Lost my Baby -what to Do

[iwoof4u]

Our baby Male SI Eclectus (maverick) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Monday morning after having a seizure - we suspect he had a heart defect. We only had the little guy for 6 months We also have a beautiful female SI which we have had for about 8 months - she's just about a year old now.

I need advice : She is already pacing around looking for her friend. I am worried that being used to another bird that she will become neurotic or depressed. What is peoples advice? As heartbreaking as it is, should I look to replace the Male with another of his species ASAP? I was considering another SI, or perhaps a red-sided. On a personal note - my partner and I are not quite ready to replace the guy so soon after his passing, but we want to do what is best for the female.

Alternatively, would anyone recommend as a second companion bird something like a Lesser Sulphur Crested? They are about the same size as an eclectus, but would not remind us so much of our loss - and are amazing and wonderful birds themselves. Does anyone have experience with adding a bird of another species to a female (young - less than a year old) Eclectus?

We only have one cage - It's a very large Kings cage, and we don't really have room for another cage. We would like to keep them together after the introduction and adjustment period.

What are folks experience with a bird loss? Advice? Replace the lost male with another Eclectus? Go for another similar sized species?

 

[Kalidasa]

So sorry to hear about your loss. I understand you might not want a reminder, but another eclectus would be his own personality, and less stress on her...as much as you are upset, she is devastated, and another species might not go over well. It's terrible when one of a bonded pair dies, and the only thing I've found that helps is another mate. It's not a replacement, but an addition. Keep in mind you don't have to get a male....

 

[kq_fan]

Crazy! My Mango (Budgie) was six months old when he died and he suddenly had seizures one night! I am so so sorry that happened!

 

[adellelauren]

I agree that the best bet would be another SI Eclectus. Being so close in age I'm at sure she's lost with her buddy gone.

 

[WannaBeAParrot]

So sorry to hear about your baby passing. I would think it's best to get another bird similar to the one that went to heaven, so that your female SI can start to get used to a new friend instead of used to being alone and confused and upset.

 

[MikeyTN]

Sorry to hear about your bird passing.....it would be wise to get another eclectus instead of another specie. But I would still advise you to get a second cage for quarantine reasons. But she may be fine alone over time.

 

[drlisaort]

Oh how very sad for all of you! I would think getting another male SI would be in the best interest for your little girl who can not rationalize like we can on why her mate is no longer here.

 

[mtdoramike]

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I can imagine the heart break you are feeling.

 

[Birdman666]

Our baby Male SI Eclectus (maverick) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Monday morning after having a seizure - we suspect he had a heart defect. We only had the little guy for 6 months We also have a beautiful female SI which we have had for about 8 months - she's just about a year old now.

I need advice : She is already pacing around looking for her friend. I am worried that being used to another bird that she will become neurotic or depressed. What is peoples advice? As heartbreaking as it is, should I look to replace the Male with another of his species ASAP? I was considering another SI, or perhaps a red-sided. On a personal note - my partner and I are not quite ready to replace the guy so soon after his passing, but we want to do what is best for the female.

Alternatively, would anyone recommend as a second companion bird something like a Lesser Sulphur Crested? They are about the same size as an eclectus, but would not remind us so much of our loss - and are amazing and wonderful birds themselves. Does anyone have experience with adding a bird of another species to a female (young - less than a year old) Eclectus?

We only have one cage - It's a very large Kings cage, and we don't really have room for another cage. We would like to keep them together after the introduction and adjustment period.

What are folks experience with a bird loss? Advice? Replace the lost male with another Eclectus? Go for another similar sized species?

I would get another male eckie...

And yes, they mourn just like we do. When a bonded pair loses their mate, that sometimes turns them angry.

I would watch her closely, and see how she reacts. Give her lots of attention.

 

[iwoof4u]

Thank you all for your advice! - Now my next follow-up question : Our breeder does not have any eclectus babies available and will not for some time. He is giving his hens a break. We found a breeder in Texas (we live in the California Bay Area) who would have a sweet boy available to come home within 4 weeks. I saw pictures and his coloring is a little unusual. Instead of being nearly completely emerald green like I am used to, he has a red collar ring. His body and head look like a boy, but his neck looks like a girl? Is this a normal coloration? Will he lose the odd red feathers after a molt? The breeder indicated that he is SI, but I am not familiar with color variations like that within one subspecies. I really don't mind if he is a bit "special" looking I would only worry if someone thinks that the unusual color is a "red-flag" for something wrong with the guy.

 

[Birdman666]

Thank you all for your advice! - Now my next follow-up question : Our breeder does not have any eclectus babies available and will not for some time. He is giving his hens a break. We found a breeder in Texas (we live in the California Bay Area) who would have a sweet boy available to come home within 4 weeks. I saw pictures and his coloring is a little unusual. Instead of being nearly completely emerald green like I am used to, he has a red collar ring. His body and head look like a boy, but his neck looks like a girl? Is this a normal coloration? Will he lose the odd red feathers after a molt? The breeder indicated that he is SI, but I am not familiar with color variations like that within one subspecies. I really don't mind if he is a bit "special" looking I would only worry if someone thinks that the unusual color is a "red-flag" for something wrong with the guy.

FEATHERED FOLLIES IN CONCORD, CA! They usually have eckies!!!

 

[lpolliard]

Before introducing another bird shouldn't you be concerned that it wasn't a heart defect but maybe something communicable? With multiple birds in the household and one that was introduced less than a year ago I would have requested a necropsy to be on the safe side.

 

[Kalidasa]

Are you open to getting one that's a rescue or re-home?

 

[iwoof4u]

Necropsy results in - may have been a virus - possible according to the vet! Argh. Taking the female in for examination first thing tomorrow morning. Where could it have come from? Both birds came from a closed aviary and have never been around another bird. We don't go to pet stores and handle strange birds. We also sterilized all new toys to the best of our ability. There is no other animal in our home and they are only indoor birds. She seems super healthy and has lost no weight, and her initial exam when we brought her home showed both birds as healthy! We've decided on another SI, but waiting to bring the new guy home until we know she is healthy.

 

[maillet]

My Vosmeris had similar colorations when he was younger. It grew into most luscious emerald green feathers on his entire body. I have never heard of an SI with that ring.

Vosmeris are the rarest and presumably the most intelligent subspecies of Eclectus. It is also the largest able to be nearly 1.5x the size of an SI. Also most assertive.

Problem is within males it is impossible to guarantee pedigree, outside baby feathers.

 

[4Ziggy]

I know you are in the bay area but we purchased our eclectus from S. CA - they have about 4 stores and are breeders. I looked on their website and they have babies
OMAR'S Exotic Birds :: Babies in Our Stores
When we lived in So. CA, we found them to be very helpful. I hope this gives you an alternative. I believe their breeding farm is in Temecula and they sell the babies out of their stores.

 

[PetoftheDay]

No advice, just wanted to express my condolences, both to you and your current birdie.

 

[4Ziggy]

BTW - praying your sweet girl is in perfect health - no virus. Sorry for your loss

 

[Kell]

First, I am so sorry for you loss……
Would you be interested in a 13 year old male? For health reasons, I need to find him a good home.

 

[pregodalliance]

so sorry to hear this. I hope you and the little girl find a new friend.