((((((((((hugs)))))))) Laila. I am so very sorry you have lost Kiara. I am crying, just reading your post, and I know how heartbreaking it is to tell them goodbye. Personally, I feel you will be glad you cremated her. You can place her in your home, or bury her outside. They have some beautiful pet stepping stones you can find on Amazon, that really enhance the burial site, if you choose outside burial.
She was very young to have liver disease, or at least some sign of it. And I know from your posts you feed an awesome diet to your birds, and to me, there would be nothing you feed that would cause liver problems. It could be genetic as well. As humans, we do not know our DNA, or why people get sick and pass away. I think birds are no different. And the majority of breeders do a great job, hatching chicks and then selling them. But they often cannot determine the DNA of their stock either, because they have to find new stock to breed on occasion to keep their breeding practice going.
As to cage paint, here in the USA, the cage makers use non toxic paint to spray a cage, before they sell it. I think that is pretty much standard practice all around the world. I worry most about toys that are for sale at retail shops. Even though wooden toys painted with non toxic paint are supposed to be safe, I never trust them 100%. Like you and your partner, I dearly love my birds, and work so hard to keep them clean, healthy, and happy.
I know Deanna will stop by and post her thoughts. She had extensive challenges with her Boomer, and had an excellent vet, who did many tests on Boomer. I know her thoughts will be informative and helpful to you.
All caged birds could accidentally ingest some foreign object, when flying free, or playing inside their cage. I also thought of diabetes, because Kiara loved her fresh fruits and veggies, and you wrote about her eating alot and drinking lots of water. To me, the drinking lots of water could have indicated a sugar problem, because humans that are diagnosed with diabetes, often feel the need to drink lots of water, and crave sugar, which then causes a drop in insulin, and they have what I call a sugar bust, and become very tired. Without the proper insulin level, they can pass out. You mentioned her eyes were barely open.
I am hopeful you can find an avian vet, perhaps even on line, that you can consult. Tell them about Kiara's history, what she ate, and drank, her energy level and her recent behavior. Hopefully, they can give you, at least, share some idea of what may have happened. There will never be 100% closure, because you and your partner were so very bonded to her, and until now, never had sick birds at all. But knowing she did not have to suffer a long, long, time, is of some solace.
We are here for you Leila. Writing or journaling is a healing experience that helps you to mourn. Take all the time you need. And know that Kiara is flying high over the rainbow bridge, and is at peace now! She loved you dearly, just as you loved her. And she will wait there for you to join her, and take her with you on your way to glory!
You and your partner have my sincere sympathy.
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