My Budgie Leo - when is it time to say goodbye?
Posted by: LokiAura
17th Nov 2010 01:09pm
A couple of weeks ago my talkative budgie affectionately Leo hurt his leg. He went to the vet who checked it out and said she couldnt tell if the leg was broken or dislocated. She gave us antibiotics just in case he got an infection. Since then his little claw on the leg no longer curls around the perch. He doesnt appear to be in any pain/discomfort & still says his few words. Am I being cruel in keeping him alive or is it better to have him put to sleep?
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Comments 25
annie
A few years ago our talkative budgie become sick and was taken to the vet who looked after him and made him better.It was a rather expensive vet fee just for a bird but it was worth it tow make him better.He is still going strong now and we believe he is about 12 years old
timtam
if he is not in pain or stressed by it, all he needs is a lot of t.l.c.
sqrrl
hey how is the bird handling going did peppa take to the bird out of the cage.
Behr
I am a big softy and got a bit watery hearing that Leo had passed on. Not that I am religious but I think the maker has a time and place for us all... and Leo's time was up. If a pet passes and the pet has had a good life, been looked after and died being loved .. I think that is all ever want. At least the decision was made for you by fate. I had to put down my partners cat (Did not like him) but it was so hard to do ... and it is something I hope I never have to go through. Bird Cat Dog Ferret what ever... it is a part of our heart that goes with them. Hugs from Harley (my kitten) and me.
Anonymous
Im so sorry to hear your loss. I hope your Pepper turns out to be a healthy bird. I have two budgies and one of them has always been sick and underweight. I've had her on antibiotics but that just stressed her out even more. She's starting to put weight on but not enough to be called healthy...
wendy66
I to know how hard it is to say goodbye to much loved pets. My parrokeet died just about a year ago. She wait for me say her last good bye and i buried her in the rose garden She wasn't sick or any thing but they say bird in a house of smokers,have a shor ten life span if I had known that before we never did it around her she was just in that enviroment and she loved me to bits. I miss pretty as I was the main one who could hold her, she would climb on my shoulder and then wanted to kiss me she loved been stroked. Always hated going back into here cage, only for her safety I also have 2 spoilt dogs. Its always hard to say goodbye I have to believe that they're going to a better place,well thats my belief anyway . We can just love our pet any get it back 10 fold and unconditionally. I will not have another bird as it's to hard when we lose them.Rest in Peace Pretty, I miss you
stretch
if the bird seems fit and you care for the bird and the vet says all is well why not try and keep him around as a talking bird must care for the owners
you can always ask for a second opinion
but it is to you after all if you have him put to sleep will you not need a person to hold your hand as you cry for his peace
jules 1
Surley your vet should be able to tell you the answer to this question. But you would be able to tell if your budgie is in pain or not. When you pick him/her up, if he makes a lot noise (as if it's in pain) well, - I suppose you have to weigh it up on what to do about it all. ..... I would give your budgie a little time just to see if it all works out well in the end before I did anything.!
Hope it all works out for you, ... and your budgie. :)
pam
no if he is not in any pain or discomfort do not have him put to sleep ,as long as he is eating and drinking he will be OK
Anonymous
Ask the vet he is trained and knows best, that is what you pay him for!
Jess25
Hi LokiAura,
just wanted to say "sorry" about little Leo and wish you and Pepper a long and happy friendship
LokiAura
Hi Jess thanks for your message and wishes :)
LokiAura
Yes I had heard of birds having a lame leg living on to a ripe old age. Sadly it just wasn't meant to be for my little friend Leo.
I have been so upset about losing him my mum bought me a new budgie (a little too soon but she meant well). I can't tell yet if it's male or female as he's only about 3 months old? He's yellow and green and is named Pepper. He? is a chirpy little bird and has made himself right at home. I'd love to hand raise it but I'm not sure how my dof would react to Pepper being out of the cage?
LokiAura
Thanks jatz - small world for us to both have named our budgies pepper :)
I would so love to have him out of the cage - my other budgie Meekie was always out & about giving me "kisses" and talking in almost full sentences. He was the first budgie that I'd owned to have ever spoken.
jatz50
Sorry to read and hear about your budgie LokiAura. I used to have budgies and have lose a few in my time. Always very sad to love any kind of loved pet.
My last budgie was yellow and green and was named Pepper also. Lived to the grand old age of 10. Our Pepper lived out of his cage...and he used sit on my shoulder and nuzzle into my neck...absolutely gorgeous he was. Would be lovely for you to have your Pepper out of the cage, just have to make sure it's wings are clipped to prevent it from flying away and hurting itself.
Anonymous
****uruz said: If he isn't in any pain and the vet should be able to let you know how to recognise if he is, then let him live*****
I totally agree, I had a friend that had a bird that was lame in one leg and he lived happily to a ripe old age.
Anonymous
If he can still hang onto his perch & still talks, then he certainly doesn't appear to be stressed in any way, then let the dear little Leo live on.
uruz
LokiAura I am truly so sorry for you and I feel for you. I too have lost a beloved pet and know the pain it causes.
LokiAura
Thanks uruz - Leo was the 2nd bird I've lost in less than 12 months. I had a 15 year old cockatiel until he had to be put down last December - Leo missed him desperately. I'm very much a cat/bird/dog person so the loss of them certainly hits me hard.
uruz
If he isn't in any pain and the vet should be able to let you know how to recognise if he is, then let him live. There are many amazing stories of pets who appeared beyond saving that have, with the love and care of their owner mended and gone on to live a happy life. I would say let him live and enjoy him to the fullest.
sqrrl
losing a loved one is never easy i hope you had wonderful times together. at least now you know he is not in any pain anymore. hail leo
sqrrl
absolutely, my sentiments exactly!
GUINEAPIG123
oh I am very sorry to hear that
didi
my budgi lived for 17 years
LokiAura
Hi uruz. Thanks for your answer.Sadly poor Leo has since passed away. He died at 2:30am Sunday morning.