The Rickeybird Scrapbook, 1984 - Updates

[rheashard2]

Wellllllllllllllllllllllll...

The ole rooster will be 41 years old in just a few days, on Cinco de Mayo, and I think a health update is appropriate... at risk of turning this proud thread into a classic geriatric liturgy of aches, pains, meds and procedures!

By and large, he's healthy... consistently weighs 230-235 grams over the past 4 decades, no visible ageing signs, other than a bit of "collar-plucking" since he began medications, later wake-up times, longer mid-day naps. He's active and bright-eyed... spoiled, mean, aggressive, beautiful, a hilarious (although not very talented ) mimic... the scourge of my social life... *sigh*
Anyway, a few years ago, regular vet exams revealed a few issues... elevated hematocrit and elevated uric bile. So he gets meds for those. Our avian veterinarian is literally a world-renowned avian specialist, and has been following the Rickeybird since the 1990's. I'm aware that many of the issues the vet has discovered would never have seen the light of day if it weren't for the regular, complex exams.

I sometimes wonder if the complications of the conditions/meds/exams may simply be complicating his remaining years. We're going in every two weeks for blood tests and medication management...

This is MY BIRD. He gets the best, right? Right. As long as he seems to be enjoying life, I'll give him anything I can. I got him when I was still in school; I'm retired now. That's my BOY. So there it is.

HOWHOWHOW am I gonna make the life-quality/health/death decisions that are probably coming up?

WOW! I feel better just sharing this. If/when the day comes, I'm gonna need you guys!!!!!!!!!!

We all need this support!

 

[GaleriaGila]

We all need this support!

Amen. Absolutely. Amen. Thanks!

 

[DonnaBudgie]

By the way, I loved the Rickeybird's plastic helmet in the POTM contest! What a goofball!

I promise we will all prop you up when the time comes to say goodbye to him. I've had a lot of recent experience with close family grief since my 89 year old father passed in September and my only sister's husband died of a massive stroke at only 67 two months ago. It makes a big difference to have a support network.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Thanks, Donna! He still runs around on the cage floor, putting his helmet on and screaming like crazy. I guess he enjoys the echo???!!!

And thank you for the assurances. I'll be a basket case. I don't think even Margaritas, cheesecakes and french fries will be enough to help me.

Donna, you're a great addition here. You've touched a lot of hearts, mine included.