My Cockatiel Had A Stroke

**Skitzoid Lady** · 02-15-2010, 06:11 AM

I've been an avid bird owner since my early childhood and never have I seen this happen before. I took Aurora, my six year old cockatiel, out of her cage yesterday for a wing clipping. She was perfectly fine, sitting on my shoulder and my head, singing, whistling, talking. Then I put her back in her cage. A half an hour later, she fell off her perch and the right side of her body was completely paralyzed. She was screeching in fear and I had no clue what to do.

I thought maybe if I put her in a warm, quiet place she might rally, but she died two hours later.

She was on a great diet of pellets and seeds, plus fresh fruit and veggies and garden herbs. Aurora adored both basil leaves and seeds, and also fresh rosemary, all organic from our garden.

I'd never heard of a bird having a stroke until I found this forum site. I kept wondering if there was something I'd done wrong, but apparently this malady is not so uncommon in birds. I'm not sure what I'd have done differently in hind sight. I have a feeling she would have died even if I'd rushed her to the avian vet. And even if she hadn't died, I doubt seriously she would have recovered, or had a good life.

I'm incredibly sad she is gone, but glad she is not suffering.

**parrotsRmyLove** · 02-15-2010, 06:48 AM

Chris - I am so sorry for your loss. I have never had anything like this happen to me before.

Second guessing yourself will do know good. A vet rush may have freaked her out even more, it's hard to say.

Welcome to TF's - so sorry it is under these circumstances.

**Blue Baby** · 02-15-2010, 09:26 AM

Hi Chris. Welcome to TF. I am so sorry for your loss. I'm pretty sure there was absolutely nothing you could have done. It seems to happen exactly the way you described it when they have strokes. I've read many of those exact same instances on this Board. Time will heal your pain but you will never forget. Thinking of you today my friend!

**crickett-7** · 02-15-2010, 12:09 PM

so sorry for your loss

**HappyFlappy** · 02-15-2010, 12:34 PM

I'm so sorry you lost your dear tiel. Please don't blame yourself.

Fly free, little one.

**Skip** · 02-15-2010, 12:53 PM

Oh this is so sad. Sorry for your loss

**Karly-Ryan** · 02-15-2010, 02:22 PM

So sorry to hear, it's always hard to lose a pet, especially having the 'tiel for so long. Kind regards.

**Courtney** · 02-22-2010, 10:45 PM

Aww, Im really sorry you lost her. My thoughts are with you!

**jordanlynetteh** · 01-26-2012, 05:34 PM

The same thing happened to my cockateil. She had what I am assuming was a stroke, She is still alive but barley hanging on there. She has been sitting on the bottom of her cage all day laying there and squeaking. It breaks my hear to see her like that but there is nothing I can do for her. She just keeps squeaking and doing a jerking motion. Im so sorry for the loss of her your bird.

**Marrie** · 01-26-2012, 07:17 PM

This is an old thread and it is best to make your own (more likely to be seen) - but you really need to get your birdy to a vet, heather! Hope the vet can help her.

**Birdmanca** · 01-26-2012, 08:08 PM

You did a good job in caring for your bird from what I saw in your posting. Sounds like the bird would not have lasted long enough to get to the vet for care. I once had a bird that was healthy for 12 to 13 years. I could tell something went wrong late the night before it died. As I was calling vets office in next morning, when I went back in room to see bird, it was dead. Similair to your story. I felt loust. Was so used to the bird.

**Pipers Mom** · 01-27-2012, 08:27 AM

So sorry for your loss. You did everything possible to help her. Many of us in this network totally understand your pain. It's amazing how they quickly become part of the family. Sending you hugs from the Great Lakes State.