My Pet Conure, I lost my beloved bird Options

[Erik]

I've been devastated by the sudden death of my eight and half year old cinnamon green cheek conure named Chicken. He (or she...never had him sexed) was in perfect health early Sunday, and when I came in from shoveling the driveway, I was absolutely horrified to find him laying dead at the bottom of his cage. He had only been in his cage for an hour and a half, so I'm confused, angry, upset and just downright depressed about the whole situation. Everyone keeps telling me it wasn't my fault, but I still feel guilty like I might have been able to prevent it or do something. The little guy was bonded with me, and the feeling was mutual. Whenever I was home, he was with me most of the time and wanted little to do with anyone else (including my wife). I feel like I lost one of my best friends, and I've never been hit this hard by the loss of a pet.

I dropped Chicken off at the vet yesterday for a necropsy, because I'm beating myself up wondering how this could have happened. I often wonder if I made the right decision in doing this! He'll also be cremated and the leg band (he's a banded bird) will be returned to me.

I'll deeply miss my little pal, and I will always have fond memories of all the joy he brought me over the years.

[Erik]

Thanks, moon_beam, and I wish the same kind blessings upon you and your family as well.

Rainy's been warming up to me a little bit over the last few days - actually letting me get in a few quick pets on her head from time to time. Usually I was only able to touch her when she was sitting on my wife, but I think she's beginning to trust that big guy who feeds her and her sister every morning heh. I also find that if I hunch down and come closer to her level, it's easier. Windy lets me walk right up to her and pick her up, but Rainy's going to take much more work. I'm enjoying them both, though!

Windy's markings on her head kind of resemble Alfalfa from 'Our Gang', don't they?