Very sad news and need some suggestions on end of life care

I just got off the phone with my mom and her green cheek amazon Barney is dying. He's in his mid-40s and has had health issues for a very long time, it was not unexpected, more of a when rather than if situation. She says the way the other birds are reacting she is sure his time is near. He has been hanging on by a thread for months, but he ceased to be able to perch any longer last night and is now lying on the floor of his cage. She said she moved his favorite rope perch right across the cage grate, which he's trying to stand on but is just hunched over, both wings are dropped. She does not wish to traumatize him any further dragging him to the vet again, there is simply nothing to be done at this point. He deserves to pass away in his home with his lifelong mate by his side and I think she needs to see him go too. They really are an inseparable pair and she needs to understand as she is healthy and will presumably have to live many more years without him and deserves that closure too.

My parents don't have the internet to look this up and she is at a loss for what to do to make his last hours or days more comfortable. I'm at a loss of what to tell her. He does not appear to be in pain, just very weak now and ready to move on. I mean, whenever there is a seriously ill or dying bird on here, the advice is to run to the vet to save it. What do you do for a bird who is dying and there is no point in running to a vet and it is the most humane thing to do is just let them go at home?

Agh, it's so sad. This happened to us this year with our Amazon. We came home to find him on the floor of the cage, just like that. J picked him up and held him, but he expired in just a few minutes. It will be traumatic to witness. But if her bird likes to be held, she could put him on her lap on a towel if he likes and just let him be there. Scratch his head, talk to him. At the end I don't think Oliver was aware of us because we were too late. I'd say hold him, carry him, keep him close, talk or scratch or whatever is their pattern, but hold him close and love him until the last second. The last breaths can sound terrible but it doesn't mean he's in pain, it can be air forced into the syrinx with the final gasps. I have to sign off now.

Ugly memories! I have gone through this with both parent and a daughter, being alone with them. But it is ten time worse not being there! As said, keep him close, do not exclude his mate from this, it is her right!

Barney is about the most gentle creature on earth and very tolerant of humans, but very much prefers the company of his own kind. His 'mate' is with him and from his perspective, I am sure he would rather be with her than any human. I'm not sure my mom wants to risk being bit by the other amazon trying to move him too much or take him away. She is typically pretty friendly but was a wild caught and can be a fiercely protective bird.

This is just a sad situation. I'm in another state so theres not much I can do to help

Also regarding what to do about the cockatoo. He is very upset. He's never been friends with the amazons and not allowed contact with them, but he has been around them since he was a chick. He is presumably, in his own way, very devastated to be witnessing this too. That said, he is screeching and freaking out and generally being very disruptive. He bit my mom bad enough this morning she probably needs to go to the doctor but doesn't want to leave. She thinks it may be best to move him to another room temporarily to give Barney some peace and quiet? But on the other hand, is it unfair to move him while a bird he's ben around his whole life is dying?

All the above sounds helpful... wow... I'm so glad we can give you some community love.
May there be peace and the knowledge of a job well done for all concerned.
Sincere Patagonian hugs from my flock to yours.

April, I'm so very sorry to hear this, I know Barney is deeply loved by all his family. I think at this point, I would make him as comfortable as possible, keep him warm, maybe give him something soft to lay on and allow him to spend his remaining time in his home where he feels safest. I feel so awful for your family, even when you've been expecting the end is near, when it happens, it's nonetheless heartbreaking. My thoughts are with you.

April, I am so very sorry for what your Mom, Barney and his mate are going through.
Does the Too seem to be bothering Barney? If so, I agree about moving him, if not I would leave him there. If she does end up moving the too, I would make sure to let me say goodbye once it's over with so he knows what happened
I can't add anything else to the suggestions you have received, but just wanted you to know your Mom is in my thoughts.

Wish your mom our best. leaving Barney with his mate seems the most humane thing to do. Poor guy my heart goes out to him

A very sad situation, April. Your Mom has made the most kind decision possible, to permit a peaceful passage in a familiar environment.

Barney's mate certainly knows what is happening and will no doubt be receiving extra love. Totally agree with the prior posts regarding the nearby cockatoo.

My very best to you and your Mom.

April, I'm so very sorry to hear of this sad news about Barney. I think you have some good advice in posts above. I just wanted to let you know your family is in my thoughts during this difficult time.

Thank you everyone.

Sweet Barney is still hanging on this morning, he ate a grape but he can't hold his head up now and is resting it on his food dish. My mom says he seems comfortable, but the poor old guy is just all worn out. Alfie got moved to another room temporarily so Barney can spend his last days without the screeching. Alfie will see him after he passes so he understands.

I think what your parents are doing is the absolute best thing that can be done for him. He's not in a scary environment and is warm ,comfortable and loved.Im sorry how hard this must be for you and your family.Forty years is definitely a loved family member.He was obviously well cared for.Dave held his beloved Too all night till he passed.I think they know that their loved and your giving the best life possible.Tell your parents how much we care.

April, my heartfelt comfort for you and your Parents.

What your Parents are doing is the right thing for everyone. In a single Parrot home, I would recommend tons of one of one time, in hand or moving between the Humans. However, with a mate, a long time close companion, it is much better that 'they' have their time together. Your Parents being close by, will provide the knowledge that those who love him are close by.

I would 'think about' move the other family members (Parrots) in closer, as near as everyone have their own space, but still a part of these moments.

The closeness of everyone will comfort each other and Barry.

Prays and warm feather comfort, dear friend.....


I am so very sorry that I missed this Thread and did not respond earlier......

What Sailboat said.

I'm so sorry.

My gosh, what a lucky little guy. Even with these sad moments, MANNNN he has/had a great little life.

No news yet. Very hard to wait.

@Gail- Yes, Barney has had about as good of a life as any parrot could hope for. Bought as a baby, been with the same people his whole life, has always been cared for and loved, has had a lady love of his own kind since he was just a few years old and though never allowed to have babies, they are as bonded as any pair could be. Such a sweet and gentle soul.

I am so sorry to hear about Barney. I am new to this forum and new to birds overall, but I had a bonded pair of house rabbits Napoleon and Ozzy that were together for ten years. Until one day Napoleon fell suddenly ill and the humane thing to do was to euthanize, I had his girlfriend Ozzy snuggling right up with him till his last moment as I pet both of them. I think having Ozzy next to Napoleon not only comforted him, but Ozzy did not seem overly stressed or worried when we got back home like she knew he was gone. I think what your parents are doing for Barney is not only the right thing, but Barney can go as peacefully as possible with his life long mate by his side and the presence of your parents. Hugs to you and your family!

I hope the Rb is as lucky... I want with all my heart to outlive him and see him through the passage...
I know you will all be with me if/when it happens.
Love y'all.

Barney has such a beautiful and tranquil face. I know he finds comfort, peace, and love from all those surrounding him, parront and parrot.