I still can't believe that my Pretty has been gone now for 2 whole days gosh I miss him so much. I look at the pictures I posted and simply break down. What a beautiful budgie he was on the outside and inside he was a gem. There will never be another one like him.

 

The purpose of my post is just last week someone asked do budgies grieve? I couldn't answer it because I had never had the experience before but now I can

 

Merlin's behavior has certainly changed. Yesterday was a stressful day anyways because of the vet but first thing in the morning I uncovered him he looked for him companion. He always watched Pretty to see what was next. Pretty was the boss and Merlin would stand in his shadow and he was very happy with that.

 

So I spoke with him and he didn't cower, I mean he is not afraid of me but you could tell he was anxious. Today he has been very quiet but not where I should be overly concerned about his health but I am watching him. I let him out like I always do and he ran to the back of the top of the cage. So I wouldn't push him I put his veggies, his water back there. I did take a few pictures but I have yet to down load them.

 

He chirps here and there he doesn't call much but I can tell he is said. Maybe it is just me adding these emotions but maybe not. It is certainly quiet which makes it sad because I am so used to budgie antics and talk.

 

I had him step up and talked to him. He cocked his head looked at me and looked around and flew back to his cage. He didn't take the millet from me like he usually does when I have him finger perched but he did eat just a little on the cage but didn't gobble it like usual.

 

Do budgies grieve absolutely and if anyone ever asks that question the answer is yes. They all do in different ways and with him being the sole budgie you can see them impact much bigger then if he was with a group where he could find another budgie to be with.

 

Anyways, I wanted to post my thoughts on it and you can add yours too

Edited March 17, 200718 yr by lovey

I believe that they grieve. Thanks for sharing that Lovey. Do you think you will get another budgie for Merlin?

You know Shawna I have been going over and over it in my mind. Right now I am going to bond with him further I didin't get to do that much. After the quarentine was up he totally bonded with Pretty and though I know he trusts me I would like to gain that even more like I had with Pretty.

 

Pretty enjoyed me talking to him, he mimiced my whistles but he loved Merlin too. Merlin just loved Pretty and I believe that was because I didn't have enough bonding time with Merlin. Pretty was alone for 9 months with me.

 

So that is what I am going to focus on bonding with Merlin and we will see what happens. He looks so lonely in his cage and you know it is huge too but I am not ready for another budgie I need my time and I will grieve with Merlin and bond with him.

 

I hope that makes sense? I will just take the time to get to know him better and enjoy him so he too can have a wonderful story like Pretty did. Even in his short life Pretty had such character that I got to know because of the bond, I don't feel I have that with Merlin as much.

 

I hope that makes sense and doesn't make me sound like a nut? Everyone has a different relationship that they chose with their budgie(s)

 

To add: I know when it will be the right time for a another one, Merlin just came into my life unexpectedly and I believe that special budgie if there is another one for Merlin and I will come too

Edited March 17, 200718 yr by lovey

I hope Merlin perks up again soon, he would be missing his buddy. *hugs* to you and Merlin. I bet he'll love the extra attention from mummy though, what bird wouldn't?

You know Shawna I have been going over and over it in my mind. Right now I am going to bond with him further I didin't get to do that much. After the quarentine was up he totally bonded with Pretty and though I know he trusts me I would like to gain that even more like I had with Pretty.

 

Pretty enjoyed me talking to him, he mimiced my whistles but he loved Merlin too. Merlin just loved Pretty and I believe that was because I didn't have enough bonding time with Merlin. Pretty was alone for 9 months with me.

 

So that is what I am going to focus on bonding with Merlin and we will see what happens. He looks so lonely in his cage and you know it is huge too but I am not ready for another budgie I need my time and I will grieve with Merlin and bond with him.

 

I hope that makes sense? I will just take the time to get to know him better and enjoy him so he too can have a wonderful story like Pretty did. Even in his short life Pretty had such character that I got to know because of the bond, I don't feel I have that with Merlin as much.

 

I hope that makes sense and doesn't make me sound like a nut? Everyone has a different relationship that they chose with their budgie(s)

 

To add: I know when it will be the right time for a another one, Merlin just came into my life unexpectedly and I believe that special budgie if there is another one for Merlin and I will come too

 

Yes it makes sense. You will know if or when the time is right for another budgie. I know Merlin will love all the special attention he will get from you.

