I’m so very sorry to hear this. What a wonderful life you gave her. I’m so glad she didn’t suffer. I hope little Octa adjusts quickly. 
Thanks, everyone. I’m pretty sad that she’s gone but at least it wasn’t a shock. I had lots of time to get used to the idea that her time was limited. And I do take comfort knowing that I did the absolute best that I could for her. I’m very grateful that she just went quietly in her sleep and I didn’t have to take her to the vet to be euthanized - that has been more stressful to think about than her dying.
The budgies have been looking and calling for her throughout the day but I’ve done my best to keep them occupied and busy with some new toys and treats.
I’m sorry for you loss.
The calling may continue for some time. My conure called for my late husband by name for nearly 10 months. If you have any video of mama bird listen to it with headphones, hearing her voice might upset the other birds and start them up calling again.
Everybody has gotten over the loss of Mommy and it’s so much better without the stupid nest box. Octa is way happier being a budgie, flying around, playing, bickering and being normal.
I’m home sick today and bored so here are a couple of pictures of the flock. Also, the babies turned 2 on November 28th!
Hanging out:
Happy bird day to the little keets. 
Very colorful flock. Happy bird day, I mean birthday.
Happy Birthday, babies! I can’t believe they’re two already. What great pics of beautiful birds.
Happy 2nd Birthday sweeties! Thank you for this, I really needed a pick-me-up today.
Funnily enough, it was following this thread that got my boyfriend and I to start birding. Now we’re bird nerds.
They are so beautiful.
Happy Birthday Birdies!
I love birding! I’ve literally been alone in the forest with binoculars quietly jumping up and down with excitement at seeing some bird for the first time like a Bluebird, Golden Crowned Kinglet or Western Tanager.
This was an amazing birding experience:
The wintering Trumpeter swans arrived en masse last week.
I haven’t wanted to talk about it because it really hit me hard but on July 4th I went to work and everybody was perfectly fine. When I came home Turquoise aka Deadbeat Dad was laying on the bottom of the cage, barely conscious and twitching. I picked him up and held him and he was dead within minutes. I have no idea what the hell happened. He seemed like the healthiest of them all.
But a very odd thing happened after. In addition to very obviously mourning, the other three became absolutely terrified of me. I mean they would flee in panic if I just changed the water - something that I’ve done multiple times a day every day of their lives. I thought they would get over it but this went on for weeks and weeks. All day, every day, all they do is sit, silently. They don’t sing, don’t play, I can’t offer them treats because they flee in panic, flying into walls trying to get away.
I already struggle with depression and anxiety and this has been a significant burden. I have issues fitting in with people and making friends and they are my buddies. The loss of their friendship has brought me to tears many times over the last two months.
Until today. It’s like they just snapped out of it. They seem almost back to normal. Playing, singing, sitting on my shoulder, looking out the window.
Maybe they thought that I killed Turquoise? I’ve been hurt and angry about it. I know it sounds very silly but I felt betrayed by them. I raised them and saved their lives on numerous occasions. I’ve taken such good care of them.
I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I had gotten to the point where I’d given up on them. So fingers crossed that they’re back to normal again.
I’m sorry. Perhaps they were also mourning? I’ve had pets who became withdrawn and lethargic after another pet died. I’m glad they’re feeling better and that you have your companions back.
hugs
Oh, poor Turquoise and your feathered family; what a sad time for all of you! I’m glad for you that they’ve come around, they hold our hearts.
Awwwww… poor li’l tweeties and poor big flightless birdy :(.
I’m glad the others finally realized you were their friend again.
That’s rough! I have read that birds can grieve for days or weeks, and perhaps they did somehow associate you with his death? So if they were distraught about him they were naturally scared of you. Done grieving for their friend, they forget about you as a “threat”.
I don’t think it would be silly at all, to feel hurt and even betrayed. I’m glad they’re back to singing and playing, and hanging out with you!
I’d feel the same way… not silly at all.
I wonder if something scary happened right before Turquoise died and when you came it they associated it with you? Cats can do that- if they get badly scared and see their owners they’ll transfer their fear and panic onto them.
I’m so glad the little sweeties and happier now, and that so are you.
Sorry about Turquoise <3
Thank you - it’s been rough.
Every morning, when I get them up for the day, they’ve been running to the backs of the cages and then exploding out, once the doors are open, to get away from me. It’s been heartbreaking.
I was a bit nervous this morning, wondering if they’d be normal today or what. So I said my usual “good morning budgies!” and lifted my hand to the top of the cage and Aqua reached through the bars to nibble on my finger. So I guess they’re over it?? Fingers crossed!
It must be this. They think I did whatever it was that happened. Something might have happened just before I got home so they were right in the middle of it.
It’s the babies 3rd birthday today! We’ve been through a lot together these last 3 years. Now there’s just the babies and Fat Uncle Blue left.
Happy Birthday Octa and Aqua:
That was swell fun! Thank you.