Posted: October 17, 2006, 2:00 p.m. PST
Excerpt from BIRD TALK Magazine, August 2005 issue, with permission from its publisher, BowTie Magazines, a division of BowTie Inc. To purchase digital back issues of BIRD TALK Magazine, click here.
If you have more than one pet bird, and one of them dies, your remaining bird probably will grieve for his lost friend. Sometimes I think it’s kinder when a bird dies in the presence of the flock, so that they know what happened.
The kind of grieving you can expect is calling for the bird that is no longer there, searching for him and some depression. At first, the remaining bird may not eat as well as normal and may not want to participate in some activities. When the living bird calls for the bird that has passed away, gently that you understand and that the other bird is not there with you any more. He will understand your gentle tones and be soothed somewhat.
By Gina Cioli/BowTie Inc./Courtesy Andy St. Laurent
If one of your birds die, give the other bird time to grieve. |
Birds adjust to changes well, and, after about some weeks, the living bird will probably have a new routine. Birds are much better than people at living “now” rather than thinking of what has been or could have been.
Don’t forget to think of yourself, too. Allow yourself to grieve for the bird that has passed away and to commemorate its life by making a collage, putting up a photo or planting a tree or bush in its honor. Many bird adoption centers and research projects welcome monetary donations in the memory of much loved pets and list your contribution for their membership.
Our memories are always ours to cherish. Honor your pet bird’s memory, keep your still living bird happy, and, after an appropriate amount of time, move on.