Help- why my lovebird died

[NoePepito]

Hi guys
I am new here but a lovebird owner for few years.
I have witnessed my beloved dying today and I am still shocked. I would like to know why he died because I have kept questioning myself about that all the day long.
Because of Covid I can't contact a vet for a dead pet. So I though about you guys. hope someone can help.
Basically he was on the perch and flipped over. Upside down and he left himself falling. Hitting his head and staying on the bottom of the cage.
And then he recovered. He did the same thing twice and the last time he died.
His mate was pecking him: the only weird thing I have noticed. Everything else was normal, as any other day.

I am not sure how old was him maybe 8 years or older.
I have started to gave them a different brand of seeds from yesterday. They ate also a leaf of salad (chicory) today. Do you think he got poisoned by this kind of food?
The other bird is completely fine.
Was he just old?
He really seemed healthy and still active.

Thanks and sorry for my English (I am Italian!!)

 

[noodles123]

I am so sorry...

I know this sounds dark, but if you can put your bird in a bag in the fridge, it is not too late for a necroscopy to determine the cause of death....I know Italy is going through a rough time, but is there any access to a vet?
I know this is your baby-- it is just the only way to know.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Yes, preserve the bird if you feel able.

Meanwhile... please console yourself with the knowledge that you saw your baby out in style... loved, treasured, terribly missed. That is a beautiful thing.

Please take, Italian friend. I'm glad you found us. I hope you can spend some peaceful time here...

 

[noodles123]

Again-- I am so sorry and I know you want answers. I also know your country is under great strain at the moment. If you really don't know his age, he could have been quite old---hard to say!

If you cannot get your bird to a vet, here are some major causes of death, excluding inborn problems (not because I am insensitive, but because you asked):

Teflon/PTFE/PFOA/PFCs -found in most products that heat or are intended to be heated (irons, waffle irons, electric skillets, pots, pans, egg-poachers, cookie sheets, popcorn poppers, air fryers, electric grills, panini makers, space-heaters, ovens, drip trays, roasting pans, curling irons, hair straighteners). These can kill through floors and closed doors. NOT all of these products contain it, but you must call to verify because it varies and just because a bird survived 10 Teflon exposures does not mean it will survive its 11th (and so on).

Fumes from chemicals- nail polish, acetone, glue, polish, paint,stains, aerosols, smoke, vaping, incense, candles, air fresheners, air fresheners, essential oils, candles, heated plastics, household cleaners that are not avian safe (e.g. bleach, lysol, windex, amonia, etc etc---anything chemical with a scent)

Burning foods, burning oil, smoke from a fire or burned plastic etc

Shock due to extreme temperature shifts/ drafts

Heart-failure due to an extreme fright or a head injury due to flying into something when scared.

Disease/infection (parrots hide illness as a means of self-preservation). They have to go to the vet often because they aren't like dogs and cats. Symptoms often are VERY small..Very important to clean everything after if you are not sure--carpet included.

Diet-- salt and sugar in high doses can be very bad. Avocado, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sugars, rhubarb, onion, garlic (and anything from that family--can be toxic). A diet too high in fat (e.g., only seeds) can also lead to death over time. A bird with too much fat in his/her diet can have liver problems.
Vitamin overdose (from supplements) can also lead to organ failure.

Metal poisoning--- cages, jewelry and even toys can contain toxic metals. Stainless steel is really the only safe metal--even if they are just touching it with their tongues, they still ingest small bits of the metal. I know someone whose bird almost died due to playing with un-used toothbrushes (some contain small bits of copper alloy that is used to hold the bristles in place and the bird contacted them repeatedly and had to have chelation therapy).

Blockages-- a bird that ingests bit of cloth, plastic, fibers, nut-shells, corn-cobs etc can get blocked up- this can be deadly.

Egg-binding---if a female bird attempts to lay an egg and cannot (whether or not she was with a male bird) it can kill them.

 

[wrench13]

Very sorry you join us under these circumstances. Rainbow was loved that much is evident. To add - sometimes birds just die, for no apparent reason. I had a lovely little canary wing that gave no indication or notice, just died. So i feel your emotions, friend.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to you, and please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your lovebird.

There are many reasons for a fairly sudden passing of a bird - might be related to food or possibly a wide range of issues. The only way to determine is necropsy by a certified avian veterinarian. I know Italy is experiencing a tragic period with severe restrictions on movement. Storage in a refrigerator may be viable for a few days, much longer and evidence begins to fade. If you are able to contact a veterinarian, they might suggest a timeframe to visit.

Stay well, and your English is superb!

 

[NoePepito]

I want to thank each one of you for the info, kind words and for spending your time to reply. This mean a lot to me. My bird was really special, loved his personality. I miss him but I am happy I was holding him while he passed away and it seemed he wasn't suffering.
His mate miss him terribly too. Now I am a bit concerned about her. Can't get a new friend those days. She is very shy and scared about everything. Keeps calling him. Hope she won't herself go.����

 

[Cardinal]

Very sad to hear about your loss.
You had him for 8 years.

You can take consolation from the fact that though many smaller parrots have a potential to live twice that long, 8 years is not a bad span of time of having committed to a lovebird.

Hope that can give you some solace

 

[noodles123]

I'm sorry you are going through all of this. Very sad and stressful---especially when no one can really go anywhere...

Keep an eye on his mate-- if there is strange behavior (like illness behavior) it could be that there was something contagious going on with your birds.

Before you get another bird, you must get her checked out etc (actual tests-- not just a physical exam)---bringing a new bird into a cage that has been used by other birds is very dangerous. Much like covid-19 in people, birds can carry an illness for weeks, months (and even their entire lives) without ever showing symptoms (while passing it on to other birds). I am sure you also know that cleaning with chemicals around birds is very dangerous (unless avian safe).
You should not assume your bird will take another bird as a replacement for the loss of her mate. A new bird and your bird might actually fight.

Whatever you do, you must make sure she is fully healthy and that you wouldn't be exposing a new bird to an unknown disease.
Similarly, any new bird will need to be quarantined for a month away from your current bird... which means when the time comes, you will need a separate room and cage anyway.

 

[Noahs_Birds]

Sorry About your loss, and I am hoping you are staying safe during these tough time

I would say heavy metal poisoning, as it is a common things for birds with it to have fits and fall off the perch with it
Was the poo clear and runny at all?