Supporting budgie after loss of mate

[ellabow]

Hi everyone, it’s been a while since I posted!

Our beautiful Mabel passed away on Thursday evening. We are all so sad and confused. We only got her in January of this year, she was so lovely and I’m so angry with myself for not being able to help her. I hadn’t noticed any signs of her being ill until I came home from work on Thursday, she was puffed up and breathing heavily but still hopping from perch to perch. All of a sudden she was on the floor of her cage with her wings spread out, I scooped her up in a towel and was going to see if I could feed her some water but all of a sudden she was gone.

Her companion, Winter is grieving I think. They were very bonded, constantly feeding each other, preening each other. He is constantly calling out for her, he seems to be scared of us. He will hop onto my finger but won’t take millet and he looks like he is moulting. I’m terrified he will get ill too so I’m watching him like a hawk, talking to him gently. What else can I do to support him in this period of loss? I have no intention of getting him a new friend, unless it’s something that is in his best interests.

[ffiscool]

I’m so sorry you lost Mabel. Budgies often hide illnesses until they’re really ill. You couldn’t have known.

I think all you can do is what you are. Just be there, talk gently, etc. It takes time for them to grieve too. It might be that he’s fine on his own, once him missing Mabel eases

[clt80]

I am so sorry, it must of been an awful shock. Please don't best yourself up, budgies hide illnesses so well its hard to tell if something is wrong. Poor Winter, my only suggestions are spending more 1 on 1 time with winter or giving a loving home to another budgie so he can have a friend. Big hugs x

[skysmum]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Iv'e had the same situation which left my little hen on her own, ive waited a few weeks but it's apparent that my little girl isn't doing so well, she has lost weight and stopped singing so i have brought i friend for her who will be ready to join her after quarantine. I feel if it had been one of my boys who had been left alone they would have adapted better because they were more receptive to me.

A little time will tell but don't leave it to long if he isn't coping, remember that you have to do a months quarantine.

Fingers crossed for you.