Teflon/PTFE/PFOA note: It is not just in pans...It is common in anything that heats or is intended to be heated ---internally, or externally (e.g., drip trays, blow-dryers, heat-lamps,curling irons, space-heaters, humidifiers, irons, ironing board covers, electric blankets, rice-cookers, air-fryers, griddles, microwave popcorn bags etc)..even rain-coats--which can pose a threat in the clothes dryer. It can be applied as a clear-coat, mixed with metal during molding process, woven into tapes/fabrics, mixed with sprays or in the form that we typically recognize on pans.I really hate this chemical mixture. If you have anything that heats up or is supposed to withstand heat (internally or externally) , always call and tell them that you need to know if it contains PTFE (+full chemical name), PFOA (+full chemical name) and/or Teflon (brand name).
 
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stockjock

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I'm so very sorry for your loss...

I recommend a necropsy as well...HOWEVER:

The bird passed on the weekend and I did not have the desire or space to put him in the freezer to await a necropsy.

While I am accepting his Vet's view that he passed due to heart disease, I have removed all Teflon pans from the home just to make sure we have a good environment going forward.


On the Teflon/PTFE/PFOA note: It is not just in pans...It is common in anything that heats or is intended to be heated (e.g., drip trays, blow-dryers, heat-lamps,curling irons, space-heaters, humidifiers, irons, ironing board covers, electric blankets, rice-cookers, air-fryers, griddles, microwave popcorn bags etc)..even rain-coats--which can pose a threat in the clothes dryer. I really hate this chemical mixture. If you have anything that heats up or is supposed to withstand heat, always call and tell them that you need to know if it contains PTFE (+full chemical name), PFOA (+full chemical name) and/or Teflon (brand name).

Fortunately, I don't own most of those items. When I did cook, I usually used cast iron (enameled or not) or stainless. I have a nice Breville toaster oven that I rarely use. I suspect it has Teflon, so maybe I can call to confirm. If that's the case, are there toaster ovens without it?
 

noodles123

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There are toasters and toaster ovens without it, but you have to call to verify (it's really specific and can vary by model number)-- again, spell out the full chemical names, plus the abbreviations and then the brand. It usually will take a few days for them to get back to you.
Also, make sure you aren't using any standard cleaners or anything with a scent (bleach, windex, lysol, air fresheners etc).
 

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