Lethargic cockatiel

[Jose42]

Hello everyone. I had come to this forum 2 years ago in search of help for my cockatiel Coco 2 years ago and I need your help again. I have 2 birds. My green budgie, Shapiro is the other. Last night I covered their cage for bedtime. Everything was fine. Today, I noticed Coco's feathers around her beak are especially messy. They were all ruffled up, but it was especially noticeable around her head. She gave me a rather quiet greeting this morning compared to her usually loud greeting. She spent the whole day sleeping. She tried to eat a couple times, but every time she tried to bend over to grab a seed she would give up halfway there gave up after 2 or 3 attempts. She spent half her day perched on her nest which never happens. Maybe she was having trouble balancing herself? I noticed one of her dropping was green, slimy, and there was something that looked like water framing it. I guess you could say it was a green watery stool. I've already called some avian vets nearby to make an appointment, but they're all booked until the 15th or 16th of September. I ended up getting an appointment for her with a hospital that has a great reputation. Right now there's a voice nagging in the back of my head; it's very loud. I'm asking what if she can't fight for her life that long? What can I do to help her? Should I just take her in as an emergency? But I've already inquired about that and they said it's highly unlikely I'll meet with an avian specialist if I take her in as an emergency. I'm so stressed out I hear noises like her calling for me or her falling from her perch. None of it happens, but I hear these noises and can't sleep. I'm at a loss. I'd appreciate any ideas/advise. Thank you in advance.

 

[texsize]

I think you should take her in right away and have her seen as an emergency patient.
You will have to pay a premium but a sick bird can't wait.

I wish you good luck and hope your girl pulls through.\

 

[Scott]

I'd recommend trusting your inner voice and taking Coco for an earlier visit. Most vets have "emergency" slots built into the daily schedule. With numerous symptoms, she has likely been sick for a while. Birds don't show illness until they can no longer hide.

Sometimes it is necessary to be politely insistent during our challenging times.

 

[noodles123]

Agreed- something is up. I would not wait. Birds are programmed to hide illness, so you have to act quickly when you see signs that something is up.
Watery stool and lethargy= red flags, plus the messy beak.
Emphasize that it is an emergency...or if you are feeling really brave, you could just show up with your bird at the vet's office and beg for them to squeeze her in. It's a gamble, but MOST places would be unlikely to turn you away in an emergency.

 

[Laurasea]

I hope yiu can call the vet and ask fir a work in.
It’s hard to recommend an emergency non bird vet,
If there are any other options you can find
So sorry you are going through this.

 

[wrench13]

plead, wrangle, connive or otherwise get Coco to an avian specialist, she is one sick birdy. I hope she gets the care needed.

 

[Jose42]

I have taken the advise and took Coco in as an emergency visit. Sadly, she has passed away. We never found out what the cause was. We held a small wake for her and build a coffin just right for her. She's buried in our backyard next to her brothers and sisters. They're not really brothers and sisters. My other pets were budgies, but they got along very well with her. She was a sweet girl. I don't know how old she was since my dad rescued her from a hawk back in 2011. She still looked very young at the time though. May Coco rest in peace and I thank you all for your input.

 

[Laurasea]

Oh I’m so sorry. You did everything you could. It never gets easier trying to find the right thing to say when someone loses their love. I care so much when I read these stories, I want to make it better. But all I can do is add you to my prayers, and whish I coukd give yiu a hug.

 

[Scott]

My deepest condolences for your loss of Coco, I am so sorry.

I hope in time her bright memories will bring more joy than sadness and despair.

 

[Jose42]

Oh I’m so sorry. You did everything you could. It never gets easier trying to find the right thing to say when someone loses their love. I care so much when I read these stories, I want to make it better. But all I can do is add you to my prayers, and whish I coukd give yiu a hug.

Thank you. My mother is religious so we've been praying the Rosary. We'll be doing it for 9 days. I don't know why, but I do hope it helps her spirit in some way. I've had birds since I was 8 so I know it's safe to say I know she'll always have a special spot in my heart and I know I'll have more birds I'll care for.

 

[Jose42]

My deepest condolences for your loss of Coco, I am so sorry.

I hope in time her bright memories will bring more joy than sadness and despair.

Thank you. It's heartwarming to know there are people who understand what it feels like to lose a loved pet that became more like a part of the family.

 

[Laurasea]

I'm so sorry that you hsve had so much loss recently. Its nearly 3 months since Nep escape abd the grief chokes me daily. I can imagine myself in your shoes and that we share the same heartbreak. There has been so much loss recently on the forums.

One of our members signature is there is no cure for love but more love

I'm sure when the time is right a parrot will find irs way to your heart abd home

We are here for you, we understand the loss

 

[noodles123]

Oh no...I'm so sorry. My mother is also a HUGE fan of the rosary...I think your baby is in good hands, but I am so sorry (I'm not religious to the extent that my mom is, but I think my mom somehow makes things happen when she prays!). I must say, I have prayed a lot for Noodles in rough times...even though I struggle with aspects of faith at times. I think your plan sounds good, and again, so so so sorry..