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Dealing with Death

16 Nov Dealing with Death

Posted at 21:16h in Health and Wellbeing by

Coping with the Loss of a Safehouse or Foster Parrot: Practical Steps and Support

If you’re reading this, it’s probable that you’ve experienced a loss, and we want to express our deepest condolences and genuine understanding. Losing a beloved pet, especially a Safehouse or Foster parrot, is an emotionally challenging experience. Navigating the practical aspects of handling their passing can add an additional layer of stress. In this blog post, we aim to guide you through practical steps and offer support and suggestions to help you during this difficult time.

  1. Contact Birdline:
    Reach out to either your Area Coordinator/Manager or the Helpline on 0845 643 1785 for support and advice.
  2. Allow Yourself to Grieve:
    Before delving into practical matters, take a moment to allow yourself to grieve. If your parrot had feathered friends, especially if they were bonded, let them grieve too. Allowing them to see the body can help them understand their friend has passed, before removing the deceased from sight.
  3. Understanding the Cause of Death:
    While a post-mortem may seem distasteful, it can be an important and practical step. If the cause of your parrot’s death is unclear or if they had a sudden decline in health, a post-mortem can provide insights for closure and peace of mind. If you have other parrots, it may be recommended if the cause of death is potentially infectious or could pose a risk to others. As Birdline birds have often been in multiple homes, it may be necessary for us to contact other Fosterers / Safehouses and alert them to potential health issues if their birds have been in contact with the deceased in the past. If you and / or Birdline deem it necessary to book a PM you need to act quickly, and before organs start to deteriorate. This happens very quickly, especially in smaller birds.  Find a container, and put your Bird in the refrigerator whilst you make plans. NB. do not put the bird in the freezer, as this will destroy the organs.
  4. Contact Your Avian Veterinarian:
    If your parrot passes away, contact your avian vet promptly. They can guide you on the next steps and may offer services such as after-hours care or information about local pet crematoriums. A list of Avian vets can be found here.
  5. Determine Your Preferences:
    Consider your preferences for handling your parrot’s remains, whether through burial or cremation. Ensure compliance with local regulations. Your veterinarian may provide a cremation service, or you can find a list of pet crematoriums online. If opting for cremation, inquire about the return of ashes if desired – some pet cremetoriums even offer a collection and return service.
  6. Memorialize Your Parrot:
    Create a memorial to celebrate the positive memories shared. This could be a small ceremony, planting a memorial tree or plant in the ground, or in a pot with the ashes, or crafting a personalized memorial marker. Some owners find solace in keepsakes, such as feathers or ashes stored in a casket or jewelry –  check with your veterinarian / crematorium if they offer such services.
  7.  Update Records:
    Contact us, so that we can  update date our records, and remember to inform your insurance company to prevent unnecessary charges.
  8. Take Care of Yourself and Your Other Pets:
    Seek emotional support from friends, family, and the Birdline community. Sharing your memories, and talking about your pet can be therapeutic during this grieving process. remember to take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring you comfort. If you have other pets, be mindful of their grieving process. They may also need extra attention and care during this time. Provide a comforting environment and be attentive to their behavior.


Conclusion

Handling the practical aspects of your parrot’s passing is challenging, but these steps can help you navigate the process with care and compassion. Remember that grieving is a unique journey, and seeking support is not only okay but encouraged as you cope with the loss of your cherished companion.

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