Our "grandpa" budgie Fly free little Falco

4920 Views 36 Replies 28 Participants Last post by aluz, Apr 28, 2015

Clair

Discussion Starter · Oct 24, 2014 (Edited by Moderator)

I don't post here very often, but I need words of encouragement from other budgie owners. Our blue budgie, Falco, is about 12-14 years old and seems to be not long for this world. He can't fly anymore, he barely eats or drinks, his tail is droopy and he often sits puffed up. He can still climb and he tries to keep up with his friends, but every so often he'll take a tumble and land on his back and then is unable to right himself. It's heartbreaking to watch.

I realize he's had a long, happy life and it's just his time, but it makes me sad to see him like this.

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BumbleBee

· #2 · Oct 24, 2014

Oh. I'm so sorry about him not feeling very good! He sounds well loved and cared for especially since he is an older age.

Have you thought of maybe putting him in a smaller cage for now? Next to his friends? Or maybe a favorite buddy in there with him? You have my thoughts in this tough time.

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Cheesepusher

· #3 · Oct 24, 2014

Oh, Clair, I'm so sorry to hear this. We know it's inevitable, but that doesn't make it any easier. Maybe some of the more knowledgable forum members will have some suggestions for making his last days with you as comfortable as they can be, but all I can offer is sympathy. :hug:

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Clair

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 26, 2014 (Edited)

Thanks Bumblebee and Cheesepusher. I appreciate your kind words.

I don't know what happened, but the little critter has improved. He's started flying again - not very far, but with great effort, he makes it up to the curtain rod. Crossing my fingers that he's back to his old self again soon.

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FaeryBee

· #5 · Oct 26, 2014

It's very difficult when our beloved pets reach the point in their lives where they are almost ready to move on in their journey to the Rainbow Bridge. :hug:

Whether a budgie, a dog or any other pet, it always seems like the time we enjoyed with them was much too short.

Each and every day they are with us is a blessing and making those moments count brings us joy and gives our babies a nice life while they are here on earth.

Best wishes that Falco will continue to improve so you will be able to enjoy one anothers company with him in good health.

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despoinaki

· #6 · Oct 26, 2014

I am sorry this is happening,it's so sad when our beloved friends are about to leave this world.Though I think it's a blessing having his company for so many years!

I am glad he is better now and I hope he'll keep improving.Set an appointment with the avian vet,to see if there's something you can do for him to feel even better.I hope the best of luck for him!

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Jo Ann

· #7 · Oct 28, 2014

Our

We had to bring our flight leader ABBA in from the big aviary as he is getting to old to keep up with the flock. He is in 3 x 4 flight cage that allows limited flight but lots of climbing. We use this flight for recovering adults and fledgling chicks before they graduate to the big baby flight. Check with your avian vet for a booster nutrient in his food and be sure he gets all of his vits and calcium. I would restrict to much flying as this could be too much stress on heart and lungs. We have a soft net used for mosquitoes that hangs over our bed mattress to help chicks and recovering adult rebuild flight muscles. Geritol for Budgies?? he should be on a senior diet lower in protein to help take the strain off of liver and kidneys that do the detox work. You might ask if milk thistle
would help when you see the vet. a smaller cage with a buddy as above may be a great Idea. We are trying this with our little guy with limited success. He seems depressed and is not a robust eater any longer. the vet said he was lean but not too thin. He has never been to the vet all of these years and vet said he was healthy, just slow him down and be sure he gets his nutrients and probiotics. Let us know what your vet says. Prayers and best wishes.
Jo Ann:budge:

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riotfox

· #8 · Oct 28, 2014

Aw sorry to hear about Falco. Hope that he continues to improve! Sounds like you are doing the best you can to keep him comfortable. It's hard, but inevitably we all get old.

Clair

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 10, 2014

Quick update - Falco is still with us. Some days are better than others. Saturday was a bad day - he fell of his perch in the middle of the night. Today is a good day - after several days of not even attempting to fly, he flew up to the curtain rod. I'm watching him preen up there. Such a sweet little man.

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Jonah

· #10 · Nov 10, 2014

Good to hear he is doing OK. JoAnn gave some wonderful advice. I would think keeping him very warm would be a big help, especially if he is not eating a lot. Maybe a heated perch, or a heat lamp near his favorite perching area...

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jean20057

· #11 · Nov 11, 2014

Sorry to hear that Falco isn't doing 100%. He will be in our prayers that he gets better.

-Kristen

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Jo Ann

· #12 · Nov 11, 2014

Our

Have you seen a vet with your dear little one? How is his appetite? Water consumption? Probiotics and Electrolytes can help stabilize him. It seems to be helping ABBA. He has started to use his wings on the perch. this means he has some energy to burn. We took him and a hen for a round in the rehab net and His response is improving. We have full spectrum light on him and all of the indoor crew as well . Praying for your "young" man Budgie. Jo A:budge:nn

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PipSqueakZ

· #13 · Nov 11, 2014

What a grand little fella your Falco sounds! I agree with the others have said and i'm hoping you have the little guy around for a lot longer yet! :hug:

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Clair

Discussion Starter · #14 · Apr 19, 2015

We lost our little guy yesterday. I miss him.

justmoira

· #15 · Apr 19, 2015

Clair, I am so sorry. Your Falco lives a long wonderful life surrounded by great friends and loving family. I'm sure he knew just how much you all loved him. Rest in Peace little one. :hug:

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marya

· #16 · Apr 19, 2015

Our "grandpa" budgie

So sorry Claire. But we have to accept the fact our pets dont live as long as us. He had a long and happy life with you. And he knew he was loved. Fly high little budgie. You were beautiful ,and your mom and budgie friends are going to miss youxx

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Nira

· #17 · Apr 19, 2015

He had such a good, long life! May he rest in peace now!

Birding

· #18 · Apr 19, 2015

Sorry to hear this. It is so hard to lose a little friend, especially one that had been with you for that long. Falco sounds like he was quite the character and trooped on through a lot. I'm sure he knew how much he was loved!

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jellyblue

· #19 · Apr 19, 2015

Rest in Peace, sweet handsome Falco. Keep his cute face and happy song close to your heart, and he will be with you forever. His life was long and happy, thanks to your love and good care. He fought hard to stay with you. Now he is is no longer old. He is flying around with all our angels. I know how sad you must be, losing your friend. Soon you will think of him and smile. Falco would like that.

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nuxi

· #20 · Apr 19, 2015

I'm sorry for your loss!

:hug:

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