Felix

Months ago we noticed Felix was panting and tail bobbing, he also had a slight bulge in his abdomen. We took him into our avian vet who checked him over and withdrew some fluid from his abdomen. He was prescribed with a diuretic to help with any fluid buildup.
Unfortunately, the bulge returned. Felix has had more visits to the vet since, and was diagnosed as having a tumor (most likely testicular).
Over the past month the bulge has gotten even larger and our vet was unable to withdraw much fluid.
Felix is still eating, drinking and playing. He doesn’t come out of the cage as much as he used to and has taken to sleeping on his platform perch. We’re spoiling him with lots of kisses (he is more accepting of them), millet, balsa and attention.
Here is Felix out and about and giving us all a smile.

Cooper’s Book Report

This month’s book is Broadway Bird by Alex Timbers (illustrated by Alisa Coburn).

Little Louisa is a green budgie who has big dreams of becoming a performer. But her audition leads to laughter – she is told she is too tiny to make it big on Broadway. Is she destined to be a “basic city bird” like her pigeon friend, Sal?
Will Louisa give up her dream, or will the advice of a former dancing flamingo encourage her to try again?

Cooper absolutely loved this book. The illustrations are humorous and beautifully detailed – from the rooms in the pigeon’s house to Iguana Menzel’s buggy bon bons. The book is filled with fun animal references to Broadway shows and actors. Cooper was inspired by the book’s message that we are perfect as we are, and we should work hard to achieve our goals. She was happy that Louise never gave up and ended up fulfilling her dream (and inspires others to do so as well).

Author Alex Timbers has three budgies at home (one is pictured in the author’s note). Cooper thinks he and Alisa Coburn did a wonderful job showcasing the tiny budgie in a big way.

Remembering Alfie

Alfie flew over the rainbow bridge in 2017, but I still like to share the birds’ photos and memories on what would have been their hatchdays.
Alfie was the personification of adorable. He loved his bells, his baths and his Romaine lettuce, and he often had food on his face. He was a sweet little nut and his antics always made us smile.
We brought Alfie home from the shelter sight unseen (we adopted him before his photo was posted). When we arrived home, we opened the box and found this beautiful budgie. He was almost named Captain Underpants due to white under feathers, but Alfie suited his personality more (and was a little more dignified). He was easily tamed and became a great friend to the other birds. He loved hanging out with the boys – especially Ozzie.
We were so lucky to have this dear little budgie in our lives. If you are looking to add a bird to your family, please consider adopting. You may end up with a treasure like Alfie.