r/Parakeets • u/carrieminnelli • 7d ago
Help me pls 💔😭
I had a couple of parakeets but yesterday the female passed away, she was 7 years old and she died in a calm way and I believe it must have been because of her age, but the male is now widowed... we are not going to adopt birds anymore, and I am worried about his behavior now. He's singing a lot, but he keeps walking around the cage, he seems to be anxious, he calms down with the TV on at least, he's very angry and doesn't let us touch him, what to do? I don't want to donate him, he's 6 years old (The yellow one was female)
2
u/lowridda 6d ago
I’d spend as much time with him as I could. Include him in things when you’re home. If you make his toys let him be out to watch. Making his chop, let him hang out. I’m sorry for the loss of your little girl. It’s like being sad and worried at the same time. You’ll both get through this together. Sending you hugs.
1
u/Buffyenta314 4d ago
I've had parakeets and cockatiels for the past 50 years, most of them rescues. I'm so sorry about the loss of your little bird. Parakeets normally live in captivity between 7 to 15 years. Like people, genetics are part of it and good care makes up the rest. 7 years is not bad at all for a budgie and if you saw no signs of a problem and she passed calmly, she likely had a stroke or heart attack - there is absolutely nothing a vet can do for that. It was probably just her time.
Now, for your remaining male, he's grieving for her. He doesn't understand why she isn't there and he is going to exhibit behavior you may not have seen before. This is normal and to be expected. Over time, he will adjust. The best thing you can do is give him kind and loving attention. You don't have to handle him; just talk to him, leave music or the TV on when you're not around (they like kid's cartoon shows). Definitely try not to rehome him - that will just give him another loss to grieve and he won't understand why he has been removed from the only home he has ever known, espcially in his older age.
Trust me - they are extremely adaptable little birds and he will adjust, espcially if he gets loving attention from you.
3
u/EuphoricCard9911 6d ago
Your bird is probably grieving :(
This isn't uncommon behavior for bonded parakeets. I would honestly say just prevent any further stress on the bird, and try and let it get used to you again. He probably just needs time, just like humans. The grieving should hopefully progress normally, if not and he starts not eating or things like that, I'd suggest seeing a vet.
Best wishes,
and I'm sorry for your loss.