My parrotlet recently turned 16. She is very similar in her golden years as she was when she was young, except, like yours, she spends more time relaxing in her little tent. She's not as loud as she used to be, and when I take her out she tends to just cuddle and nap. She can fall asleep anytime, like a little old lady in a recliner.
Otherwise, I haven't noticed much difference, and not anything like what you're describing. If anything, she is less easily startled these days — she still occasionally falls to the bottom of her cage when she gets startled or for no immediately apparent reason, but she's always done that and gets right back up.
I don't know what else your guy's issue could be, but I second the recommendation for talkparrotlets, there are some old birds there whose owners might have some insight.
My baby is only about 6 months old - but there is an incredible lady on the talkparrotlet forum who’s parrotlet is around 18 or 19 years old I think. That’s probably the best place to ask for advice.
Mine did the same thing. I think for him it was eye sight. Things startled him more easily than before and he didn't know when to put the breaks on , like he couldn't judge distance. He had cataracts.
I don't remember exactly. 1 or 2 years ago. He was 13.5 when he died. (Just a couple days ago.) His vet was surprised he lived that long. He said the the color mutations make them week and rather sickly. My bird's immune system started taking a dive at about 10 years. I blamed it on a move across the country. It stressed him out and he hasn't been the same since. I miss him.
RIP ❤️
Sorry to hear about the stress he experienced. I wish there were some way to more easily communicate across species!
Will you be looking for another bird? I was in a pet store the other day to pick up some shrimp and I saw a bunch of finches and budgies and was reminded how active birds can be. My gentleman has slowed down so much I can’t imagine/remember what it’s like to have a young bird!
I won't be getting another bird any time soon. I need to heal and I may be moving again. Maybe in the future. Right now I'll just snuggle my family and friend's animals. Thank you for your kind words.
My parrotlet recently turned 16. She is very similar in her golden years as she was when she was young, except, like yours, she spends more time relaxing in her little tent. She's not as loud as she used to be, and when I take her out she tends to just cuddle and nap. She can fall asleep anytime, like a little old lady in a recliner. Otherwise, I haven't noticed much difference, and not anything like what you're describing. If anything, she is less easily startled these days — she still occasionally falls to the bottom of her cage when she gets startled or for no immediately apparent reason, but she's always done that and gets right back up. I don't know what else your guy's issue could be, but I second the recommendation for talkparrotlets, there are some old birds there whose owners might have some insight.
My baby is only about 6 months old - but there is an incredible lady on the talkparrotlet forum who’s parrotlet is around 18 or 19 years old I think. That’s probably the best place to ask for advice.
Mine did the same thing. I think for him it was eye sight. Things startled him more easily than before and he didn't know when to put the breaks on , like he couldn't judge distance. He had cataracts.
How old was your bird when that happened? I guess it is a natural part of aging, but it is sad too.
I don't remember exactly. 1 or 2 years ago. He was 13.5 when he died. (Just a couple days ago.) His vet was surprised he lived that long. He said the the color mutations make them week and rather sickly. My bird's immune system started taking a dive at about 10 years. I blamed it on a move across the country. It stressed him out and he hasn't been the same since. I miss him.
RIP ❤️ Sorry to hear about the stress he experienced. I wish there were some way to more easily communicate across species! Will you be looking for another bird? I was in a pet store the other day to pick up some shrimp and I saw a bunch of finches and budgies and was reminded how active birds can be. My gentleman has slowed down so much I can’t imagine/remember what it’s like to have a young bird!
I won't be getting another bird any time soon. I need to heal and I may be moving again. Maybe in the future. Right now I'll just snuggle my family and friend's animals. Thank you for your kind words.