My little bird died last night

[TeapotInATempest]

My ancient little zebra finch, Sid, died overnight. He outlived his mate, Nancy, and their three offspring by a few years. I know he lived to be twice his expected lifespan (he was almost 11), but I can't believe he's gone. Even though we have a house full of cats, it seems so quiet without his cheerful singing now.

Tonight after work I'll have to take down his flight cage, throw out his many perches, dishes and treat clips and see if the animal shelter will take his various seeds and supplements. That little bird sure had a lot of accouterments.

I have nothing profound to say, just that it's amazing how much a little bird, half the size of a sparrow, worked his way into the hearts of my whole family (including our youngest cat, who thinks they're friends. I think he disagreed.).

RIP Sid. I'll miss you beeping back at the microwave and yelling at the sparrows outside.

[shenmue]

1. Rest in peace, little fella

[BigmanPigman]

2. You lost a member of your family. That is so sad for you.

[TeapotInATempest]

3. Thank you.

He really was part of my family.

[Boxerfan]

4. You did a little bird proud....

And gave him a happy home for well past an average Finch's life.

Maybe think a while before discarding the cages. After a good cleaning I'm sure there is another birdie stuck in a pet store hoping for a good owner.

We have a small ark of animals & my wife often brings home orphans or rescue animals from her job @ a pet store. Whenever we loose one it hits very hard. But you have to do what you can when you can . And like you said-despite the package size birds give a lot of joy.

[TeapotInATempest]

6. Thanks. :)

And you're right - if one needs rescuing, I'm sure I'll end up taking it in. I'm a sucker that way.

[Scarsdale]

38. So sorry for your loss.

You are not a sucker, you are human. These little animals and birds make a place for themselves in our hearts. All they have to give is love, and they give it all. Take comfort in the fact that you gave him a safe, happy home for all those years.

[TeapotInATempest]

39. Thanks, Scarsdale, you're right.

I've never understood people who say they don't like animals. I think their lives are poorer for it, honestly.

[MuseRider]

5. Awww

I am so sorry to see this. They are always so special and fill such large spaces in our lives. Sid and Nancy, I love those names RIP little Sid.

[TeapotInATempest]

7. Thanks. :)

Sid and Nancy are, apparently, what I name two perfectly nice birds when I've had a few glasses of wine!

[MuseRider]

19. Love it!

[Polly Hennessey]

8. Take care little Sid.

Our birds are so fragile and precious. I understand your sadness.

[TeapotInATempest]

11. They are precious

So much personality and so many opinions in such a tiny package. Thanks for understanding.

[underpants]

9. I'm very sorry to hear that

We lost our girl cat almost a month ago. She was 15.

[TeapotInATempest]

14. I'm so sorry about your cat

We have a few who are getting up there in age, too, and I will be beside myself when the inevitable comes. Take care of yourself.

[irisblue]

10. .

I am sorry, losing a family member is always hard.

[TeapotInATempest]

16. It really is. Thanks.

[Fla Dem]

12. A good life well lived and well loved. Even by the cat.

So sorry for you. I can't believe Sid lived until the ripe old age of 11.

[TeapotInATempest]

15. Thank you, that video made me smile!

I love those silly little birds.

[CrispyQ]

29. Oh my! How adorable!

What unique markings.

[femmocrat]

13. I'm so sorry.

Sounds like that little bird had a huge personality. It's amazing how much they fill our homes with love.

[TeapotInATempest]

17. Thanks. He had a personality

that was all out of proportion to his tiny size.

[Raster]

18. ...

[catbyte]

20. I'm so very sorry.

It sounds like Sid was well-loved & well-cared for if he lived to be 11. It's a testament to your care and devotion and his love. Our non-human companions are family, I don't care what anybody says. R.I.P., little soul.

[TeapotInATempest]

21. Thanks, I did my best for him

Especially as the arthritis set in in his foot as he aged. Our non-human companions are definitely family - we love all species in this house (except for spiders. :scared !

[lunasun]

22. RIP Sid . 11 yrs . Beeping back at the microwave how cute. We remember the little things don't we?

[TeapotInATempest]

23. It was cute

He was probably just happy to have someone around who spoke his language.

[lunasun]

24. Ha ! Maybe that was it.

[asiliveandbreathe]

25. Losing your dear Sid is heartbreaking..I know the feeling...I had two orphan parakeets

who I named Aruba and Jamaica....I had Aruba for 11 years, Jamaica, 7 - I don't know how old they were..but much joy..I always left their cage door open..they knew where their food was...

Aruba I found one evening at dusk..little one was so tired sitting on our pool hose..Aruba let me pick him up..I brought him inside and immediately went to store for cage and all necessary items for comfort...

Jamaica was brought into a bar by hubby's friend, and he brought Jamaica home...we had Jamaica for about 7 years...as I look out now under my tree - that is where they rest in decorative wooden box's..I used a hanky inside..

Think about the pleasure Sid brought....it gets better with time...thinking about Sid..

[TeapotInATempest]

26. It sounds like Aruba and Jamaica were lucky birds to have found you!

Thank you for taking them in.

