Post by clt80 on Feb 15, 2017 10:27:23 GMT
Betsy has finally succumb to a fight she was never going to win, cancer.
We rehomed her from the RSPCA in 2014, she was to be a buddy for Gene who at the time was inside an unable to go in the aviary due to various health issues, none of which were contagious. Betsy was gorgeous, blue and white and had distinctive markings on her wings, like little black circles rather than lines. So pretty. She also had bad sight, if any, in her right eye. It is unknown if it was a cataract or if it had been damaged earlier in her life. She managed just fine though, swiveling her head around so her good eye could see everything.
It became apparent that Gene and Betsy were not going to be a big love story. Gene took a liking to Betsy, but Betsy didn't reciprocate. I did see her once cleaning and preening Genes little head, but only the once. So it was decided it would be best for Betsy to join the flock outside.
So off Betsy went....into a new world. I imagine it must be overwhelming for a little bird to join a new flock in new surroundings. But Betsy took it all in her stride. She was quiet and unassuming, but she would stick up for herself; she could bite and make terrific warning sounds.
She had her own spot on a particular branch in the outside area, she'd sit and preen in the sun whilst minding her own business. Her other favorite was a big triangle swing made from colored wood, she would often sit there tweeting. She loved carrot, I use to say to her hello little carrot face as she'd have orange all over her face feathers after eating them. Sweet corn and oats were other favorites of hers, and more recently spinach which gave her a little green face.
She never paired up with another budgie as such, she just refused any male advances, but she did become friends with Rita, a big lutino of a similar quiet nature. They would sit next to each other. They never preened or fed each other, but they always sat next to each other inside and outside, like little companions.
Of an evening all the budgies would go inside to the light and warmth. I would lock the flap so no heat would escape from inside and turn the radio and light out. Before I did this I would sit and watch them for a while, all singing and tweeting, or grinding as they were going to sleep. Betsy usually would sit in a seed tray that was on the mesh door, so her good left eye could see all the others. She was clever that is for sure.
The beginning of December 2016 she didn't look well so came inside, she had a swelling, the vets gave her 2 weeks, We made sure she had the best of everything whilst she was inside, a comfortable cage with branches and ladders to help her get around with the swelling abdomen, a platter of spinach, kale, millet, sweet corn, carrots. She had a feast every day. I distinctly remember looking at her one day whilst she was eating some spinach, her beak going ten to the dozen enjoying every bit. It is a happy memory for me.
After seeing a different vet and having a cancer diagnosis, we tried draining the lump to give her more ease of movement. Betsy was still eating, she was trying to move about and always climbing her cage, she was still biting the vet. She wasn't ready to go yet. Today is 15th February, two and a half months after Betsy's illness became apparent. I think her courage, strength and determination was just outstanding. I hope I learn to have as much inner strength as Betsy.
Betsy, I hope you found some happiness with us, we loved you very much and I hope you are now flying free, with no pain and enjoying a good life with others gone before. Say hi to Betty and the others from me.
Until we meet again my love, goodbye and god bless xxxx
We rehomed her from the RSPCA in 2014, she was to be a buddy for Gene who at the time was inside an unable to go in the aviary due to various health issues, none of which were contagious. Betsy was gorgeous, blue and white and had distinctive markings on her wings, like little black circles rather than lines. So pretty. She also had bad sight, if any, in her right eye. It is unknown if it was a cataract or if it had been damaged earlier in her life. She managed just fine though, swiveling her head around so her good eye could see everything.
It became apparent that Gene and Betsy were not going to be a big love story. Gene took a liking to Betsy, but Betsy didn't reciprocate. I did see her once cleaning and preening Genes little head, but only the once. So it was decided it would be best for Betsy to join the flock outside.
So off Betsy went....into a new world. I imagine it must be overwhelming for a little bird to join a new flock in new surroundings. But Betsy took it all in her stride. She was quiet and unassuming, but she would stick up for herself; she could bite and make terrific warning sounds.
She had her own spot on a particular branch in the outside area, she'd sit and preen in the sun whilst minding her own business. Her other favorite was a big triangle swing made from colored wood, she would often sit there tweeting. She loved carrot, I use to say to her hello little carrot face as she'd have orange all over her face feathers after eating them. Sweet corn and oats were other favorites of hers, and more recently spinach which gave her a little green face.
She never paired up with another budgie as such, she just refused any male advances, but she did become friends with Rita, a big lutino of a similar quiet nature. They would sit next to each other. They never preened or fed each other, but they always sat next to each other inside and outside, like little companions.
Of an evening all the budgies would go inside to the light and warmth. I would lock the flap so no heat would escape from inside and turn the radio and light out. Before I did this I would sit and watch them for a while, all singing and tweeting, or grinding as they were going to sleep. Betsy usually would sit in a seed tray that was on the mesh door, so her good left eye could see all the others. She was clever that is for sure.
The beginning of December 2016 she didn't look well so came inside, she had a swelling, the vets gave her 2 weeks, We made sure she had the best of everything whilst she was inside, a comfortable cage with branches and ladders to help her get around with the swelling abdomen, a platter of spinach, kale, millet, sweet corn, carrots. She had a feast every day. I distinctly remember looking at her one day whilst she was eating some spinach, her beak going ten to the dozen enjoying every bit. It is a happy memory for me.
After seeing a different vet and having a cancer diagnosis, we tried draining the lump to give her more ease of movement. Betsy was still eating, she was trying to move about and always climbing her cage, she was still biting the vet. She wasn't ready to go yet. Today is 15th February, two and a half months after Betsy's illness became apparent. I think her courage, strength and determination was just outstanding. I hope I learn to have as much inner strength as Betsy.
Betsy, I hope you found some happiness with us, we loved you very much and I hope you are now flying free, with no pain and enjoying a good life with others gone before. Say hi to Betty and the others from me.
Until we meet again my love, goodbye and god bless xxxx
. You both fought a brave fight, i feel your pain. Fly high with your friends sweet Betsy.