:bluebudgie: Yes, I truly believe that birds grieve too. Whenever I take one of my birds (the tame ones) downstairs to visit my mother, everybody (ALL species start hollering) even though they don't like each other much, it must be a flock thing. When Happy lost her cagemate, Joey, she really missed her although they sparred a lot (but not bad enough that I worried about them) and that is why I got her silly Monty to keep her company. I can imagine that Merlin is feeling very down and confused right now. That is a most excellent plan Elly, get really bonded with Merlin and you will know when the time is right to get him another companion. :ausb:

Oh the poor little guy! He's just totally lost without his Pretty.... He's very lucky to have such a dedicated momma!

 

And yes, you will know when its time for another one. Its different for every person and for every pet (the timing was COMPLETELY different when I got my cats after Wizard's and Grizzly's deaths). Follow your heart and trust yourself.

My birds didn't miss a beat when Dallas died, but at the time he was the "newest" and they had all their other friends. I hope that Merlin will be okay. I'm sure you'll get him through this tough time.

I Know budgies grieve. When I had a pair that was Casper and Spook and Spook died, Casper spiralled into a depression. It went on for many months and I feared he would die. He was healthy in body, but he was so very depressed. It took a girl budgie that looked exactly like his deceased partner Spook, to put the spring back in his step and the joy in his heart. So, having been through this with Spook and Caspers story, I truly know they grieve. Maybe like humans, some more than others, some feel more deeply than others. But how can a creature so very loving and affectionate in every day of their life, not have all the other range of feelings as well :ausb: It stands to reason they feel like we do on a lot of levels. :bluebudgie:

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear your sad news, Lovey - I've been away from the forums for a bit so I had no idea! Poor Pretty, he looked so much like our Pippin it was almost like seeing double.

 

I've never had more than one budgie at a time, but I'm certain they grieve. Our Bobby, my budgie when I was a little girl, was so bonded with me that if I went away for more than a weekend he'd start pulling feathers and stop chirping, so I believe they feel loss keenly. That said, if you look after Merlin with all the care and attention you can (which you're doing anyway!!), I'm sure he will heal in time. I'm know they're completely different species, but when we lost our rabbit Kyoko, poor Rubi pined for so long. The first weekend after she died we were worried he would soon follow suit as he was refusing all food, even his favourite treats. But we persisted, and spoiled him rotten with lots of fresh veggies, and now he's a changed bunny (albeit harrassed).

 

That may seem a little O/T, but what I believe is that most companion animals know when they're loved and looked after, and Merlin will really appreciate all the love you're giving him at this difficult and confusing time for him.

 

I hope you're doing okay, Lovey, and look after yourself too.

I hope Merlin perks up again soon, he would be missing his buddy. *hugs* to you and Merlin. I bet he'll love the extra attention from mummy though, what bird wouldn't?

 

I sure hope so

 

Yes, I truly believe that birds grieve too. Whenever I take one of my birds (the tame ones) downstairs to visit my mother, everybody (ALL species start hollering) even though they don't like each other much, it must be a flock thing. When Happy lost her cagemate, Joey, she really missed her although they sparred a lot (but not bad enough that I worried about them) and that is why I got her silly Monty to keep her company. I can imagine that Merlin is feeling very down and confused right now. That is a most excellent plan Elly, get really bonded with Merlin and you will know when the time is right to get him another companion.

 

Thank you Phoebes

 

Oh the poor little guy! He's just totally lost without his Pretty.... He's very lucky to have such a dedicated momma!

 

And yes, you will know when its time for another one. Its different for every person and for every pet (the timing was COMPLETELY different when I got my cats after Wizard's and Grizzly's deaths). Follow your heart and trust yourself.

 

Yep your right, we got Cabela before our 18 yr old dog passed away I was so happy for that decision after they pass you are so distraught you can't think to get another one. Pretty was so unexpected.

 

My birds didn't miss a beat when Dallas died, but at the time he was the "newest" and they had all their other friends. I hope that Merlin will be okay. I'm sure you'll get him through this tough time.

 

Dallas was beautiful and he was also taken so soon I am so sorry Hurdy . I am sure Merlin will be okay he doesn't have any other budgies to lean on but mommy will take good care of him

 

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear your sad news, Lovey - I've been away from the forums for a bit so I had no idea! Poor Pretty, he looked so much like our Pippin it was almost like seeing double.