I love that you buried them in little hanky shrouds and decorative boxes.

I don't have a yard, so Sid is currently wrapped in a paper towel in a baggie in my freezer (I know, I know). I will take him to my sister's, where she'll bury him alongside his mate and offspring and her cockatiel and parakeet.

[CrispyQ]

27. Positive vibes & thoughts for you & Sid.

I've loved every parakeet I've had. They were all unique little creatures. I have a cherished box of feathers from over the years - so colorful & pretty!



Sid

[TeapotInATempest]

30. Thank you!

My sister has a little collection of feathers from her parakeets, too. They really are beautiful! It's amazing how well some parakeets can talk, too.

Sid was not so beautiful, just a little brown and gray guy, but we loved him!

[vlyons]

28. Om mani peme hum

Om mani peme hum. That's what I whisper in the ear of an animal that has passed away. Along with the prayer that the critter have the most auspicious rebirth possible. Please consider adopting another little bird that deserves a forever home.

Om mani peme hum.

[TeapotInATempest]

31. That's lovely, thank you.

Maybe he'll be reborn to be the eagle he always thought he was.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

32. Ohhh I'm so sorry...our fur and feather and funny and toady babies....

They are our babies and we love them with all our hearts. And when it's their time, our hearts break from all the love inside. 💔😪

[TeapotInATempest]

34. You are so right.

Thanks for getting it.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

60. Oh I do. So much.

Even my Toadsies broke my heart when he had to leave. He was a real character!💚

He was seven years old, and had even survived surgery on his butt to remove a tumor. Lived two more happy years with his terrarium mate, Bigfatsmalltoad. She went shortly after him--I think it was heartbreak for her too.

And then of course our kitties and puppies....oh I won't even go into that! We all know that sorrow.

Hugs! :hugs:

[TeapotInATempest]

61. I believe your little toad broke your heart!

All animals have personalities and emotions and they learn to interact with us despite how alien we must seem to some of them. How wonderful of you to get him surgery.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

62. The vet fell in love with him too!

He'd never had a toad patient before. 💚 He was wondering how he'd give anesthesia. They even wrote a get well card to him. ☺️
I left him there in his traveling toad home, and as I was leaving the vets office, I looked back...he looked after me and squeaked. 💚💧

[TeapotInATempest]

63. Ok, I think I just fell in love with him too.

And with your vet.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

64. ❤️ Yeahhhh...I had to go back and pat him again before going.

Reassure him, ya know.

This was a long time ago. I don't think that vet is around anymore, but yes, he was a wonderful guy!!

[Marthe48]

33. so sorry for your loss

Years ago, we had a cockatiel for 19 years. He was given to us, so didn't know his age. Caspar. We all loved him. They leave a big hole.

[TeapotInATempest]

35. Wow, 19 years!

It must have been painful for you when he died.

My sister had a cockatiel who absolutely hated me for some reason. I'm pretty good with animals but that bird hissed at me every time he saw me. For 16 years. Before him, I hadn't even known that birds could hiss!

[Marthe48]

48. Caspar made the kittens fear birds

Hissing and shrieking at them when they checked him out. I like to think that generations of cats avoided birds entirely You know you had a good time with a pet when you never forget his name and tell their stories even years after they move on.

[TeapotInATempest]

49. Smart bird. :)

[hamsterjill]

36. I'm so sorry for your loss.

There are no limitations to size and shape of family members. Sid was obviously a member of your family. It's amazing that these creatures can impact us so much, isn't it?

Bless your heart for donating his items.

[TeapotInATempest]

37. Thank you. They do make an impact.

I thought about donating his cage, too, since it's a large flight cage, but I think I'll keep it in case I need it for a bird who needs rescuing when the pet stores are closed (and that always seems to be when things like that happen!).

[sarge43]

40. They make a nest in our hearts.

Gone for years now, but I still miss Petie, Wolfgang, Gertie and Mad Max, the Rug Warrior.

Peaceful passage, Sid.

[TeapotInATempest]

42. Mad Max, the Rug Warrior

That's brilliant, I love it!

My sister had a green parakeet named Sydney Greentweet. I am not so clever with names.

[sarge43]

44. Max was a Blackcapped Lorrie. They're Aussies.

Like most lorries and lorrikeets, a menace, clown and always wired. His favorite game was to hang off the ceiling fan pull chain and have me play tether bird - swing him back and forth.

Sydney Greentweet.

[TeapotInATempest]

45. That's fantastic!

He must have made you laugh!.

Sid would not have been pleased with that game.

[sarge43]

50. With Max it was either laugh or yell, sometimes both.

My husband did tailoring. He had laboriously and carefully threaded a four needle machine. Max watched. Hubby made the mistake of turning his back. In about two nano seconds, Max dived into the threads and wound up himself in them achieving a mummified affect. Fortunately for the little maniac I was present and kept him from being sent into low earth orbit.

Most parrots are Try Anything, Try Everything. Pain is Nature's way of telling you that you screwed up.

[TeapotInATempest]

56. That's a great image

I should try to be more like a parrot.

