Sad...Lost ANOTHER Bird

[Grace_Alone4gives]

I don't know how it happened.

Today I came home from work to find one of my budgies sitting on the bottom of his cage. I was able to pick him up (which he usually does not let me do) and for the first time, he layed on my chest as I pet him. (another thing he probably would have never let me do as they are not handled much.

I seperated him from my other budgie (who I am thinking is part of the probalem as he is very aggresive) and put my seemingly sick budgie on a towel in a box with water and food. I checked on him and he was seeming to be ok, although he was not walking around much or reacting startled by my hand gestures, which usually would startle him. I picked him up and cuddled him some more, then put him back in his cage with my other bird and covered it up.

5 minutes later there was a thump, and Tiqua (that was his name) fell off the perch and was sitting on the bottom again. I picked him up and returned him to the box I prepared, after getting my cuddles of course. I watcheed the end of a movie with my husband, and returned to the box (about 1/2 hour after leaving him there) and he was dead...hard as a rock. His claw was tangled a bit in a loose string in the towel - perhaps that did it? I hope not, I would hate to be the cause of it.

Now I am upset. I only had him 2 months - I got him to replace another bird that I only had 3 months prior to him dying suddenly. I wish I knew what did it.

My husband says he was obviously sick or something, and thinks our aggressive bird may be a problem contributing to it also as both birds died while in his company. In addition, like I mentioned - Tiqua didn't even fight to get picked up - and he always flaps around his cage to avoid me...but not today. Like he didn't have the strength.

I'm hoping I didn't cause him too much stress by removing him, or accidently getting his feet caught in a towel. I hope that didn't cause him to panick and die....although he was acting very very strange prior to me even leaving him alone.

I hate wondering what happened. I know it is just a bird, and really I had no attachment to him at all....but I hate feeling like I did something to 'help him die'.

Any bird people out there with advice?

One thing is for sure, I am not getting another companion for Sam (my other bird) incase he is a culprit. He has remained healthy throughout this all - through 2 birds. The only 2 birds who would have anything to do with me...ironic isn't it. Looks like I will have to try an break Sam into a more tender budgie...is this possible?

Victoria

 

[hiz_child]

Don't feel bad. I am sure you were not the reason he died. He was obviously on his way to dying when you placed him in the box. Without seeing what happened I can't even guess how he died, but I really don't think it was the other bird. If your other bird was bothing him to much he would have pulled out his feathers.
I had a budgie once that started haveing seizures and died for no apparent reason. When I started researching into it I found out that birds cannot have to much sodium. Make sure you don't give your bird ANYTHING that has salt on it like chips or crackers. An all seed diet isn't the best either. Find out what kinds of fruits and nuts a budgie can eat and feed some fresh kinds. Make sure seed is stored in the fridge if possible so it doesn't grow bacteria.

Did you buy your pet from a pet store? I am a firm believer that pet stores are not the greatest place to get pets. Expecially birds. They get stressed out very easily and it is hard on them. Did you notice him acting strange? Puffed up feathers and huddling alone can be a sign of illness.

On a side note...If you would like to have a companion for you other bird you could always keep the other budgie in a seperate cage side by side. They don't have to be together to be companions. Just being able to see and talk to each other is enough if you are worried about them hurting each other.

 

[IvoryRain]

Honestly, if its not too late I'd get a necropsy done to determine if you have a shedding virus going on - or to see if PDD is present.

If it is PDD, there is nothing you can do as all of the birds have been exposed to it. If that is the case, dont bring any more birds in your home for at least two years after you lose the last one.

I am sorry for your loss!

Teflon is often another culprit - its in so many household products you'd hardly believe it!