Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 4/12/2008

Question
I have four lovebirds.  The mama and papa have been mated since just after birth. They are now a little over ten years old. Mama is very ill and obviously dying. Papa stays close and preens her continuously. She is near death and I am heartbroken. My question is:  Since she doesn't have a disease (I believe it's simply old age and her organs are failing due to info from a bird care book) should I leave her with papa until she dies? I am torn between removing her before death or waiting until she dies. Do you have any info as to which is better for her mate?  Thank you for a quick response.

Answer
Hi, Marianne,

Your bird might not be dying from old age.  You need to get this bird to a certified avian vet immediately.  Obviously, you've waited too long already.  If this bird is ill, it can pass this illness to your other birds.  You need to find out what is going on so you know how to handle this situation, if not for the sake of this particular bird, but for the rest of your birds.  You could lose all your birds if you don't.  Do not rely on bird care books in a situation like this.  Most bird care books are aged and are the author's opinion of things, depending on the author.  

I recommend you remove this bird from the other birds.  It really doesn't matter which is better....her mate will lose her either way.  What you need to do is get that bird to the bird vet and protect your other birds.  Since this bird is with another/other birds, she may be trying to "keep up an appearance of wellness" when she should be in her own "hospital" cage where she can be kept warm, calm, quiet, fed properly, etc.

Chrys