Story Bird:

One day I left my son's cockatiel, Burrito, outside in his cage because it was a beautiful day. I had to run to the store but was not going to be too long. I got tied up and was longer than I expected. I got a phone call from my son informing me that the bird had plucked his feathers and was bleeding under his wings. I rushed home and rushed him to the vet. They anesthetized him and cleaned the wounds and wrapped him up. His name was Burrito. I visited later that day and they informed me that he was doing very well and I could take him home that evening and follow up in two days. I brought him home and had him in the cage on the floor right by me in the kitchen while I was preparing dinner so I could watch him closely. I was just commenting on how well he was maneuvering his cage being wrapped up like he was. What I didn't realize is that he had no balance at all and went to get a drink and fell into his water dish and he drowned. I ran as fast as I could and tried to give him air I was devastated My family was devastated and most of all my son was. I still cant get over this. How a vet could wrap both wings leaving no chance for any balance at all. This happened in seconds I don't think I will ever get this out of my mind It is still so vivid. I felt like I was living a nightmare.

Birdsafe Note: While a vet can treat a bird properly and as they are trained, they may not always know and understand the particular bird or its living environment. We must work as a team with our vet, others with birds, and share information and knowledge. I know this story was very difficult to share, and I thank you for it.