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Our Sweet Sunny
Over the rainbow
Last month we lost our beautiful Sunny. She had been ill for quite some time, beginning in April. After having some labs done, she was diagnosed with an infection and avian gastric yeast. She was in and out of the vet’s office several times and was put on various medications. We had to keep her separate from the other birds, so she moved into her condo full time.
The last couple months were a roller coaster – she would seem to get better, then relapse. Keeping her food down and her weight up was a struggle. But Sunny was a trooper through it all.
On August 12, she said goodbye to the budgies. We put her on a heating pad on my desk and stroked her head and told her how much we loved her. Then she was gone.
It’s been a rough year for the flock, and losing Sunny was a big blow. She was such a sweet, gentle, little budgie and we loved her more than words can say. I still can’t believe she’s gone. I hope she is in a better place with the rest of our rainbow budgies and her darling Dewey.
Cooper’s Bloopers
We don’t always get Cooper’s photos right on the first shot*. Here are some pics that didn’t make the cut.
* Due to the photographer and through no fault of the model, of course.
Crystal Clear
99 Budgies
Ninety nine budgies were recently brought in to the British Columbia SPCA in West Kelowna. You can read the full story here.
Their previous owner was not able to care for the birds, who were living in unsanitary conditions. Most were removed from the home. The owner was offered assistance, and there will be a follow up visit to ensure that the remaining birds are being suitably cared for.
The budgies will be all be examined and given any necessary medical attention.
If you would like to donate to the care of these little ones, you can do so here.
Once the budgies clear their quarantine they will available for adoption. If you are in the area and looking to add a budgie or two to your family, please keep the 99 in mind.
Thank you to Shivangi for sharing this story with us.
Photo Shy
It’s really hard getting a photo of Emmy. She is not fond of the camera.
She’s usually leaning as far from the camera as she can.
Cooper decided to photobomb to show Emmy how it’s done.
Awesome Aviaries
The Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park housese 150 free-flying tropical birds & 500 kinds of exotic plants inside an historic triodetic dome.
Constructed through a donation from Prentice Bloedel, the aviary was dedicated at its opening in 1969 “to a better appreciation and understanding of the world of plants.”
If you’re in the area, see if you can spot the budgies.
Cooper’s Day Off
Cooper’s Book Report
This month’s book is Salvador and Mister Sam, A Guide to Parakeet Care by Gail Gibbons.
Sonia’s friend Salvador has two budgies, Sue and Sidney. His birds can do tricks, but they can’t talk. Sue and Sidney soon have a clutch of baby budgies, and Salvador promises Sonia she can have one as a pet. While they wait for the babies to be old enough to leave their parents, Salvador teaches Sonia about budgies and how to care for them. Once Sonia has a cage, she picks out her budgie and takes him home.
Sonia names her bird Mister Sam and teaches him tricks. When Salvador comes over for a visit, he is surprised that Mr. Sam can not only do tricks and step up, but he can talk, too!
Cooper liked this book. She enjoyed the fun illustrations and thought the story was a great way to teach children about their pet budgies. The book was published in 1975, so some of the information was a bit outdated (blue ceres mean male, feed your budgie gravel, budgies can’t overeat). But there were a lot of good tips for keeping your budgie healthy and happy (roomy cage, lots of safe toys).
Cooper liked all the tricks the budgies could do, especially wearing a bell as a hat. She wasn’t thrilled that Sonia thought baby budgies were ugly – she hopes that Mister Sam will poop on her for that comment.
Cooper also loved that the author photo in the book shows Gail Gibbons with her pet budgie.