RIP Spooky.

[Scott]

His feathers looked like hell, but he was beautiful to me. I miss him so much.

Trust me, we understand. Losing a companion after 30+ years is devastating, the grieving process complex. There will come a day when your memories of Spooky are brighter than his loss.

 

[ChristaNL]

So sorry to hear your little friend passed.
I am glad for both of you that you were there and could talk to and touch Spooky as he went away.




Back to the "next bird"-dilemma for a bit anyway...

(I may be hitting the demi-centennial myself this year, so there may be some prejudice peeking through here...)

I think adopting an older bird is a sensible thing to do.
(older does not have to mean elderly)
Though it is hard (and bloody painfull!) it is better for us to say goodbye to the bird than the other way around (my not so humble opinion anyway ).

Are you really 'in need of a too'?
Because there are *so* many cuddlebug-species that are not as needy or as loud...
(and a lot less dusty)

what ever you decide: let the bird choose you... you've already been blessed with that experience, so you know what to look for


(and do chuck the teflon- it is also bad for humans: once the wear and tear starts you are ingesting cancer-promoting material. There are far better non-stick alternatives available now.)

 

[Allee]

Deepest condolences for your loss of Spooky.

 

[stockjock]

Just to be clear, the bird did seldom, but periodically, see a vet, and I think he's a pretty prominent avian specialist. He didn't seem to think there was a lot that could have been done for Spooky's feather picking. He recommended putting the bird on an antidepressant and I chose not to go that route, right or wrong.

Some of you sound like this bird was chronically ill for a long time and that the situation was ignored. The truth was that he generally was a seemingly very happy, robust, perky and energetic bird with no signs of issues other than feather picking and the aforementioned infrequent seizures, which, again, were relayed to the Doctor. The really obvious issues didn't pop up until the day of his passing, maybe an hour or so before he died. Had he not passed on Sunday, I would have taken him in on Monday, but he went downhill so incredibly fast.

Here is his Dr, who I think is quite good and has an impressive background. He offered to do a free examination on my next bird, and I will take him up on his offer.

https://www.drexotic.com/about/jeffrey-r-jenkins-d-v-m/

 

[Terry57]

I have removed multiple posts in this thread. It is a bereavement thread and I strongly urge compassion for the OP, who is mourning the loss of their beloved companion.

 

[stockjock]

Thank you, and as an FYI, I have spoken to someone about a Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. She is a female, about 12 years old, looks very healthy, no plucking, etc. Her owner travels a lot and hasn't had much time to spend with her. Sounds like a very nice bird, and while no bird can replace Spooky, this could be a good fit. I will visit her on Monday.

 

[Scott]

Just to be clear, the bird did seldom, but periodically, see a vet, and I think he's a pretty prominent avian specialist. He didn't seem to think there was a lot that could have been done for Spooky's feather picking. He recommended putting the bird on an antidepressant and I chose not to go that route, right or wrong.

Some of you sound like this bird was chronically ill for a long time and that the situation was ignored. The truth was that he generally was a seemingly very happy, robust, perky and energetic bird with no signs of issues other than feather picking and the aforementioned infrequent seizures, which, again, were relayed to the Doctor. The really obvious issues didn't pop up until the day of his passing, maybe an hour or so before he died. Had he not passed on Sunday, I would have taken him in on Monday, but he went downhill so incredibly fast.

Here is his Dr, who I think is quite good and has an impressive background. He offered to do a free examination on my next bird, and I will take him up on his offer.

https://www.drexotic.com/about/jeffrey-r-jenkins-d-v-m/

Plucking is one of the most difficult of behaviors to manage or eradicate. Moderator Allee posted a wonderful treatise: http://www.parrotforums.com/behavioral/52217-plucking-search-answers.html

Consider yourself and Spooky fortunate to have a CAV of the stature of Dr. Jenkins. I was a client in the past, only reason not current is proximity, and I now visit one of his proteges up the coast in Encinitas.

 

[Anansi]

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know the pain of losing a longtime feathered friend, and how difficult it can be to move past it. But try to focus on the joy of his life rather than the tragedy of his death.

You've received good advice regarding teflon and other such non-stick chemicals, and I'm heartened to see how receptive you are to those suggestions. They will prove invaluable for the next bird that you welcome into your household.

One other suggestion I'd give is the complete sanitization of every cage surface and perch with which a bird might come into contact. And I'd also advise replacing all of the toys and any fabric covered items (as well as hard to clean rope items) as a precaution. I say this because, at this point, we have no idea what caused him to pass. Without the necropsy (no judgement. I respect your decision), all you have are educated guesses. Not hard fact.

So all you can safely do is take precautions as though the culprit was a contagious disease before bringing another bird into your household.

Again, my deepest condolences for your loss of Spooky.

 

[jenijeni]

I am so sorry for your loss. I just can't imagine how you must feel.
I decided to comment here because I am almost 60 years old and a year ago I adopted a Mobrella (Moluccan/Umbrella hybrid) named China, whose birdy mom just gave up on her. In the year that I've had her, she has completely turned around. She was a plucker and still can be, but she's finally getting feathers back in some of the bald areas. She has never had a bath... never. Until I got her. She was terrified of EVERYTHING. And now likes to explore and loves to play in the water.
Please don't give up on adopting an older bird. And keep in mind that any bird you get that's a baby will probably outlive you. There are loving wonderful birds out there waiting for a loving person like you to care for them.