Sgt Bailey is a male Cockatiel that josie and i rescued from the crackheads down the street.He was about 10-12 yrs old at the time.We've had him about 8-9 yrs now.We where breeding tiels at the time and didn't really need another normal male but he was in a cage by himself and really needed a flock. When he first moved in he became the alpha male,(song Mister) and ruled the "roost" with a large flock of tiels.He had a mate and laid a few clutchs with his mate.He was so good at sitting eggs and feeding babies that we used him to sit extra eggs and feed babies for pairs that had too many babies to feed. You could put him in a breeder cage with a nest box full or eggs or babies and he would happily cluck away and go about what ever task was necessary . he could feed lots of babies and would be happy doing so,he sure saved a lot of babies for us.About a year ago ,during the winter we noticed he wasn't as active and seemed lethargic.The other birds didn't pick on him but left him to himself and sometimes some of the young hens would perch beside him and keep him company.A year later and he was found sitting in the bottom of the cage last week.Josie bought him in the house and kept him with some pet tiels so she could keep an eye on him. His feathers have almost turned white with age now and he just sits.This morning we found him unable to perch and Josie and I are taking turns holding him,he's so weak.It's hard not to shed a tear or two ,he's been such a large part of our flock and I'll miss him greatly.I don't think he has more than a hour or two left.
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Thanks, he's still hanging on.

When Sgt Bailey was with a clutch he was fierce taking chunks out of anything that appeared to threaten his eggs or babies...on the other hand when he wasn't with a nest box he loved being held and petted like a baby bird. He has taught me more about tiels than an other bird and as long as I just looked and didn't touch his babies he was delighted and proud to show them off. I will miss his happy whistle and the little dance he did when I came to the cage..he will always be with us in some way a we have a few of his offspring...and they are as delightful as he has been..

i hurt for you and the teil...i know it is very painful losing a precious pet


dusty

So sorry to hear this

Sending our hugs (human, feathered, and furry) your way.

You've given him a great life, it's still so hard to let go

My eyes got teary I'm sorry to hear..

Ohhh, Capt and Josie, I'm soooo sorry to hear this. Josie, I remember you telling me about Sgt. Bailey when I called you one time with a problem about my babies, only I didn't know his name at the time. Too many of us know the sadness that comes when you lose a loved super-human family member, but I suppose we can try to console ourselves with knowing we made their lives here as good as we were able.

Y'all are doing a beautiful thing for the old Sarge. Give him an extra kiss from me and tell him I said thanks for all of his hard work and dedication to his kids and to kids that weren't even his. He'll be waiting for you someday.

I'm going to move this thread to the In Memorium section so it receives the respect and attention it deserves.

Thanks all, Sgt Bailey passed peaceable . We'll sure miss him.

i am so sorry to hear that capt and josie...my sympathies


dusty

I'm so sorry. He sure had a good life with people who cared for him.

I'm so sorry Capt

But, take comfort in knowing that with you and Josie, he lived the best possible life.

O God, I didn't realized where in forum I was until I read everything.
I'm so sorry for your tiel. He is now in a place with no pain, waiting for you guys.
You should be proud, that you gave him so many good years of living.

Hugs from all of us to...

So sorry for your loss. At least the twilight years of this life were with you and Josie and were enjoyed. Salutes to you Sarge, rest in peace.

Thanks all, Sgt Bailey was a spark that will surely be missed.