Parrotlets losing partner?

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Parrotlets losing partner?

by Alexis
(Vancouver)

Kiwi and Tazz after a bath (Kiwi-green Tazz-blue)

i have two pairs of parrotlets Zelda and Link and, Kiwi and Tazz. All four don't get along together but are all in the same general area. In the last couple weeks kiwi's been at our avian vet she had eggs stuck :( we did everything we could she passed the first egg and looked way better until she had her second egg witch sadly ended her life on August 9th because the egg was larger than normal. We were advised to show Tazz kiwi's body because he hadn't seen her in awhile, didn't get to say goodbye and, they were extremely close. He didn't seem to happy when he saw her but you could tell he new what happened. Since then we have been spending as much time with Tazz as possible we'v given him a mirror, extra treats and a stuff animal for him to cuddle if he'd like, i was wondering if there is anything else i could do for him to help him. He hasn't been eating as much as usual since kiwi went to the vet and out of all four birds he always weighed the most (30-31grams) he's been calling for kiwi non stop and seems jealous of the other two parrotlets. I'd like to calm him down and make him not feel lonely but I don't know how or if I am if it's working. any helpp???

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Parrotlets losing partner?

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Aug 12, 2010

Parrotlets losing partner?
by: Linda

I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but you may very well lose Kiwi as well. What happens is parrots bond for life, and when a mate dies, they go into a deep grieving process from which they may not return. If he is already eating less food, that is a danger signal. You have to get him another mate, and try and find a female who is older. All parrots have to have a little age on them before being able to pass eggs properly.

The other thing you have to address is all the bird's diets. They should be eating a high quality, organic pelleted diet with organic fruit and veggies no more than 10-15% of total diet which means very small amounts only 2-3 times a week. They cannot have any people food because all of it is full of sugar, salt and fat. They also do not need any nuts including peanuts for the same reason. No animal proteins as these cause imbalances in the nutrition. So, below is a link about how to change them from seeds to pellets, and I recommend the organics because they have no dyes, pesticide residue, preservatives. Harrisons' is what I've been feeding our two Amazons for many, many years, and they have no health problems. They are also in their mid to late 30's, and are healthy and happy birds. Diet problems can cause egg binding as can congenital problems.

Switching Birds to Pellets article

The changeover takes a while, and wait to get started until you have Kiwi another mate. What should happen is that he perks right up. Also, this is assuming the bird's cage is quite large and roomy. The birds need room enough to fly and get exercise. Lack of exercise is another reason for egg binding and lots of other health problems. I also suggest you take Kiwi to Avian Vet before new bird comes to make sure he is not suffering from an infection. Loss of a mate is one of the most stressful situations a bird has to face, and can be a killer. Also take the new bird to Avian Vet BEFORE she comes into your home so you can catch any problems before she gives your other birds infections with God only knows what. Do not buy from a pet store as their birds are already sick for the most part. Try and find a good, clean breeder who takes good care of her birds as for food and being taken to the vet. You can have her take your new bird to Avian Vet BEFORE you buy to make sure bird is safe to be around the others. Most breeders will not argue with this unless they are trying to pass off a sick bird, so be careful here as to whom you buy from.

I'm so sorry for your loss, and I'm very worried about Kiwi as he is in trouble for sure and needs a new mate as soon as is physically possible.

Thanks for writing,
Linda

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