Bubba died... HEARTBROKEN.

[Andromeda]

Thanks for the continued support. I just got the results of the necropsy and it was generalized liver failure due to heavy metal intoxication. I literally have no idea where or how he was exposed to heavy metals, let alone so much that it caused liver failure. When he first started sneezing I had them re-do the chemistry panel and at that time his liver tested normal.

Now I'm worried that Jimmy is being exposed to heavy metals but I just don't know where! I thought I had a completely bird-safe house but apparently I don't and at this point I'm going to go through everything metal to double-check but I am at a loss... I never saw him chewing on anything metal as generally he doesn't really play with his toys very much.

It's really devastating that it was heavy metal because that makes me feel like I'm a terrible owner. The only metal they are exposed to are the metal clips on their toys and I thought those were all stainless steel or another type of "safe" metal. I am heartbroken all over again knowing it was something in my house that caused this. I never saw him chewing on anything metal! I don't understand.

Sorry I haven't been around much but it's hard for me to talk about birds right now. Bubba was my best friend in the world and he was always cuddling me or flying around after me and my life feels empty without him. I'm grateful to still have my husband and Jimmy, obviously, but the void that Bubba left is massive and will never be filled. He had just turned 7 and I was looking forward to spending many more years with him. He was such a smart, beautiful little bird and he picked up new tricks so quickly. I had lots of new tricks to teach him and now he is gone forever.

I cry all the time now... I know it will get better but right now it just hurts so much.

[Strawfrawg]

Oh, Andromeda. I am so sorry. I really enjoyed reading happy things about Bubba and worried for his health problems. It's impossible to own a bird and not empathize deeply with other birds and bird owners. I wish the soul of your little phoenix a brilliant journey into the sky.

Your haunting vocals made brought me to full-on tears. What a gorgeous send-off for your baby. What a voice you have.

Please don't blame yourself...it'll drive you mad. You are the very example of a great bird mom. Do what you can to protect your other baby and to get your head around what happened, but please accept that you've done nothing wrong. Toxins are everywhere. It's just the world we live in.

Peace, little Bubba. Peace, mom. xoxo

[Pajarita]

Please don't blame yourself. It's almost impossible to bird-proof a house but metal poisoning doesn't necessarily come from their pecking at metal objects. Did he eat human cereal? Lots of people feed them Cheerios or other human cereals (the stupid birdsites tell you it's OK when it's NOT) on top of pellets or supplements that already contain too much iron to begin with. Birds do not need iron supplements. None. Zilch. They derive enough from the fresh produce they should eat. Iron is a necessary nutrient but the body stores it in the liver and when you feed them pellets (which already have iron) plus human food that has too much iron (like human cereals), you damage the liver and create a heavy metal toxicity. Another thing is the avian chemistry panels, they do NOT tell you if the liver is working right because it measures enzymes and they would still show normal levels until the liver is only working at 25% capacity. To find out how the liver is doing, you need a bile acid test. Didn't your vet tell you this?

Please test your other bird and have a bile acid test done on him. It's a bit pricey but it will give you peace of mind.

[Eric&Rebecca]

Firstly, something like that cannot possible be your fault! DO NOT blame yourself. You did everything right and if it was something you had done it was inadvertent and something you would never ever have been aware of because its probably so obscure.

Secondly, I second Parajita's advice my AV always does bile function if he suspects anything liver damaged, even if liver shows as normal, he said it can just mean its not got beyond the point of serious yet but there's still something wrong. If the bird is sick he always does this to rule out poisoning.

The yellow poop Bubba had would suggest a bile issue... but then the antibiotics strength could have weakened the liver so something that would have only had a very minor effect on a healthy bird had a massively exaggerated effect. Its worth checking just in case for Jimmy

If he was sneezing... could it have been airborne...? Some paints used in houses have a level of lead in them. They can emit very low levels of lead airborne particles for up to ten years afterwards... These are very old paints which are no longer on the market but I don't know how old your house is...

Thirdly, what about your water? Water can carry a very low level of heavy metals if you live near or in an area of natural metal ore. Although it doesn't affect you the accumulative effect on a bird... maybe... I've only heard very few cases for this so I don't know categorically if its an issue.
This would also be absorbed into locally in fresh produce in low levels too.

Fourthly, again I second Parajita cereals are so bad for that these days! With their added zinc and added iron. I just stick to rice and potatoes and yams and natural organic grains. I'm sure you'd know this anyway because you're a great parront but for anyone else reading. Look at the ingredient breakdown.

Overall, its got to be something really really odd that no one could have seen even if they had spotted this earlier. I know this is so hard and has probably made it less than closure for you but I know you will do the right things and take the right precautions for Jimmy.

[marie83]

I don't know how much truth there is in what i'm about to say because I haven't researched the effects of heavy metals from a significant period of time ago or how many years years is but I have heard heavy metals can linger for years in the body so it may be something that was an issue before you got bubba (perhaps at the breeder or a former home if there was one) and just finally caught up with him or one thing tipped the balance. Either way you did what you could for him from bird proofing your home as far as possible and making many vets trips. Also now you know about the issue you have more information to ensure the other love of your life is treated if test results show the need.

[GreenWing]

I immediately teared up as I read this. Andromeda, I am so very, very sorry. It hurts soooo much to loose a featheredkid. I am so sorry. Sending you a big hug.

[JaydeParrot]

What a beautiful bird, so sorry to hear that he had to go so early in life, I hope at least he's at peace now, my most sympathetic thoughts are with you.

[Munchy]

So Sad , but you have to feel better knowing there was nothing you could have done. Stories like this scare me as I love my tiny bird so much. I can't imagine the loss.

[Lucky1too]

Oh I am so very sorry to hear of the lost of your feathered, family member

What kind of cages or outdoor enclosures do you use? Sometimes coated cages and even bowls that aren't stainless carry dangerous levels. You can have your avian vet maybe do an inhome visit to see if that may be the case. a stainless cage, while expensive, is the safest way to go and if you have any paint chipped or rust areas those little buggers can find it and nibble/chew on it. Do you maybe have lead paint? Our too chews on the woodwork and woodwork of any older home may contain lead.

I really hope your heart is starting to heal and know that Bubba is looking down on you and holding you in his wings

[spiral71]

i am sorry about bubba its clear you loved him very much