Rest in peace, my sweet Malachite

[reeb]

Malachite was one of the first budgies I got 3 years ago. He has always been an energetic member of the flock, and was friends with everyone.

I went into the aviary this morning to find him dead on the floor. I burst into tears. He was very special to me. He seemed fine yesterday. He was flying a lot, and was talkative and grooming as usual.

His body was completely stiff when I found him. I have no idea what happened. There were gunshots in the neighbourhood last night (an armed robbery), so I fear that he perhaps got totally terrified and his little heart couldn’t handle it. Since his body was already in rigor mortis (stiff), he had died at least 8 hours ago (it was 8am when I found him). Around the time of the gunshots. It hasn’t been so cold (and the aviary has a heat lamp), so I don’t know what else it could be. I live in a safe suburb too. I guess anything can happen.

I have put him in a container in the freezer so that I can take him for a necropsy. I’m just in total shock.

My dog is very sick right now, she’s been admitted to the vet clinic and has been there for several days. Now this on top of such stress. I don’t know how to cope.

 

[BoomBoom]

I'm so sorry to hear about Malachite

Sounds like what happened to my poor Kiki. Super active one minute and then one minute was dead on the bottom grate with no struggle. Almost the same age, happened at night. I never did do necropsy so I never had my answer - I'm glad you made the decision to have it done. It's good for your own healing and also for your peace of mind towards the rest of the flock.

If it's not too late though, please move his body to the refrigerator section. The freezer section will deteriorate the body and will render it unsuitable for necropsy procedure. Once in the refrigerator, you have up to 3 days to bring the body in for necropsy to increase the likelihood of accurate results. Talk to the vet about the kind of necropsy that is necessary for Malachite's case. Most causes of death can be ruled out by the more common, less invasive approach.

My heart goes out to you.

 

[reeb]

I'm so sorry to hear about Malachite



Sounds like what happened to my poor Kiki. Super active one minute and then one minute was dead on the bottom grate with no struggle. Almost the same age, happened at night. I never did do necropsy so I never had my answer - I'm glad you made the decision to have it done. It's good for your own healing and also for your peace of mind towards the rest of the flock.



If it's not too late though, please move his body to the refrigerator section. The freezer section will deteriorate the body and will be unsuitable for accurate necropsy procedure. Once in the refrigerator, you have up to 3 days to bring the body in for necropsy to increase the likelihood of accurate results. Talk to the vet about the kind of necropsy that is necessary for Malachite's case. Most causes of death can be ruled out by the more common, less invasive approach.



My heart goes out to you.

Thanks for the advice. I have moved him to the fridge.

He was otherwise healthy, in the early evening I saw him with his mate, head bobbing, grooming and talking as usual. So I do think that it may have been related to some outside cause. My cockatiel also got a fright from the sound, but I was obviously inside to help her.

 

[GaleriaGila]

reebsie, I am so very sorry. I know you love each and every one of your birds with all your heart. Malachite passed while loved dearly, and that's an eternal gift.
I've got you, your dog, and your flock in my heart.

 

[SailBoat]

So very sad for your loss. He was happy with his life and knew he was loved and cared for and about. May he be busy on his wings now easing the path of others!

Warm Amazon Feather Hugs my good friend!

Truly great information provided above.

 

[jm0]

Sorry to hear

You're probably right that it was the gunshots that shocked him. Imagine sitting outside at night in complete silence, and then *BANG!*. That's awful.

I love how you say "I live in a safe suburb too". After that statement about the armed robbery. LOL.

 

[Flboy]

I am so sorry! I know this hurts!

 

[wrench13]

You have our family's sympathy, we lost our little Maxie years ago same way fine one day and then just... gone the next.

 

[ChristaNL]

So sorry to read your friend is gone.

 

[Terry57]

I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Malachite Sending warm hugs to you and healing wishes for your dog.

 

[Scott]

My deepest condolences for the passing of Malachite. If your hunch is correct, what a heartbreaking and random trigger for a fright.

I hope your dog responds well to treatment and is soon home. We're always here as comfort, via the forum or PM.

 

[Cardinal]

Deep condolences on the passing away of Malachite. It must be tough to lose a beloved companion.

 

[Jen5200]

I’m so sorry for your loss Reeb. Feathered hugs from me and my crew.

 

[itzjbean]

So so very sorry for your loss. Glad you're getting a necropsy done, it can definitely give you some answers.

 

[chris-md]

So sorry

 

[Albysmum]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand your pain completley. Losing a pet is devastating and only time can help heal the pain.
I hope your dog recovers and is home with you soon.

 

[Tami2]

I am so very sorry for your loss.