Lost one of my birds

[Mr. Scot]

Fox, my male parrot, passed away yesterday.

 

He'd been sick on and off for the past month or so.  Some days he'd seem to get better, but he'd always take a turn for the worse again.  When I took him to the vet, she said he had a rare blood disease that was destroying his blood cells faster than they could replenish.  I already knew the answer from the look on her face, but I asked anyway.  "He's not gonna make it, is he?", I said, and got exactly the answer I expected.

 

He passed away yesterday afternoon, peacefully, cuddled to my chest.  Fox hadn't spoken a word in days - a sure sign of how weak he was since he was normally very verbal - but rasping for breath, he managed to say "Daddy" one last time.  "Daddy loves you" was the last thing he heard me say before he went.

 

Over the past several months, Fox had really bonded with my girlfriend and her teenage daughter.  Last weekend he sat on my girlfriend's daughter's shoulder for hours, just cuddling up to her, enjoying the attention as she spoke softly to him and kissed him.  I had told she and her mom that Fox was really sick, but they still held out hope.  Sadly, it was not to be, and they took it pretty hard when I gave them the news.

 

The saddest part: There's no way to explain this to his lifetime companion.  Quak, my female parrot, is still looking for him and calling for him. She'll stop in time, and right now she's understandably very clingy to me so I'm giving her plenty of attention.  Sometimes she mutters, sometimes she rages, sometimes she just looks defeated, all of which is probably a reflection of what she sees in me. I wish I could help her understand why he isn't here, but it just isn't possible.  It'll likely be tough the next time I go to work and have to leave her alone all day, but I'll make it up to her when I come home. 

 

One odd thing: Last night as she was going to sleep, I saw her sitting in the bottom of the cage, turned away from me but talking.  I could make out that she was saying "hey buddy", and "peek a boo", both things she often said to Fox.  Maybe she was dreaming, or maybe he came to see her one last time.  I'd like to think that could happen.

 

Eleven years is a good lifespan for a quaker parrot, and Fox was a very happy, sweet, loving little bird right up to the end.  He was only three weeks old when I got him, so he spent pretty much his entire life with me and Quak.  I remember in the first few months I had him, he learned words easily.  He actually seemed fascinated with his own power of speech.  He would sit on my chest and say every word he knew with the look of a child showing off for his dad.  And he genuinely was a showoff, and a mischievous little critter.  He always had a look in his eye like he was up to something, and as often as not, he was.

 

I'll miss that mischief, and his sweet personality, and the sound of his voice (a lot) :(

 

Fly free, little buddy.

 

[2jakefansinva]

the attachment to our pets is amazing................in time hopefully you can find another that brings you as much joy as Fox.

[Mr. Scot]

the attachment to our pets is amazing................in time hopefully you can find another that brings you as much joy as Fox.

 

Probably not while Quak is alive.  Birds are monogamous, so I'm not gonna try to introduce another companion.

 

The average lifespan for this species tends to be 10 to 15 years, and she's already 15 years old.  She seems pretty healthy, but I know it's only a matter of time before I lose her too.

 

Honestly, given her age, I've been expecting that to happen at some point.  It was a complete shock that Fox went first :(

[sunbunny]

Oh, I'm so sorry. You have a special relationship with your birds.

 

Even though mine hates me, I still enjoy him and think the world of him.

 

 

[Creepster]

We have rescued two non wild birds from my backyard - I live on several acres and off the beaten path, well away from any other houses so who knows how they found us here - the first was 5 1/2 years ago and was a blue male parakeet - we didnt want him to be alone so we bought him a mate - a green parakeet which was supposed to be a female - turns out it was a male but they got along just fine though they would occassionally pick at one another at times - then at the end of the summer two years ago another bird got my attention when I was in the yard  by its voice - turns out it was an African Lovebird - I was able to  catch her as well - yes this one was a female - well the boys lived in one cage and the lady in the other, but they all got along well enough to go out into our little back porch aviary every warm day and fly together.  Rupert ( our little blue budgie) died in January - probably due to old age - he went very quickly.  It was quite sad - and the other birds seemed to go through a mourning period along with us.  Now the other two are closer than ever and I have a feeling the Lovebird will outlive the budgie - she has gotten so used to his company - they groom one another and pass food - kiss whatever -  I cant imagine how crazy she will be if he dies and shes alone without a bird companion.

 

Any way - sorry for your and your family and Quaks loss.

[Anybodyhome]

Sorry for your loss. I knew birds were exceptionally monogamous and generally partners for life, but owning a bird who can speak must make it that much more sorrowful.

[Hotsauce]

Sorry for you lose.

I mean this in a non-douche way but, I don't know how people can be attached to a bird.

Again, sorry for our loss.

[ladypanther]

Mr Scot, so sorry to hear of the loss of Fox.  He sounds like an exceptional bird.  My sincere condolences to you, your family, and Quak. Our pets truly are our best friends.

[jasonluckydog]

Hey man sorry for your loss I feel horrible for you....I feel bad for the other bird as well, just sad.

[Argus Plexus]

This gave me a bad case of the sads  :(  I'm going to be getting a cockatiel soon and I'm super excited to start raising birds and whatnot. I've always wanted one, though I understand it's a hell of a lot more work than a dog...

[bigdog10]

So sorry for the loss of your feathered friend. It sounds like you gave him a great life and a great home.

[Mr. Scot]

Thanks folks.

A good friend of mine who also knew Fox gave me a nice place in his yard to bury him (I rent). We buried his favorite toy with him.

My girlfriend is actually still having a tough time. She has a sensitive heart and really loved the little fella (he called her 'mommy').

And if I'm being honest, it's still tough for me too. His voice saying 'hey daddy' was always the first thing I heard when I came home. It's sad not to hear that little voice anymore.

[thefuzz]

Sorry for your loss Mr. Scot.

 

Pets mean the world to their owners, and losing one is never easy, even when you try to prepare for it.

 

Good Luck.

[Password is Taco]

The happiness pets bring far outweighs the sadness of them leaving us. I had to put down my 13 year old dachshund today and its the hardest thing ive ever gone through. 

 

Sorry about your bird, it sounded like he was lucky to have you as an owner.