The bird was alive
when you got home.
(knackerz is skinning up, Fri 27 Aug 2010, 13:49, 1 reply)

I don't think that mattered.
With respect to birds, I've only had experience of Budgies; but they're tough little sods (and I mean that with deep affection), they'll keep up appearances as long as possible because they're flock animals. Collapsing unconcious means certain death, by initial falling or ground predators - so their biology delays that by every means possible: stopping unessential processes; burning fat (what little they have, since they're from warm environments, kept in warm environments, and have to lift it all), then muscle tissue; all the time damaging internal organs.

So, by the time they clearly act ill, it's usually too late; serious and irreversible damage already done. Sure, if 'lucky', you can rush them to the vet, but their options for small animals are woefully limited - you can't hang an IV to rehydrate, perform dialysis, provide respiratory support, take blood samples; and unless exceptionally tame they'll fight any handling all the way, wasting more energy they can't spare.

In any case, most people's natural response to discovering such a situation would be to immediately provide unlimited food and water; which usually proves fatal. Few pet-owners could be hard-hearted enough (or possess the skills) to provide an appropriate and limited renourishment; such as an electrolyte solution needed to prevent hyponatremia.

My point is, after days of multi-faceted neglect; most likely the die* was cast. No matter what he did, a tragic end was inevitable.

Wanderer, you have my sympathy too. Perhaps one time I'll tell you all about the time I was outsmarted by one of our budgies; at least it wasn't while playing chess or something, so I don't feel too embarrased about it...

edit: * No pun intended, sorry.
(The Incredible Sulk Finally remembered his password on, Fri 27 Aug 2010, 14:52, closed)

you sir are correct,
in fact most parrots/parakeets do this so they as well as the above don't get shunned by the rest of the flock.

Me and the ex had a Lineolated parakeet which overdosed on sunflower seeds to his demise, looked fine until then.

Also had a budgie but the ferret killed that (I'd left by this point so nothing to do with me that one!)
(Kip, Fri 27 Aug 2010, 16:28, closed)