RIP Chippy *sob*

[cheekyboy]

Today I unexpectedly lost one of my three tiels, Chippy. I'm absolutely shattered- he was 1yr old and in the prime of his life. Or so I thought.

He was slightly off colour about a week ago. I noticed a slight change in personality so kept a very close eye on him, but he seemed to pick right back up after a day or so. He never stopped eating, drinking or pooping- and he was still seeking attention as usual.

Then this morning I woke up to find his little body on the cage floor with Cheeky and Pickles screaming at me :(

I cant believe it.. it still hasnt sunk in. He was meant to have a whole life ahead of him, but it was cut short and I am none the wiser as to why.

All I can say is that he must have been a very strong bird to hide what was happening to him.. I just wish I could have stopped it.

RIP Chippy. I will miss you, and so will Cheeky and Pickles.

PS: Chippy is in my signature.. he is the whiteface cinnamon pied :(

[Belinda]

Aw that's sad! I'm so afraid of that happening, it's a pity that can't say "I'm not feeling well" Your other tiels must be missing him pooor chippy :( Will you find out why he died?

[cheekyboy]

It was awful.. he was such a sweet little bird too, he was always the best whistler.. and did the best baby chicken impersonation. I'll miss that :(

I wont be finding out what happened, my dad has buried him in the garden near my window. As much as I'd like to know what happened, I dont think it would have given me any more piece of mind, so opted out. I feel like I gave him a good life while it lasted, just wish it lasted a lot longer.

I did a big cage clean this afternoon and will get them some treats tomorrow to help.

[Solace.]

I am sorry for your loss, so sad. :( R.I.P Chippy, fly high!

[tielmom]

Very sorry for your loss...it is so heart breaking.. Hope you have peace soon.

[shelagh]

So sorry to hear about your little guy. It's a shame they hide their ailments so well. I hope you and the rest of the flock recover quickly.

[lperry82]

I am so sorry :(

[roxy culver]

I'm so sorry for your loss...poor little guy!!!

[Skye]

Oh my goodness, and he was acting normal too! I'm so sorry this just happened out of no where... you have my condolences. I hope you feel better (quicker) as time go on. Keep him alive in your memories.

That's all I can say since I can't exactly know how you feel even if I did lose birds before, it's different for everyone. =\

[AlbyPepper]

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss.

[cheekyboy]

Thanks guys, what you've all said has meant a lot to me. I still miss him and often expect to hear 'row your boat' or 'pop goes the weasel' as I walk in the door but that doesnt happen anymore :( The other 2 whistle well but not as good as Chip did.

Thanks heaps everyone. He will always be in my thoughts!

[dianaxgalvez]

My condolences.
RIP Chippy

[WarrenMacD]

Very sorry for your loss. I lost Tigger 6 months ago and it's slow going. Good luck

[mpayjr]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope he finds his where he belongs in heaven, with all of the other great tiels that others have lost.

[willowsalbus]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

One thing the vet told me is that because cockatiels are ground birds, they are prey in the wild and so it becomes their instinct to hide how sick they are.

[shelagh]

As flock creatures, they're cast aside from the group/plucked at/harassed if they show any signs of illness or frailty. This is why birds try to mask all health problems. That can make it tough for us (as people parents) to spot sickness, unfortunately. It's a survival trait that doesn't pan out well in captivity, as birds mask their issues and make them worse.