My sweet little Robin

[TrinhDo]

I want to tell you the story of a sweet, intelligent, EXTREMELY LOYAL and so pleasant green-and-gold budgie, whom I named Robin (after Robin Hood). I got him from a pet shop (quite a rescue) and gave him the best care along with a previous bird (called Duke). I love them equally and Duke was very attached to me. Anyway, back to Robin, I say he's loyal and intelligent because after 4 months' staying with us, one day, he flew onto the tree - his wings were trimmed then and grew back, and came back the next morning. He did this 5 times (twice on one occasion) in total - somehow, we often made the mistake of leaving the latch out and the cage door would swing open. Actually, early in October last year, he flew out and spent 1 hour on the tree top and voluntarily flew back to his cage. He doesn't like being touched initially, but after 12 months, he started perching on my shoulder or climb my arm. After staying with Duke for 9 months, one day, a terrible accident happened - the latch was loose, and a big crow came down and opened the door. Duke couldn't escape, but Robin got away, flew away and back and my Mom happened to see him on top of the cage. After the loss of Duke, Robin was a bit sad so we got him a young budgie which turned out to be female. Unfortunately, the female flew away after 7 months (she betrayed him), and despite of her bullying, pushy ways, Robin was very attached to her. He called out to her and flew around looking for her, but she was long gone. He became so depressed and stood around with one head bent to one side. This caused a crooked neck/crop/gizzard and he couldn't eat well. He became weak and although we provided him with a new budgie boy, he was still depressed. We all think it was depression that killed him, the crooked neck was an indirect consequence. He passed away yesterday; he seemed old but I don't reject him for that. Before that, he was unusually affectionate, still looking for his partner, played with the mirror, hungry as he had problems with eating, and I'm glad I cuddled him. He slowly became lethargic, and slipped into a coma whilst vomiting some seeds. Then he had a seizure - a massive one and went away instantly.
Don't blame me as his condition was serious and no avian vet could help him then. I tried my best, giving him fluids, vitamins and millet spray. But he loves seeds and I coaxed him to eat egg biscuit, but he's not keen on this.
My Mom and I buried him among the sweet-smelling jasmine flowers, he's in a sleeping position and all his beautiful feathers, with those of his old friend Duke and his "wife" are with him. In death, he will not be lonely, his site will not be disturbed and he will always be among the nice flowers.
REST IN PEACE, MY ROBIN HOOD,
SO LOYAL, LOVING AND INTELLIGENT,
ANGEL ON EARTH AND IN HEAVEN ARE YOU,
FLY AND FIND YOUR LONG-LOST FRIENDS,
FOR THEN YOU WILL FIND YOUR HAPPINESS.
AMONG THE LOVELY FLOWERS YOU REST,
THAT ARE SO MUCH LIKE YOU,
THEIR SWEET ESSENCE WILL ENGULF YOUR PLACE
FOR YOU DESERVE THE BEST OF ALL.

[birde]

A touching story.

Question: why did you not make sure the cage was closed to stop predators coming in and murdering your babies?

Thanks.

[RXK]

heartbreaking to hear what happened to sweet little Robin, Duke, and the little female budgie that flew away. may their sweet souls rest in peace, and i hope they finally find their happiness...

also, from reading this, i have to ask that you keep your birds indoors from now on, and provide them with the opportunity to see an avian vet if sick. please don't risk their lives ever again. you know what could happen otherwise, as you have seen. and, if one day you can't take care of them for whatever reason (ex. can't afford vet fees, etc.), please consider giving them to an animal shelter or humane society, so that they can take good care of them.