Julie dead, Lawrence getting very cuddly.

[ArticunoGail]

Hi,

A few hours ago today, I came in to find one of the pair of budgies I keep dead on the cage floor. (more details in Rainbow Bridge.) she was a month shy of being five and had the lilac trait. There were no wounds on her body and it looked for all the world as if she'd been foraging on the floor and keeled over where she stood. Her eyes were open, her wings folded but she was lying on her front, not her side. To make it worse, she wasn't mine, but my best friend's, we just housed them together, and my best friend's mother died yesterday.

Lawrence, who is usually fairly aloof and moves away if you approach the cage, has been approaching and gently pressing a finger with his beak if you put it in, geltler even than if he's using it to hold on to while he climbs. When I let him out, hew was all over me, my head and arms and neck, and was even willing to clamber over my boyfriend, whom he usually doesn't approacjh. He seemed interested in everything, even cheekily stealing some garlic dip from a pot we had before we spotted him and moved him off.

I'm aware that Julie used to tease him, and am wondering: is he getting more cozy because he's nervous/lonely/missing Julie, or is it actually because he feels more free not under her beady little eye? Does he understand she's dead? I think she was in the cage for about 4 or 5 minutes before we came in and spotted her. Can anyone else tell me if they have noticed one of a pair getting close/cozy/more friendly after the death of their friend?

Am heartbroken of course to lose a fid, I'm thinking in the New Year of getting him a companion: to avoid the risks of breeding (I was lucky with Lawrence and Julie, they just didn't) I'd prefer another male, who would spend his quarantine in my boyfriend's house. Would a breeder be able to tell me with any certainty if a bird is make: are certain colours only one gender, or if the breeder knows his breeding birds genetics, would certain combos only come out in males (like tortie cats are either always female, or have an extra X chromosome if they are male and are thus natural neuters-exremely rare!)?

If I do get him a companion, how long should I wait? Should I get him a new friend as soon as I get back, or should I wait a few weeks/months?

If anyone could give me advice, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

ArticunoGail

[maxollie]

I'm so very sorry that you lost little Julie! All birds hide their illnesses well, and often times they either die or are very, very sick before we realize it. Usually breeders are very educated on the mutations of budgies and their bird of choice which they breed. If there is a specific color you are looking for, I would say it would be fine to contact a breeder. Yes, birds do mourn the loss of another bird, so your little Lawrence is displaying typical behavior in this regard. You are the only one that can decide what is best for Lawrence and you as far as getting another budgie. Perhaps the breeder you might contact would give you a good opinion in this regard.

Fly High littie Julie, over the Rainbow Bridge! Rest in Peace!

[Kerry C]

Sorry for your loss.

Males and females come in all colors. Sex linked mutaitons are harder to come by in cocks. This means the cock must have 2 copies of the mutatation to show it. Some of those mutations would be: Clear Body (Texas or Easly), Albino, Lutino, cinnamon.

Another cock is a good idea. They make better pets and you never have to worry about eggs.

I would wait at least several weeks. YOu don't realy know what killed the hen. But then again you said the new bird would be in quarantine for 30 days at your boyfriends house - so why not go shopping now?

[pixibubbles]

One of my bugs passed at a similar age. She had some sort of stroke. Perfectly healthy, then made a couple of odd noises and was gone. Her wings were still crossed and eyes pinned and feathers fluffed from playing. Sometimes it's not an illness- it just is that sudden.

It might be worth visiting a vet though, possibly with Julie to make sure it wasn't something Lawrence can catch. it's not a nice thought, but the real Julie is flying high and free- and I'm sure she wouldn't mind to keep her buddy safe and healthy.

When we lost Buddy, but lovebird was her friend and in her cage a few inches away. She knew Buddy was done, and was very affectionate for a while after. I think she missed her friend too. I'd wait a while on any new bird. Lawrence might quite like having all the attention from you lol

[ArticunoGail]

Hi, and thanks.

When Julie died, I was less than 24 hours away from a hospital appointment followed by a 4.5 hour journey back to my parents, was upset, stressed and confused. Wasn't sure I could get a necropsy done in that time. I buried her in the front garden, and intend to gert Lawrence a precautionary check-up upon my return (my boyfriend and his family are looking after him at the moment.) Julie had the violet trait so I don't know if this had any bearing on her sudden demise, and with hndsight she was the one I more often saw at the water bowl, wish I'd taken note of it earlier, but they say hindsight is twenty twenty.

Am thinking of devoting some time to training Lawrence a bit before I get him a companion, and while said companion is in quarantine. Perhaps when the new one is out of quarantine he'll see Lawrence is okay with being handled, so may be easier to train. Add in the fact that Julie used to get horribly jealous if I tried to train him, and unco-operative when I tried training her, maybe some quality time for Lawrence with me and no other bird might be beneficial to us both. Is this likely, or am I merely dreaming without hope?

ArticunoGail

[maxollie]

I think you could train Lawrence. Patience always wins out when it comes to bonding with and training your budgie. Since you've had him for awhile it may take some extra time to get the job done. Since he and Julie were together for awhile, he probably is still mourning her loss, so spending time with him one-on-one will be great. Most birds will bond with their caregiver, but once another bird is introduced will by instinct have a better bond with the new bird. However, there are many people who have several birds in their home and are able to carry on a real friendship with all of them. If I were you I wouldn't give up hope. Give it some time, and I'll just bet things will work out for you and Lawrence. AND, perhaps another little budgie in the future. Good Luck!!

[britany]

I just found out bad news about your bird on a vet website when your bird gets sick it depends on its bird mates to get better which means it will get more cuddly to you you better get your bird a check up before it is too late!

[britany]

The website www.birdhotline.com/vet.htm

Better check the website!

[britany]

All you need is to scroll down on the website page then it will show you the syptoms of bird sickness