New here after a traumatic loss and a precious homecoming

Laylatoo

New member
Feb 27, 2017
151
0
Northern California
Parrots
Layla- F Galah 02/14
Jazzi- F Galah 3/24/17
Mali-F Meyers/Senegal 5/5/17
Pyper- F CAG 11-1-2017
Hi all! I was a member a few years ago after getting my beloved Bare Eyed Too, Jasper. Jasper was the light of my life and a huge part of my family. Seriously a perfect little guy who was full of life, happy and picture of health. I lucked out with him because he was such a perfect cockatoo. Goofy, talkative, playful and cuddly. Never bit, only mildly noisy, and a true feathered kid of mine. We recently tragically lost my sweet boy. He somehow managed to entangle himself in one of his cage toys. I don't think I will ever recover from finding him that way. And I'm a bit haunted by it every day.

I knew my life wasn't complete with a big empty cage in the living room. I needed to get another bird. I contemplated over getting another Bare eyed. I visited a couple but I just couldn't stomach having a bird that looked and reminded me of Jasper. It just didn't feel right. So I decided on a Rose Breasted cockatoo (Galah). I placed a non refundable deposit on a baby across the country and was content with my choice. But then life threw a curve ball. I was looking at Craigslist hoping to find a new play stand of some sort and ran across an ad for a 2.5 year old female RB2. The ad was well written and this sweetheart looked well loved. Her owner was working at home and spent all day with her but now had a job change which would mean he would need to travel a lot of the time. He was heartbroken to have to re home her but knew it would be best for her in the long run. I couldnt resist reaching out and responded to the ad. After an hour long email, text and phone call I decided hesitantly to go and meet Layla, the sweet face I saw in the ad, half hoping we wouldn't click and I would know my deposit on the baby was the right way to go. I met Layla the next day and she immediately loved me. She had chosen me and there was no way I was leaving without her. Layla is so different than Jasper. So far she is much quieter but more of a talker, she is brave and outgoing, steps up on anyone, a little sassy and will let you know she doesn't want pets. She isn't as cuddly, is very content with playing and chatting to herself on her cage or on a knee. She had been on an all seed diet with lots of sunflower seeds so I began introducing pellets thinking it would be difficult to get her switched. I was wrong. She LOVES the pellets. Still working on adding fresh veggies and fruits though. She has no interest in them yet. Her waistline is begging for a better diet though. Layla now lives in the living room where Jasper did. She has big wings to fill but she already has me smitten. I bought her a new cage and ordered a huge play stand for her. She fit right into our large family right away. I lost my deposit on the baby but gained the perfect bird anyways:)

Sorry to be so long winded! Here are some photos of my beautiful new girl, Layla. and one of my cherished in memory, Jasper boy. Happy to be a part of the group again.
 
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GaleriaGila

Well-known member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
May 14, 2016
15,067
8,803
Cleveland area
Parrots
The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
Greetings.
So very sorry to hear of your loss, but...
I'm so glad you found your way back into bird ownership and back to us!

P.S.
Gorgeous pictures!
 

SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,669
10,065
Western, Michigan
Parrots
DYH Amazon
Greetings.
So very sorry to hear of your loss, but...
I'm so glad you found your way back into bird ownership and back to us!

P.S.
Gorgeous pictures!


In addition, Welcome to the Parrot Forums!!!

It's difficult to loss a member of the family and wonderful to find that while creating a large place in our heart, that sweetheart had considered the need for another and along side their large space, they created a space for another, just in case. Our Feathered Family Members know us so well!

Please enjoy the vast information available and please join in as part of the Threads! Its a two way street that is enjoyable!
 
OP
Laylatoo

Laylatoo

New member
Feb 27, 2017
151
0
Northern California
Parrots
Layla- F Galah 02/14
Jazzi- F Galah 3/24/17
Mali-F Meyers/Senegal 5/5/17
Pyper- F CAG 11-1-2017
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Welcome back! Sorry for your horrible loss!
To help protect others, can you list that toy here?

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-toys/38678-list-hazardous-toys-here-please.html

Thank you,

Once I saw Jasper I couldn't look any longer. My husband had to remove him from the cage for me. I am unsure which toy it was because I changed them frequently. I do know it had a chain which I will make sure to never ever buy a toy with a chain again. The chain wrapped around him and his rope perch. My husband said it was so tight he couldn't remove it.It was only around his wing and Jasper had no external wounds or damage that he could see. No blood and the wing didn't look broken. He looked to be sitting normally on the rope perch at first glance. Not sure if he passed from a hear attack from being stuck or from internal damage from the struggle. If my husband can remember what the toy was exactly I will report it to the thread for sure.
 

itzjbean

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2017
2,572
Media
4
119
Iowa, USA
Parrots
2 cockatiels
So very sorry for your loss with Jasper, but so glad you opened up your heart again to welcome Layla into it. I look forward to seeing more of Layla :) She is absolutely gorgeous.
 

Tsali

New member
Jul 22, 2016
313
10
Parrots
Tsali - African Grey- I am a one parrot parent. It's a full time job keeping Tsali healthy and happy.
I am so very sorry to hear of your tragic loss. In time the nightmare of finding Jasper will fade somewhat and you will find yourself remembering more of the joy he brought into your life.

How heart-warming to hear that you were able to find the perfect feathered companion to add to your home.
 

LeaKP

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2014
3,146
Media
4
2,456
South Africa
Parrots
Congo African Grey
My heart goes out to you over the loss of Jasper, I wish that wouldn't have happened to you! May your new addition ease some of your sadness! She's so lovely.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,792
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.
Welcome back to the forums, thanks for rejoining. My deepest condolences for your loss of Jasper. He was a handsome boy beaming with personality. We never forget those who have passed, the best we can do is embrace the memories and share our lives with others.

You were fortuitous to have been selected by Layla! Funny how connections are made, often from the least expected sources. She is a beauty, colors so rich and vibrant!
 

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