Loco11 Posted July 15, 2014 Posted July 15, 2014 Hi guys! My husband and I had a Timneh named oprah for 13 years...she died suddenly this past weekend after being sick for only a day! We noticed on Saturday morning that she wasn't eating much or even vocalizing..but decided to watch and wait because it is egg laying season for her and we had been through this a few times already...where she acted like this and then ultimately laid an egg. By the end of the day we realized our error when we found her very weak and with open mouth breathing...we rushed her to the vet but she died shortly after we arrived!! The vet offered a necropsy but I declined (I was in shock, really).. Now I SO wish we would have agreed! At least we then would have known if it was something we did, or failed to do...or if it was inevitable. But we now feel that we definitely want another bird in our lives and are thinking of a Congo this time. But we are unsure how to find a reputable breeder. Oprah was so much a part of our lives...she knew the names of all of our 4 dogs...and yelled at them frequently! When we reached for the Kleenex box she honked for us. She did the pantry door sound when we even thought about opening it...we miss her SOOOO much!
Luvparrots Posted July 15, 2014 Posted July 15, 2014 Hello Loco. So sorry for your loss. Where to you live so we can get an idea if any of us can help you. I live in the State or Washington, USA.
Loco11 Posted July 15, 2014 Author Posted July 15, 2014 Hi Luv...we live in upstate NY...WAY upstate- near the Canadian border...not Albany...lol!
Loco11 Posted July 15, 2014 Author Posted July 15, 2014 Just to explain...everyone thinks that " upstate NY" means anywhere north of New York City...and there is a LOT of territory north of them...lol!
Greywings Posted July 16, 2014 Posted July 16, 2014 Sad times and the necropsy would have given you some answers but not made you feel the loss any less. You might check and see if any bird clubs are in your area they should give you a start on finding a good breeder or rescue bird.
Ray P Posted July 16, 2014 Posted July 16, 2014 Hi Loco and welcome to the grey forum. So sorry for your loss as I know how you feel. I lost my loved amazon in June. As a forum we share the good, the bad and every else in between as we all care.
katana600 Posted July 16, 2014 Posted July 16, 2014 It seems no matter where we are in life or how long our parrot companion is with us, nothing compares nor prepares us for the profound loss and grief. My sincere condolences to you as you make sense of it and find a way to fill the void from your beloved Oprah.
Brat Birds Posted July 16, 2014 Posted July 16, 2014 I am so sorry for your loss. Are you near Saranac Lake? Having been born and raised in Rochester, I understand completely when you say most people think a mile north of NYC is 'upstate'. LOL I should tell you I don't know of any breeders in NY, but do know about Saranac Lake. Sorry,
kins2321@yahoo.com Posted July 16, 2014 Posted July 16, 2014 So sorry for your loss! Take time to grieve. Nancy
Inara Posted July 18, 2014 Posted July 18, 2014 Oh Loco, my heart just breaks for you at the sad news of your beloved Oprah's death. What a terrible shock for you all, and there is not a person here who cannot put her/himself in your shoes and either recall their own pain at the loss of a beloved companion, or imagine how their own hearts would break in the same situation. Oprah sounds like she was so loved and quite the little character! My girl is also a TAG, and she has me completely wrapped around her little talons. I don't ever want to imagine waking up without her helping me greet the day. It must be so very hard for you right now. Wish I could help you on the CAG front, but I'm at 7300 ft in the Rockies these days, although spent part of my youth living in the lower east side of Manhattan and in Brooklyn. I get it that upstate is not just Ithaca, Albany, and Troy. I can see why you're Loco -- it's coooooooooooooold up where you are!
Greytness Posted July 18, 2014 Posted July 18, 2014 Welcome! I'm so sorry to hear about your precious Opera. These birds really know how to nestle themselves into our hearts, don't they? If you're not opposed to having your bird shipped, I'd like to recommend the breeder from whom we got Maalik, turning 1 on the 27th of this month! He's the senior bird keeper for the San Diego Zoo, and he really knows his stuff. Plus his CAGS are the bomb! He also breeds gorgeous Macaws. It's called Rainforest Aviaries, and the breeder's name is Paul. Good luck with your research!
Loco11 Posted July 19, 2014 Author Posted July 19, 2014 Thanks for the replay, and have a question. Is it a problem having a bird at a high altitude? Believe it or not we actually bought land in Colorado and will be moving there when we retire...to be near our kids.
Loco11 Posted July 19, 2014 Author Posted July 19, 2014 Thanks everyone, for your kind words. We are planning to get another bird before the weather turns nasty again up this way.
Loco11 Posted July 21, 2014 Author Posted July 21, 2014 Hi Greytness...have been in touch with Paul and have actually picked out a little Congo female...thank you SOOO much for the referral! He seems very genuine and knowledgeable... He spoke with me at length on the phone and sent videos via e mail!
Loco11 Posted July 21, 2014 Author Posted July 21, 2014 I've learned so much from everyone on this site...a HUGE thank you. Rethinking wing clipping, feeding...pretty much everything. A member directed me to an awesome breeder and I have a new youngster coming! Thanks to everyone for your help!
kins2321@yahoo.com Posted July 22, 2014 Posted July 22, 2014 My groomer, is also named Paul! He has been caring for my birds... forever! Nancy
Greytness Posted July 22, 2014 Posted July 22, 2014 Hi Greytness...have been in touch with Paul and have actually picked out a little Congo female...thank you SOOO much for the referral! He seems very genuine and knowledgeable... He spoke with me at length on the phone and sent videos via e mail! That's WONDERFUL news! His CAGS are gorgeous! I had a very difficult time choosing which one that I'd wanted. LOL! Please tell Paul 'hello' from Sandy, parront of Maalik whom I got from him last fall.
Greytness Posted July 22, 2014 Posted July 22, 2014 I've learned so much from everyone on this site...a HUGE thank you. Rethinking wing clipping, feeding...pretty much everything. Paul, your new baby's breeder, does not advocate wing clipping. Paul is actually a free flight trainer for his Macaws and CAGS. I love having Maalik whooshing over to me whenever he wants.
kittykittykitty Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 I am very glad you have found a new forever friend. She will not take the place of your darling Oprah but will help you heal. Welcome to the forum where you will find very special human friends as well as a wealth of information.
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