[Solly Mack]

41. I'm sorry. :(

[TeapotInATempest]

43. Thanks, Solly Mack.

[raven mad]

46. Our Rainbow Bridge kitties will help escort him to his rightful throne.

RIP, pretty bird, from us, and Cinnamon, Sugar, Sassafras, Mellow, Patches and Bouncer will provide an honor escort for you.

[TeapotInATempest]

47. Sounds like you've had your share of losses, too. :(

With an escort like that, though, Sid's gonna look pretty tough!

[raven mad]

58. Over the years, yes, and wish I could have cloned them all.

A righteous escort, for sure, 3 Maine Coons, a Siamese, a HUGE tabby and a little calico, all rescues. And the little calico will lead the parade as the Rightful Empress of All She Surveys.

Sid, we'll miss you - and trust you too keep everyone way up there entertained.

[TeapotInATempest]

59. It's always the little calico

who thinks she's the Rightful Empress, isn't it?

[samnsara]

51. I am so very sorry....the smallest of creatures touch us the most...

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

52. So sorry to hear that.

[LisaM]

53. Awww, beeping back at the microwave.

He sounds like a cheerful little guy. I'm sorry.

[TeapotInATempest]

57. He was. Thanks. :)

[livetohike]

54. I'm so sorry for the loss of Sid. May all the joy he brought

to you live on in your memories.

[KT2000]

55. as David Sedaris put it

"today you start your post Sid life." We do wish we could have them forever though but they are in our hearts always.

[Doreen]

65. My heart goes to you and Sid.

[TeapotInATempest]

66. Thanks, Doreen.

[Behind the Aegis]

67. So sorry to hear of your loss.

I too have an ancient zebra finch, Antony. He is the last of my finches. He is almost 13. I like him because he always comes out to sing and talk to me when I am feeding the other birds.

Condolences.

[TeapotInATempest]

69. Nice to meet you, fellow finch person!

You know what those little guys are like. They're not the type you play with, but they're entertaining and lovable in their own way.

I hope Antony continues to thrive for a very long time!

[Duppers]

68. So sorry.

I know you loved him and he had to know. Perhaps not profound but that was a tribute of love that all of us who've lost pets can identify with. There are tears on my cheek as I type. Goodbye dear little Sid.

Sending cyberhugs.

[TeapotInATempest]

70. I'm sorry for the tears

I understand how past grief can come back to the surface like that.

Thanks for the condolences.

[dewsgirl]

71. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[TeapotInATempest]

78. Thanks, dewsgirl!

[dewsgirl]

79. I know how difficult the quiet can be, last year I lost my

beloved African grey "Smokey" and the silence was one of the hardest things.

[TeapotInATempest]

80. I'm so sorry about Smokey.

I have always wanted an African Grey - they're amazing birds. You must really miss him.

[dewsgirl]

81. I miss him everyday I had him for 10 years, he talked to me all day

And would mimic everyday sounds, it seems so small but every time someone sets keys on a table I think of him, he would trick me all the time with that then, he would laugh for a full 30 seconds and sometimes say gotcha! They are great birds. Things will get better, it just takes time everyday will get a little easier.

[TeapotInATempest]

82. Aww, he sounds wonderful.

What a great sense of humor.

Sid, of course, was not on that level of mimicry. He just liked to beep back at things that beep. As finches beep, anyway, it wasn't too impressive. Just cute.

[radical noodle]

72. I'm so sorry

He obviously leaves wonderful memories in the hearts of his family.

[TeapotInATempest]

75. Thanks, Noodle.

[sprinkleeninow]

73. "His Eye is on the sparrow".

The Creator's Eye is on those (things) that some deem insignificant or unimportant.

This is treading on dangerous ground when humans are cruel to the least of creation.

Sid has been translated receiving golden wings.

"All Creation will be renewed!"

💛

[TeapotInATempest]

76. It's funny you should mention that quote

I have no religion, but I couldn't help thinking of that verse yesterday. With everything going wrong in the world these days, his life might seem insignificant but it wasn't - not to him and not to us.

We do need to do a much better job caring for all Earth's creatures.

[sprinkleeninow]

84. It's all in the 'scheme' of things, that verse that came to my spirit.

We all are to be good stewards of creation no matter if we do or don't hold belief in The God.

One may come to a 'knowing' or one may not. That's not my department.

Pure and simple, we're here together as sisters and brothers in humanity and should do what we hold as correct and beneficent towards all of creation.

You are loved.

Peace be unto you and yours.

~sprink

[phylny]

74. I'm so very sorry for your loss. n/t

[TeapotInATempest]

77. Thanks. :)

[lunamagica]

83. I'm so sorry. Those little innocent souls sure know how to steal our hearts

RIP. Sid

[TeapotInATempest]

85. They sure do. :) Thank you.

[Judi Lynn]

86. Precious, unforgettable, irreplaceable. His company was a gift. Best wishes. n/t

[TeapotInATempest]

87. Thanks, Judi.

He brightened up our house, and whatever it is he brought is noticeably absent now. Even our cats seem to be in a funk.