 

I've never had more than one budgie at a time, but I'm certain they grieve. Our Bobby, my budgie when I was a little girl, was so bonded with me that if I went away for more than a weekend he'd start pulling feathers and stop chirping, so I believe they feel loss keenly. That said, if you look after Merlin with all the care and attention you can (which you're doing anyway!!), I'm sure he will heal in time. I'm know they're completely different species, but when we lost our rabbit Kyoko, poor Rubi pined for so long. The first weekend after she died we were worried he would soon follow suit as he was refusing all food, even his favourite treats. But we persisted, and spoiled him rotten with lots of fresh veggies, and now he's a changed bunny (albeit harrassed).

 

That may seem a little O/T, but what I believe is that most companion animals know when they're loved and looked after, and Merlin will really appreciate all the love you're giving him at this difficult and confusing time for him.

 

I hope you're doing okay, Lovey, and look after yourself too.

 

No your not O/T you are right on track and thank you for all your kind and helpful words.

Budgies grieve for sure. I had my fair share of grieving budgies last year so I know exactly how hard it is for you Elly.

 

When we lost Tobi Girl. Max her mate found it tough - you know its been almost 8 months since she passed and today I still see a look of sadness in his eyes at times. He loved that girl we all did.

 

I think it didn't hit them so much when Beano and Bobby died as when I came home and found them - the rest were just playing as usual - how inconsiderate grrr. But bonded budgies grieve Im 100% sure of that!

Budgies grieve for sure. I had my fair share of grieving budgies last year so I know exactly how hard it is for you Elly.

 

When we lost Tobi Girl. Max her mate found it tough - you know its been almost 8 months since she passed and today I still see a look of sadness in his eyes at times. He loved that girl we all did.

 

I think it didn't hit them so much when Beano and Bobby died as when I came home and found them - the rest were just playing as usual - how inconsiderate grrr. But bonded budgies grieve Im 100% sure of that!

 

Thank you Booms for responding, I was thinking about your Tobi Girl I haven't forgotten how special she was here on these forums too. Your words make me feel better.

Its tough VERY tough - but Elly it will get easier I promise you that.

 

I can look at pictures of my late budgies now and smile at the memories rather than cry. You will too in time.

 

Merlin will be just fine in time.

thank you, Bea just made up a new siggy for me and I was bawling. I had to send her all those pics of Pretty , he was so special.

He was, he is and always will be Elly.

 

There isn't much else to say other than that because I know how it hurts and how hard it is to believe you wont feel like you do forever.

 

You wont

Yes I know I have too many losses over the last 2 years. My dad passed away before my eyes, my old dog Brandy just passed away Feb 3, and my cousin died this year who was only 29y. The pain does ease the memories become better I think I just am still in utter shock you know. No preparation to come to terms with it at all.

Unexpected is always the worst and thats the problem with these little birdies - the little imps mostly give us no warning at all

I have to agree that birds definitely do grieve. Way back when I just started having budgies (seems so long ago but was really only about 3yrs!) I started out with 2: Jack & Jayden. Jayden became sick one night & was gone by the next morning. Jack was totally lost without him. He went from a budgie that used to chatter non-stop to one who would barely make a chirp, and he spent HOURS a day sitting on the perch in front of their mirror toy. It was heartbreaking. I took Jack to a vet & the vet said he was healthy but recommended I wait...and I did, for a whole month, before I went & bought him a companion. The day I brought Miss Galen home & put her in the cage Jack's first reaction was to be terrified, and once he was done flying around the room in a rather comical panic, he landed back on his cage & SANG his heart out - for pretty much 20mins straight. I remember it all so clearly because, quite literally, the sweetness of it made me cry. I've always claimed that Miss Galen brought Jack back to life...

What a great testimonial flopping!

Oh floppyfish thank you for posting I am in tears poor Jack and Microsoft Corporation ®. Galen looks like my Merlin. Thank you!

Oh floppyfish thank you for posting I am in tears poor Jack and Microsoft Corporation ®. Galen looks like my Merlin. Thank you!

 

Lovey, it's always such a hard thing to go through, especially when it is clear to everyone how much you loved Pretty. I hope you could take comfort in my story, and know that one day Merlin will be alright, he's just going through his own grieving process right now, exactly the same as you are.

 

Hugs :angel1: