Lovebird mourning?

[chippy]

My daughters lovebird seems really discontented, since Wilbur died. She's not having any trouble eating or anything like that, but she seems agitated much of the time now, not in an aggressive way but like she just can't "settle down"... It's really sad to see and I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to help her. I think she is really missing her best bud, and that isn't something we can fix...

 

[MarciaLove]

that is sad she is probably missing her friend I would say just spend a lot of time with her and let her get used to only having a human family in time she should be ok

 

[chippy]

That is pretty much what is happening, but as soon as she is anywhere near the livingroom where his cage was, she cries and gets all worked up We brought them home within a week of each other from the same pet store, he was 3 months old and she was about 5 months, so she has really never been away from him.
It's just so sad to see her like this and, as much as she loves my daughter, her and Wilbur had a special friendship

 

[Eclipse]

Just misses Wilbur. You said they were almost never seperate? That is why! She is sad about the loss of her best bud. Don't take her near Wilbur's cage until she's over it, that's my opinion!

 

[MarciaLove]

is his cage still there? moving it might help. Im sorry I know a bird can bond with many people or birds but they always have that one special bond in time I think she wil bond to your daughter like she did the other bird

 

[chippy]

I finally made myself clean and move his cage yesterday so that part is done. Her cage has always been in my daughters room, and she ADORES my daughter, but she also spent hours together with Wilbur each day, they'd hang out in and on his cage (she was a snoot about her cage and wouldn't let him in, LOL), eat his food, groom each other, etc. He was very much a "mama's boy" but loved hanging out with her and playing with/ chewing on her. They had lots of fun together...

I know it'll take time...just makes me sad for her. I know how sad *I* am that he is gone...and I know she is, too. I read something about allowing the bird to see the one who dies, but of course I was far too devastated to be thinking about anything like that. Couldn't handle it myself, much less even think about the impact on the lovie...

 

[BillsBirds]

Yes, she is mourning for him. As everyone has said, it will pass. Try to distract her and occupy her with other things. BTW, they do understand death. I had a pair of Budgies, who were together for over 10 years in my care. When the female died, the male stood over her, and guarded her body, and wouldn't let me remove her. They were so bonded that he died later that day. Vet said, both of old age. They were fully grown before I took them in. I know he could not live without her.

 

[gemini84]

i understand fully how you feel choppy. prince is/ was mourning the loss of his best bud too, although bruno flew away. prince has gotten alot better the last week since I've been doing some training with him. its only really in the morning that he really goes off now. i guess he that's when he really notices him gone cause they were always caged together. my best advice would be to try distract her

 

[chippy]

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful responses... I know it will take time, I just wish I could make it better for her.

It must be confusing for her because she did not see him after he died...he was just "gone" (for her) but the entire family was devastated and I KNOW she can feel our sorrow, too...

When my daughter went to work this evening, I had her bring Gemma's cage out so she wouldn't be alone, and told her too that when she works in the daytime when no one else is here, to still bring the cage out and put it near Tiki's cage. Hopefully that will help her.

 

[mistywaterwoman]

What about making a dedicated spot for her to play or hang out in, right where his cage used to be? There are plenty ideas for DIY stands on this forum, usually using PVC tubing and such... She would still get to be in the familiar place that way, spending time with the rest of the family, even if Wilbur is not there with her. That may help put a bit of her old routine back in to her life.
My condolences on your loss.

 

[jbail1026]

I'm so so sorry for your loss. I have Orville (19 year old lovie) - Wilbur passed away about 4 years ago. Orv was so sullen after his brother (and cage-mate) passed...but then he just sort of snapped out of it and decided our Amazon was going to be his new best friend. I think moving Gemma near Tiki would be the best thing you could do! It's not the same, but it might really, really help.

 

[chippy]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I will try them and see how she responds...