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October 16, 2005
Judee Maccabird, 1998-2005
Our seven-and-a-half-year-old cockatiel died this morning. She was a birthday present I gave to my wife seven years ago. It was during Chanukah, so we called her Judee Maccabird. That's not her on the left, but she looked a lot like that.
When we left the house yesterday morning, she was fine--eating, chirping, playing with her toys.
When we came home in the late afternoon, something was horribly wrong: she was alive, but bleeding terribly. I rushed her to the hospital. She had lain an egg--something she'd never done before--but it had sort of gotten stuck and had done her a lot of injury as she expelled it. Another egg remained inside her. The eggs were not fertile, as she had no male partner.
The vet removed the egg, cleaned her up, gave her fluids, and kept her overnight for observation. She was in good spirits, and reasonably good shape, when I left
But birds tend to conceal the extent of their illness. This morning she died from the blood loss.
We buried her in the backyard with her egg.
Goodbye, Judee Maccabird. You were a sweet, wonderful companion, a happy gift from nature in our midst. We miss you very much.
Posted by Eric at October 16, 2005 4:41 PM
Comments
Oh, Eric, I'm so very sorry. I'll be thinking about you.
Posted by: The Subversive Librarian at October 16, 2005 5:27 PM
Condolences.
Posted by: Ed Cone at October 16, 2005 6:48 PM
My condolences to you and your family, Eric.
Posted by: David Marshall at October 16, 2005 7:44 PM
My sincerest condolences, Eric.
Posted by: Cathy Young at October 17, 2005 6:58 AM
Eric: My deepest sympathies, and condolence.
We keep snakes, and egg-binding with them (even if they are kept from males) can lead to the same sorts of troubles.
I'm sorry, I know how it feels because we've lost some snakes to it.
Best wishes.
Terry
Posted by: Terry Karney at October 17, 2005 2:49 PM
I grew up with cockatiels. They're fabulous pets -- friendly, intelligent, and caring -- and it's devastating when they leave us. I don't believe in heaven for humans, but I believe our departed pets are in a happy place. So sorry to hear about your loss.
Posted by: David Noon at October 18, 2005 5:13 PM
I lost my 7 year old cockatiel last night and I was so devasted. It feels like losing a person. Some people dont understand that these "pet" birds become a part of the family much like dogs or cats. Heck, I'd even pick these birds over "man's best friend." My mother heard the news and immediately bought me a new one. But it's not that easy. These pets are irreplaceable. Waking up this morning knowing that my bird isnt there to peck on my lips to wake me up made me ball my eyes out today.
Im sure you felt the same way Eric. Did you end up buying a new one?
ELM: Sorry about your loss, Kris. It took me a little while to get used to. No, we didn't get a new one. We just lavish more attention on our dog, I guess...
Posted by: Kris at May 10, 2006 10:26 AM
I know how you feel
Posted by: sandra wright at June 7, 2007 9:12 PM