Beatrice acting very different

[1Runner1]

Beatrice is our gc conure we have had for about 8 years now, she was about 6 months old when we got her. She has a girls name, but we think she is a boy. Beatrice quickly became bonded to me and is my constant companion when I am home. She gets along well with my wife but it is easy to tell she always wants to be with me. Beatrice might nip my wife if she does not want to be picked up, but never acts like that with me.
Beatrice is only locked in her cage at night but that is the only time. She normally talks a lot and calls out to us if she can't see one of us and she knows we are home. She likes to play on her playland tossing her toys around , climbing around, talking to herself etc... Her usual place is in my hand holding her like a ice-cream cone rubbing her head and face or sleeping. She has a drawer she likes to go into and make toilet paper nest. She liked to pull threads from my sock and go down my shirt, chew holes in my shirt and constantly talk.She can be demanding and a pest sometimes but she means so much to me.
Then overnight (about 2 or more weeks ago) she has changed so much. She is not playing with her toys, chewing holes in my socks. Beatrice is not talking much. She is not calling out to be picked up. She still always wants on me but does not call. She is not playing with her toys, pulling at my socks, going into her drawer nest etc...She still likes to always be on my shoulder or sitting in my hand ( but seems to constantly get in and out of my hand every 3 or 4 minutes where before it would be 10 to 15 minutes)). She still rubs her head and face when sitting in my hand or will take naps etc... She is not telling me to "just wait" when I am putting her to bed. She seems to be chewing even more on my tshirts than the norm.
We give her fresh vegs and fruit all the time, a few seeds (not much), has bird pellets and fresh water every day. She seems to be drinking and eating normally, she still loves to get her favorite treat (walnut pieces).
Is this now the normal for her or is there something wrong? Beatrice is more than just a bird to me she is my friend and close companion.
Any advice is welcomed

Thanks

 

[veimar]

I'm not an expert, but if this happened to my bird and lasted for a while i'd check with a vet. Birds are very good at hiding their illness.

 

[Sterling1113]

Where are you located? If it's spring time, it may be his/her hormones.
Usually GCC's get their hormones around ~1 year(some sooner some later) so I'm sure having her for 8 years you'd be aware and used to the hormonal shifts by now. If it seems weird beyond that, trust your instincts and take her to a vet. It sounds like you have an amazing bond with your bird, we all know what you mean when you say she isn't just a bird, she's your best friend. You know her better than any of us, so if she's acting different then a vet trip may be a good idea. At least it can give you some peace at mind that she's healthy, yeah?

 

[MonicaMc]

I agree. I was thinking hormones at first, but hormones should not make her lethargic sounding.

I would suggest taking her to an avian vet for an exam, and maybe even an x-ray.



How are her droppings?

 

[1Runner1]

