Cookie-The end might be near

[BeatriceC]

I'm so sad right now. In the last few weeks we've noticed Cookie slowing down a lot. He's about 25-26 years old and a cockatiel, so this is not unexpected, but it's still very sad.

This last week, he's been
showing some even more pronounced signs of advanced age. He's definitely not as active as he was, I don't think he's eating as much, and his poops have changed quite a bit (though nothing that necessitates and immediate trip to the emergency vet).

We have decided that because of his age, we don't want to go to extreme measure with him, but we want to make him as comfortable as possible. Right now he seems to be doing okay; doesn't seem to be in pain, but just isn't interested in doing anything, really.

I will be calling the vet about him in the morning, but but I was hoping that somebody here might have some experience with what to do to make sure he stays as comfortable as possible while he lives out his final days; whether that's a few days or another year or so. Thanks.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Oh, Beatrice... I've been told that warmth is the best first aid and/or comfort to birds not feeling well. An old-school way I have seen used to do that is to hang an incandescent bulb a few inches from the outside cage so the bird can get as close as it likes. Maybe there's a better new-school method. That and lots of favorite treats and water... and the nearness of loved ones...
*hugzszszszszszsz*

 

[Piasa]

Definitely second the warmth and spending time with him!

I think how scary it must be to be for them, to be too tired to hide problems, feeling vulnerable to predators... but his flock keeps him safe. You certainly wouldn't be turning your back on him. That in and of itself must make him feel protected and cared for! I am sure the very best thing for him is love.

My only other thought would be some yummy vitamin b foods to maybe give him a little more energy.

My heart goes out to you. It is so hard to see a friend suffer, and it hurts to say goodbye. But what a lucky little guy Cookie is -- to have a loving family for a long time, and to have someone close to comfort him now.

 

[LeaKP]

I love the name of your birdie, Cookie was the name of my childhood budgie that I loved! I hope that Cookie feels stronger and gives you some time together. So hard to watch them. I hope the vet has some good suggestions.

 

[Printer bird]

Very sorry to hear. She's had such a great, long life, but it doesn't make it any easier when the time comes. I will echo the warmth advice and will add special treats if she has any faves as a comfort and perhaps as a bit of a boost. I'm sure just having you guys around and the love that you have goes a long way.

 

[Marileen]

Oooooooohhhh.....Beatrice.....this is so sad .......
I hope he has no pain......
A lot of strength....... I think of you........

 

[Allee]

Twenty-five years, a quarter of a century, sounds like a long time but only a heartbeat when it's the lifespan of a beloved pet. I'm so sorry Cookie is feeling signs of age. I know you are giving him plenty of love and lots of attention, that's so important for him and for you. Surround him with warmth and all his favorite things. Hugs to you and your family, you'll be in my thoughts.

 

[BeatriceC]

Thanks guys. He's currently sleeping. He's been doing a lot of that the last couple days. His cage is right by my desk, and right in front of a huge picture window (north facing), so he's getting lots of warmth and light. I will close the curtains at night so he doesn't catch a chill, and try to figure out if there's another way to add heat without adding too much light.

He's had a good, long life. He's been with MrC since about 1992 or 1993 (MrC can't recall exactly when they got him, but it was one of those two years). I've grown very fond of him in the years since I've moved in. I know this is just a part of the cycle of life, but I'm still very sad.

 

[Teknogeddon]

That bird is older than I am by a year. I can't even imagine what you're feeling. I bawled after losing a dog of 15 years and still get teary thinking about it. Her last few weeks were hard and full of pampering.

 

[gracebowen]

What about a reptile rock or heater?

 

[Rival_of_the_Rickeybird]

Very sorry. I wish Cookie a full recovery, or if that is not to be, a peaceful end among loved ones.

 

[Rival_of_the_Rickeybird]

Beatrice, how about a hot water bottle or heating pad near but not touching the bars?

 

[BeatriceC]

I think I'm going to try a heating pad since I already have one, and we will see how that works.

 

[Flboy]

So sorry!!

 

[Scott]

Very sad to hear this, and I applaud your respect for Cookie's comfort rather than invasive prodding by vet staff.

While Cookie is a senior birdie, might there be a chance he has a simple illness or infection that may respond to basic antibiotics?

 

[jenphilly]

I am so sorry to hear you are facing knowing the end is near... I have a small group of special need budgies from the shelter and just lost our oldest girl who had a broken wing and could not live in the flock aviary so came home to be part of our little group. I knew her time was near before she passed....

Someone else mentioned warmth. Very important, just keep away from drafts, if you can, a nice bright warm sunny spot during the day is often appreciated. Feed some softer foods, make up a mash with some rice and veggies, and give extra millet. Millet will help ensure calories and tho not the healthiest food in the world right now, knowing time is limited, its more important that he get calories and food in.

And tho it does not help, 25 years is a wonderful life for a cockatiel, so there is no doubt he has known your love and will leave you peacefully and happily be waiting for you when its time to meet again. All birds could only be so lucky to live such a wonderful long life and have someone take care of them up to their very last moment. Hugs to you.

 

[BeatriceC]

Thank you guys. I appreciate everything.

Scott, I really am hoping it's just something simple, and will be calling the vet as soon as they open for that reason. But his symptoms don't really indicate any sort of illness, just old age. He sleeps most of the day, he's slow and unstable moving around. He's flying even shorter distances than he had been just a few weeks ago, and in general just looks tired. He's still eating and drinking, though maybe not as much as before. Just watching him all day I think his time is just coming soon. But I'm hoping I'm wrong.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Dear Beatrice C,
Tonight as I put His Horribleness to bed, I thought of you, and MrC, and your flock, and especially Cookie.
May I offer a favorite song of mine?
https://www.bing.com/search?q=clapt...846805811ddbbc146cd&pq=clapton+heaven&PC=DCTE
*HUGZSZSZSZSZS*

 

[BeatriceC]

Thanks again.

He's got a vet appointment late this afternoon. When I talked to the office this morning I decided to go ahead and bring him in for two reasons. First, I'm really hoping this is something simple and easily fixed and he's not going to die any time soon. Second, if he is sick with something contagious, we need to know so we can take the appropriate precautions with the rest of the flock. I don't believe that's the case, mostly because he never goes anywhere, but I think I would rather be cautious on that point.

He's falling off his perch this morning. When MrC gets up (he sleeps late, usually), I'm going to move his perches so they are low enough that he won't injure himself with another fall.

 

[Terry57]

I so hope that the vet finds something easy to correct, Beatrice. Keeping you and Cookie in my prayers.