My parrot lost his mate and he’s not doing good

[kme3388]

I had to say goodbye to one of my parrots Wednesday. She was very sick. Her mate is still here. He’s lost 10 grams, and is self mutilating. I did get him a brand new cage to change the environment for a distraction. Yes, I am taking him out of his cage, and giving him attention. He just sits on my shoulder sleeping. Does anyone know how to handle this situation?

 

[texsize]

I don’t have a good answer, I wish I did.

Two of my parrot pairs lost their partner.

Patcho & Plumas.
Plumas died from a series of strokes or seizures.
Patcho died 8 months later. I tried giving her extra attention but….
I think what happened was 1/2 …..how do they say it ..self delete. She started eating her rope perch and I just didn’t realize it. I thought she had finally found a play activity but I didn’t see the danger.

Lucky and Baby.
I don’t know what took Lucky and as a rescue have no idea how old he was. He died in my hands while trying to give him useless medicine..
It took Baby a long time to start behaving his normal self.
But no adverse behaviors he just stopped “playing house” in the cardboard boxes and did a lot of contact calling.
Despite having other cockatiels some of whom want to spend time with Baby he wants nothing to do with them.
Baby is an elderly birb 25 years old so he’s set in his ways.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Have you asked your vet about medication for anxiety to take temporarily while he adjusts? It would be awful if he developed a long lasting habit.

 

[kme3388]

I have contacted a vet that was treating Kiwi to let them know that Charlie is struggling. I’m still waiting on a response. I just did this this morning.

I do feel like Charlie is shutting down and I don’t know how to stop it. His tail looks awful. He’s not preening or caring for himself.

 

[Jcas]

Aww I’m so sorry to hear this . Animals grieve just like we do and birds seem to develop closer bonds than a lot of animals. Spend as much time as you can with your boy and tempt him with his favorite foods. Even if they aren’t the healthiest, getting him to eat something is better than nothing. This might be a long shot but Is there something like a special toy that belonged to Kiwi that would remind him of her? When our old pit bull passed away my dog was out of sorts and seemed to find comfort sleeping in the old dog’s bed.

 

[kme3388]

He is literally just sleeping like this on my shoulder he is shut down

 

[LaManuka]

Oh that poor little darling! I'm sorry I don't have any particular advice for you other than what's already been said, but please give him lots of extra love and cuddles from me!!

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I would take him to the vet to make sure he isn't sick on top of grieving.

 

[SailBoat]

With many of our Parrots cherishing long relationships with another parrot, the loss of their mate is very hard on them. They are much like Humans who had like relationships and loss their loved one.

Yes, get your buddy into the Vet and as stated, check for underlying issues that maybe adding to this.

You are doing what is most needed, comforting your dear parrot in its time of loss. Keep your parrot close by you at all times.

 

[kaiyla]

That poor baby. That picture made me cry. I am so so sorry. You’re such a good mom to stay on top of this and be there for him while he’s going through this.

I probably offer no help. I’m going through a similar situation. I’m a mess
I lost my little girl (Charlie, oddly enough) a greencheek conure last Friday. Her mate, Phoenix, did everything with her. Everything. I have a Quaker Parrot, Sage, as well. Sage loves Phoenix but Charlie intimidated Sage so he’d stay a distance.

Since I’ve lost Charlie last Friday, Phoenix is so clingy with Sage -to the point it overwhelms Sage..Phoenix is eating and I’m grateful for that. Phoenix definitely knows that Charlie is gone, I think he’s confused, but he definitely knows. Putting him to bed every night without her, and their little carry case has made me cry every night. I think the only thing that is keeping him study is being around sage.


I’m sorry, I saw your post and I just really feel for you and your bird. I don’t have any good advice to offer, I just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone- this is so hard, and so emotionally draining. . What you’re going through is the biggest heartbreak. Just know you’re doing good. You’re doing everything right. Sending you and Charlie so much hope.

 

[kme3388]

That poor baby. That picture made me cry. I am so so sorry. You’re such a good mom to stay on top of this and be there for him while he’s going through this.

I probably offer no help. I’m going through a similar situation. I’m a mess
I lost my little girl (Charlie, oddly enough) a greencheek conure last Friday. Her mate, Phoenix, did everything with her. Everything. I have a Quaker Parrot, Sage, as well. Sage loves Phoenix but Charlie intimidated Sage so he’d stay a distance.

Since I’ve lost Charlie last Friday, Phoenix is so clingy with Sage -to the point it overwhelms Sage..Phoenix is eating and I’m grateful for that. Phoenix definitely knows that Charlie is gone, I think he’s confused, but he definitely knows. Putting him to bed every night without her, and their little carry case has made me cry every night. I think the only thing that is keeping him study is being around sage.


I’m sorry, I saw your post and I just really feel for you and your bird. I don’t have any good advice to offer, I just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone- this is so hard, and so emotionally draining. . What you’re going through is the biggest heartbreak. Just know you’re doing good. You’re doing everything right. Sending you and Charlie so much hope.

I am sorry you are in a similar situation as me. I haven’t really had a chance to properly grieve Kiwi as Charlie her mate isn’t doing well. I can feel his sharp breast bone which is a sign of anorexia in parrots. He is eating a little better now but those first few days were rough. Because of disease transmission I was concerned about adding Charlie to my large parrot room. The vet got back to me and informed me there are risks but more than likely all of my parrots have already been exposed to bornavirus. The vet couldn’t quantify the risks for me. Testing is considered subjective from what I’ve been told from doctors. It’s stressful at times having multiple parrots. I hope Phoenix is okay. I’ve been tracking weight with Charlie, and he’s no longer losing weight. He just isn’t gaining it back.