Re: Beatrice acting very different UPDATE

I am heart broken to update my "Beatrice acting very different"(only 8 years old). I phone some vets in our area seeking help for Beatrice but none wanted to see her stating they did not know enough about birds. I then decided to drive 100 miles away to a couple of animal hospitals I knew of but got the same response. I finally got angry and told them I don't care if they were not bird doctors I needed one / anyone to help save my friend. I finally got a vet to look but did not offer much in way of helping. The vet did give us some medicine and told me to expose her to more humidity and give her more vitamin A.With no other choice we drove the 100 miles back home.
We live in a small village with a couple of thousand people so
I called more vets in the area and one suggested Night Owl Bird Hospital in Vancouver over 600 miles away. I got in touch with a very helpful vet by the name of Dr. Anne McDonald who suggested I asap Beatrice to their hospital. I immediately booked a flight on the soonest trip to Vancouver which was a few hours. Again back in the truck for another 100 mile drive to the closest airport.
After much time, driving, flying taking taxis I arrived at the hospital about 6-7 hours after my phone call. Dr Anne was at the hospital at 9:30 at night waiting for me. She immediately took Beatrice and examined her etc...She was very concerned not knowing if Beatrice would make it the night. I was totally exhausted, confused and very upset. I don't know all the medicine and Dr stuff Dr Anne did with Beatrice that night. I was finally told nothing else could be done that night and Beatrice needed time to respond to treatment. The hospital arranged my room at a hotel and even drove me there.
The next day when I went back, they had already sent poop, blood etc.. to the lab to be examined and for cultures to grow. X rays were taken, antibiotics given to Beatrice. When I saw Beatrice she was acting better and very excited to see me- She got onto my shoulder and gave me so much cuddling around my neck and so many kisses on my lips. WE were both so happy to see each other. I don't thick Dr Anne went home that night. She told me she didn't think Beatrice was going to last the night but she did and perked up alittle.
I went to visit Beatrice twice a day for 7 days. I stayed as long as the hospital let me which was a couple of hours each visit. Dr Anne met with me and explained all treatment to me which was quite long and extensive. Beatrice even had barium and then more x-rays. I was concerned that Beatrice may be in pain but Dr Anne was on top of it.
Dr Anne found Beatrice to have some liver disease, and her heart had a problem and she according to x-rays had striction in her intestine and her bones were not strong etc...I saw all xrays and could see what she was explaining.
Dr Anne was always at the hospital, I don't know if she ever went home.
Beatrice during the first couple of days seemed to be responding and we were hopeful. The last 4 days or so Beatrice was going downhill. My baby's last day was a day I will never forget. I could see she was in pain because of the way she was so agitated and acted. It didn't even seem as if Beatrice knew me or even where she was. Dr Anne told me she thought that there were just too many things going against my Beatrice. I told her as much as I wanted my Bea I can't be selfish and have her in pain, Dr Anne agreed with me and ended my Beatrice's suffering. I held her while she was tranquilized before Dr Anne gave her the meds to end her suffering. When Beatrice was tranquilized she was so still. I murmured to her how much I loved her and thanked her for choosing me to bond with and for all the happiness she gave me and then she gently bit my lip (was always the way she kissed me). I think somehow she knew what was going on.
I will never forget what the hospital did for me, all techs, assistants were very kind and I will never forget this. Most of all Dr Anne for trying harder than I thought any other vet would. For caring so much, for all her time- I don't think she went home in all the time.
I am a 60 year old man who always thought he was tough, but a little bird made me a softy.
I would love to get another Beatrice but won't. We are just too far away from Vets like Dr Anne. It is not always easy to travel that far to get help.
I hope anyone who reads this will excuse my grammar and spelling. I have friends who do not understand why I feel like this because "it's only a bird"! How WRONG Beatrice was my friend, my baby, my companion, SHE CHOSE ME( I am so lucky for that). She will never be just a bird, she was and always will be a little person who gave me more than I ever gave her.
Please forgive my rambling.

 

[MonicaMc]

Runner, so sorry for the turn of events! It's so great you were finally able to find Dr Anne, but so sorry to hear that Bea ended up having to be put down due to her health problems. My condolences.

 

[Birdbrain91]

I'm so sorry for your loss you did everything you could possibly do. I agree with you that my birds are not just birds they are like my kids.

Sending hugs your way.

 

[Dinosrawr]

I am so absolutely sorry for your loss. I have tears in my eyes reading this because I understand how hard it is to let someone you love go so that they no longer suffer. Thank you for trying so hard for your Beatrice, and for giving her a wonderful life and a copious amount of love from the day you opened your arms until the day you set her free. You are an excellent example for all of us and remind us that the lengths we go through every day for our fids isn't because they're birds, but because they are family and because we love them for the unique individuals they are. They bring so much love into our lives. My thoughts are with you as you mourn the loss of your loved one. Just remember that she's in a better place and her life was made brighter with you in it. Many hugs!

