So…I have an incredibly old cockatiel and am wondering what to expect?
Category: Cockateil Health Q&A
Question by Sandra: So…I have an incredibly old cockatiel and am wondering what to expect?
My cat died very recently, so I’ve been overly aware of all of our elderly pets. Every time our 17-year-old dog so much as has a paw slip on a linoleum floor, I hold my breath. But there are no pets in our house as ancient as our pet cockatiel, Herman. He has been in our house since before I was born, and I’m nineteen. He was not a baby when he moved in, either. In fact…he was given to my uncle for a birthday present. On his ELEVENTH birthday. And while I’m not sure of my uncle’s exact age now, I assume that he is somewhere around my mother’s age and she would have turned 47 today. So Herman must be in his thirties, or very close to it. Right now he is of good health. His appetite is healthy, he sings, he chirps, he clips his beak on the bars of his cage if he wants attention, and he climbs around and around his circular cage many times a day, depending on what he wants to look at. So now is not the issue. But when things do turn bad someday, what will the signs be?
I am just tired of being taken unawares. My cat died of a chronic sickness (heart failure), but she hid it entirely from us until it was way too late for medication to help. I have heard that birds, too, will conceal illnesses. I just want to be prepared and be aware of it when his age finally catches up to him, so I can make him as comfortable as I can.
Best answer:
Answer by ttkmb
BIRDS OFTEN HAVE TO BE LEFT IN WILLS , IF TAKING CARE OF PROPERLY & MAINTAINED THEY CAN LIVE 75YRS – OR LONGER. LOSS OF APPETITE, ACTIVITY LEVEL, ATTITUDE & BEHAVIOR CHANGES, DISCOLORATION & LOSS OF FEATHERS,
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When a cockatiel gets older its just like a human getting older, it will slow down, sit around for longer periods of time and its activity will slow down. Cockatiels have been known to live well into their thirties so you shouldn’t be too worried. When he eventually does go, it will probably be peacefully as its not from sickness but just old age. The best thing you can do is keep giving it soft foods and a balanced diet and making sure that it is as healthy as possible,
If it’s tame take it out and give it exercise so that it doesn’t waste away
All in all, feel proud your bird has survived that long! It’s an amazing bird and he’ll be comfortable because you sound like you really care for him, and everything he needs is taken care of.
Death
Wow, he is a lucky bird. He is old, but is acting like a 1 year old. Just think he is very lucky and when he dies, he would have lived a great life. Hope this helps.
You are doing exactly what the fid needs your love and comfort will be enough when it comes time just don’t say I can’t stand to watch be there help him crossover you have been there for all the good and it would greatly hurt him if you weren’t there when he needs you the most you have been there so be there to help him and always remember that he will be waiting to show you all the beautiful things he has found waiting for you to crossover! Also remember they are not really gone they are always with us in our hearts and memories!