Grieving*Mate?

[SusieR]

I adopted Frank and Claire (Blue & Golds) from parrot rescue just over a year ago. I don't have much history about them but, they were never far apart and Claire laid several eggs this past year (I disposed of them). I've had various Cockatoos, Amazons and raised a baby Blue & Gold in the past so, I have a little experience. Yesterday morning when I was feeding them I noticed their food dishes weren't as empty as usual but, thought may be I had filled them fuller the day before. I got home from work yesterday and noticed Claire on a perch, in the corner of the cage and she looked absolutely miserable. Frank was trying to interact with her so, I let him out of the cage to leave her alone. I finally found the phone # of the avian vet in Denver (we live in Colorado Springs) and was planning a road trip but, long story short, she passed about 30 minutes later. I am still in shock. No unusual behavior, no nasal discharge, poop appeared normal but, I guess the full food dishes should have been a sign...I am heart broken. So, now I have a bird with no mate/companion. The good thing he was a hearty eater and still is but, he looked so lonely this morning. Anyone gone through this? Any suggestions?

 

[PrimorandMoxi]

How terribly sad.

Thank you for giving these two a loving home.

I am pretty sure others on here will tell you to bring frank to the vet to make sure he is okay... so you are sure that he is not sick as well?

 

[SusieR]

How terribly sad.

Thank you for giving these two a loving home.

I am pretty sure others on here will tell you to bring frank to the vet to make sure he is okay... so you are sure that he is not sick as well?

Unfortunately I wasn't thinking yesterday and now the holiday weekend is upon us. I made an appointment for Frank on Tuesday. If something comes up over the weekend he go to the e-vet. I might take Claire with us to have a necropsy/autopsy done

 

[SailBoat]

How terribly sad.

Thank you for giving these two a loving home.

I am pretty sure others on here will tell you to bring frank to the vet to make sure he is okay... so you are sure that he is not sick as well?

Unfortunately I wasn't thinking yesterday and now the holiday weekend is upon us. I made an appointment for Frank on Tuesday. If something comes up over the weekend he go to the e-vet. I might take Claire with us to have a necropsy/autopsy done

Parrots can pass amazingly fast. Having two, especially if they spent most of their time fair close to each other, as a couple, they can hide an illness of one of the two. So well, that it would be difficult for you to pick-up on one of them becoming ill!

NOTE: If your plan is to have a necropsy/autopsy completed! DO NOT FREEZE your Sweetheart!! Wrap and keep cool 38 to 42 degrees F. Freezing will not allow for a necropsy/autopsy.

Heart failure is becoming a major cause of Parrot dead and is commonly not part of Blood Testing or the extra time during a routine examination! Today, any Parrot 15 or older that is not an active Flier and/or has not been on a continuous natural healthy diet should be check yearly for Heart issues.

You will likely see grieving, it is very important that you spend the time with your Parrot. Their grieve is comparable to our's with a loss of a Partner! The family sharing it's grieve together is important.

Prays and warm feather hugs for you and your family!

 

[Oliver17]

I’m sorry for yours and franks loss

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

I am also very heart broken on Claire's passing and feel for poor Frank.

My Smokey (TAG) passed away a couple years back. It was found that she had an enlarged heart and liver.
Amy had known Smokes from the day Amy came home to live with us. Amy was 25 years old when Smokey (who was 28).

Even though Amy and Smokey lived in separate house's,and Amy was Smokes friend (as much as Smokey would allow) when Smokey passed on,Amy KNEW something was dreadfully wrong!
Amy sat for WEEKS on his nite-nite perch,in the top rear corner of his house and said NOTHING. Amy is quite vocal in the mornings,not doing Amazon screams,but in talking. HELLO!!! HOW ARE YOU???? etc. He said nothing. Only moved from his perch to eat/drink. I couldn't even coax him out of his house with chicken leg bones ( favorite treat)

After a few weeks Amy started to come around. I was still extremely emotional and still grieving and he just knew it. He would climb my leg,up my shirt,and nuzzle under my chin,while making soft Amazon noises,and beaking my face and beard.
Amy CAN be quite the gentle loving soul from time to time,and this was one of those times. I swear I think I heard him "cry" during this aweful time.

YES..I truly believe they know and feel emotions. Just hold Frank a little closer,re-assure him..talk and play with him more Pay extra attention,and Frank will respond to your kindness,caring,and love. I know it'll make the bond between you and Frank even stronger..it did with Amy and I.




Jim

 

[SusieR]

Thank u. I didn't have the heart to put her in the freezer but, our shed which is around the temp u suggested. I'm still not sure if I want to know what she died of..if it was something I should have caught I would feel horrible. Good thing is I am home for a 3 day weekend and will have time for observation. I never spent the time to interact with them...they had each other. Guess Frank and Claire I will have to become friends LOL

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Thank u. I didn't have the heart to put her in the freezer but, our shed which is around the temp u suggested. I'm still not sure if I want to know what she died of..if it was something I should have caught I would feel horrible. Good thing is I am home for a 3 day weekend and will have time for observation. I never spent the time to interact with them...they had each other. Guess Frank and Claire I will have to become friends LOL

He needs you now,more than ever...and you need him. it'll get better at some point. I still think of Smokers every day





Jim