Answer

Hi XXXXXXXXXXX,

I'm so sorry to hear about you and your partner's loss. it is never easy to lose a pet, especially when it is unexpected.

Do you have any other birds? Are they okay?

The first thing that comes to mind is the possibility of her being egg bound. If she was truly a female (alot of female lovebirds do this thing where they shred paper and then place it in their wings), they can lay eggs without having a male around. Some birds have difficulty especially with the first egg.   If she has this you and want to look at her, her abdomen would be distended and you might possibly feel a hard object inside just above her vent (where she goes to the bathroom).

The other possibilities would be a toxin. Was there any possible exposure to say cooking fumes, aerosol type products, cleaning products etc? Anything new in the house, cage etc? Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems and they are more susceptible to these types of issues.

I know this may be difficult to think about, but if you still have her, you can contact a vet that sees birds and ask that they do an necropsy (animal autopsy). I know that this may be a tough decision.

If you have any more questions, please let me know. Again, I'm sorry for your loss. I look forward to hearing from you.

Dr. G

Expert:	Dr. G
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
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Answered:	9/28/2008

Bird Veterinarian

ABVP Avian Diplomate (inactive status), bird/exotic animal practice 15 years