 

[RavensGryf]

I'm so sorry to hear the update on Beatrice. Your story brought tears to my eyes as I remember just what it felt like when I was in that position myself saying goodbye to a dear friend, my Bronze Winged I had before Raven. What a great doctor Dr. Anne was. It was a blessing you found her though far away. I really feel for you - through all of this stress and worry you had to go through the additional tedium of regulations of getting the poor bird on the airplane too! Take care of yourself...

 

[KiwiPlusUs1025]

I am truly sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you went through and what your going through now. At least you know you tried everything to save your beloved Beatrice. Dr. Anne sounds like one of a kind doctor. Words can't express how sorry I am. Even though I didn't know your Beatrice or know you personally I am truly sorry. Thank you for sharing your story and I truly admire you for all you did to try and save your beloved Beatrice.

 

[Terry57]

I am so sorry for your loss. I was also in tears reading about everything you did to try to save your beloved Beatrice.
I am so glad you were able to be there with her in her final moments before she crossed the Rainbow Bridge...I can tell how much the 2 of you loved each other.
You are in my thoughts.

 

[labell]

Oh I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Beatrice! I have been there, holding a dying feathered friend when no more could be done. I am also sorry that there is anyone saying it was just a bird. They become part of us and who we are forever. I am sure she knew how much you loved her and you will be forever changed by the love that she gave you!

 

[EnglishMuffin]

Oh my goodness, I am so, so sorry for your loss Runner I wish I had known you were in Vancouver, I could have put you up or gotten you a good rate on a hotel room where I work. Night Owl is only 20 minutes from me, so I am extraordinarily lucky. You're right about Dr. Anne, she's renowned in the lower mainland for the excellent care and treatment she gives her birds. You did the absolute best you could for your baby, and far more than many other parronts would or could have. R.I.P Beatrice

 

[witchbaby]

I'm so so sorry to hear about Beatrice. Reading your story had me in tears. I recently lost my green cheek conure as well and it's been one of the most heartbreaking experiences of my life. It's especially difficult when so many people throw that "but it's only a bird" comment around. You did everything you could for her and more, and I'm sure she knows that. I'm so sorry you're going through this. You'll be in my thoughts. *hugs*

 

[inge]

So sorry for your loss. I am a new parrot owner, but I recentlly lost my first (and until recently, my only) pet that I had owned as an adult. If that makes sense. He was my buddy through so many changes and dramas and crises in my life...and that was just the first 6 years. He passed at age 15, a ripe old age for a large dog, but he was my heart. I hope you will be comforted by memories of your happy times together and by the knowledge that you did everything possible for her/him. He's flying with the angels now.

 

[Chelle]

My Heart is breaking for you! I can not even imagine the pain you are in... Know that Beatrice is soaring high above and feeling wonderful now. You did everything you could and more for her. You brought tears to my eyes... That is love... Being there with her and comforting her in her time of need and getting her the best care possible. I am in aww you are a great man!

 

[1Runner1]

I would like to thank everyone who responded with such kind words when I needed it.
It is just over a couple of weeks since my little friend died, I still feel her on my shoulder, talking in my ear- I miss her so much! When I come into the house I still want to yell out "Bea I'm home"
It's not easy but it would have been worse without such nice words from kind people like you
I don't know you people but I will never forget....

 

[JasmineGCC]

I am so sorry for your loss. Our little birds touch our hearts in a way that non-bird people can never understand. I'm sure Beatrice knew you were there and that stopped her being scared at the end. Sending love and hugs x

 

[TessieB]

What a heartbreaking story. We want our birds to live forever, and while some do live longer than us, the ones we lose strike a chord within us causing us to realize just how human we really are. All our pets have lessons to teach us. Whether the lesson be how to be patient, forgiving, or simply to be responsible. Beatrice has one final lesson to teach you: Be courageous in your darkest hour.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. You truly did all you could.

 

[Allee]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Beatrice was so fortunate to have a friend that would go to such lengths to help her, I know she had a wonderful life with you. Know that you did everything possible to help her and remember the joy you shared. I don't think anyone could read your story and think even for a moment that Beatrice was just a bird.