I need help and/or advice...

[Themishfitbirb]

Hello! I am new bird parent, and I am kind of struggling. I dont have any birds now, so its not like, taking care of a bird that im struggling about. So, in about may or so last year I saw a add for a conure on Craigslist, I didnt end up adopting the bird becasue it was way out of my price range, but it gave me the idea of maybe getting a bird one day. I did all this research on parrots and all these other birds, when one day in about July or something there was an ad for a cocketeil for 100$ and this bird was gorgeous. He was a little over one year old, he was the runt so he was smaller than usual, and he was so kind. The person who put up the ad was moving unexpectedly and she desperately needed to give this little guy to a really good home fast. I jumped on the opportunity and within the week I had his set up ready and I was getting him. He was very healthy when I got him and I am positive that it the lady who gave him to me didnt give him to me because he was sick or injured, etc., becasue she literally cried when I was taking him away. She was heartbroken. I had him about a week and then he started showing signs of getting sick. He was sitting on the bottom of the cage, and he was getting really lethargic, he wasnt eating, whatever. I got an appointment for a vet visit for the next and I put him in a little blanket and I held him for most of the night. I was up with him till probably about 4 am. I desperately needed sleep so I just laid him down in his cage and fell asleep on the floor by his cage. An hour later I woke up and he was no longer with me.

I feel very guilty, even after 8 months. I cant even really look at another picture of another cocketeil without wanting to hate myself. I want to give another go with trying to take care of a bird, but I just dont know what to do. I still have everything that I got for him, and I thought about getting budgies, but I just feel like they really aren't the kind of bird for me.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

You have my sympathy, it is a minefield trying to keep a bird safe and healthy as a novice but they are usually quite hard to kill.
Let's see if we can eliminate a few possible causes before you get another bird.
Not good:
Teflon and ptfe coatings on pans and hairdryers
Scented candles, perfume etc
Paint fumes
Foods avocado, onion, and many more which you can find lists of. If unsure about anything google "is xxx safe for parrots"
Cleaning products. F10 is safe and recommended, household stuff may not be so don't take chances.
Of course it may be that the little fella was already ill if he was the runt, or stressed by the move. How did you transport him?

[Lady]

Hi Ashley,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure you did everything you could to make sure your little bird was going to have a great life.

I think if I were in your shoes I would be sure and find an avian veterinarian in your area before you make a decision to get another bird. You know, birds hide their sickness due to the fact that they are prey animals, a weakness or sickness means that they will most likely be the first bird a predator will find and take.

When your ready for a new bird I believe they should always get a check up from the vet on your way home. Of course I would also be very careful of putting a new bird in the cage you currently have. It would have to get an extreme cleaning and disinfecting because you don't know why your last bird was sick. This would also include all toys, perches and everything you use with the last bird.

I'm sure some other members will have more advice for you shortly.

And btw~ :pp_welcome:

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

Right, back up a bit, I was thinking while eating my supper (I'm in England, not that new one up near Canada but the old original one near Europe). First off, where are my manners: Welcome to PP.
Secondly about the seller, alarm bells ring whenever anyone puts something like must sell quick as moving away. I read that as you won't find me when you want to complain.
Ah, hang on cos apple pie and custard have just been placed in front of me :)

[Dragonlady2]

Welcome to the forum Ashley. So sorry to hear about your poor little bird. You sound like you will be a great parront for any future bird you may get because you care.

I agree with what has been stated in the previous posts regarding safety. When you are ready to find another friend, we can help you with diet and other potential issues. In the meantime, please hang around and read some of the other forums/threads and ask any questions that you would like.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

Did the seller ever contact you to find out how the little chap was settling in or were those crocodile tears?
Alice has made some excellent suggestions, and I expect Mare will be along to advise you that Craigs list sellers are not to be trusted.
It sounds like you need another bird in your life so start looking, but don't rush into anything, take your time and get to know the seller before parting with any money. If possible get a rescue bird from a recognised sanctuary - they need you and will be quite happy if you need several visits before taking a bird home.

[Quakerella]

Hi Ashley, and welcome.

I am very, very sorry to hear about your loss. There are some excellent tips and advice above. Cockatiels are wonderful, social little birds. From my experience with them they seem to be more susceptible to respiratory issues than some of the larger birds.

As was stated above it is very possible this little one was ill before you received him and it just hadn't reached the stage where the symptoms were showing. At this point you did everything you could for this little guy.

The only other thing I can really add would be the possibility of a draft that may have given him a chill. Whether during transportation, or in the home.

Don't be discouraged, I know it is hard but you sound like you will make a great caregiver for a bird. Take your time and one day you will see one that pulls at your heart strings.

[Stephen12]

Sorry for your loss my friend but you should definitely try adopting another bird.