It can be pretty stressful for any pet owner to decide on euthanizing thier pet. In such cases, it is essential for you need to be practical and take all the decisions keeping aside your emotions.
I went through the same situation when my first cockatiel passed away. I could not get my bird euthanize by a vet due to some personal and financial reasons. So, the first question that came to my mind was, how do I humanely euthanize my pet bird at home? I did some thorough research, and here is what I found out.
A quick and stress-free method to put your cockatiel to sleep at home is using carbon dioxide. A solution of vinegar and baking soda will help you generate carbon dioxide. However, there is no true humane way to put your bird to sleep at home. Therefore, the best option is to get the process executed by a vet.
Although you can surely get your cockatiel euthanized at home, it is advised to get it done by a vet only. Although they might cost you a bit, they will make the procedure painless and effortless.
This guide will explain to you the entire process of humanely euthanizing your at home, but first, you must know when is the correct time to euthanize your pet. So, let us get right into it!
When To Euthanize A Cockatiel?
To identify the right time to say goodbye to your pet, the best option would be to take some guidance from a veterinarian. Having an open and honest conversation with the vet will help you go through this difficult process.
You have to take this decision as soon as possible. You definitely would not want your little cockatiel to go through any unnecessary suffering. When I experienced the same with my first cockatiel, the vet guided me thoroughly.
Listed below are some of the few topics that I discussed with the vet to make the ultimate decision for my cockatiel:
- Is your cockatiel suffering from any incurable disease that is giving him unbearable pain and serious discomfort?
- Is your cockatiel facing any difficulties breathing or has labored breathing?
- Is your cockatiel eating and drinking as usual, or you try to force-feed him?
- Is your cockatiel badly dehydrated or has lost significant weight and feathers in the past few days?
- If your bird spends most of his time in a corner of his cage, he is probably very sick.
- Is your cockatiel able to defecate without any problems? Does your bird make weird noises while he excretes?
- Check if your cockatiel has suddenly stopped enjoying human interaction.
- Is your cockatiel facing any difficulties while flying? Does your bird fall every time he tries to fly?
- The last and the most important thing to discuss is if your cockatiel is having more bad days than good days?
What Does A Dying Cockatiel Look Like?
The symptoms of a dying cockatiel can be pretty unique. Also, the reason of the death can vary from bird to bird.
In some cases, the bird might die of old age or illness, in other cases, it might be an injury.
Just some similar behavior patterns may mean the end is near. However, with early treatment, your bird may be able to make a full recovery.
Some of the signs that indicate your cockatiels are dying includes:
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty in breathing
- Puffed feathers
- Weird noises
- Shivers/shakes
- Unusual body discharge
- Silence
It is crucial to recognize the signs that your cockatiel is in his last days, which will allow you and your family to prepare.
You will be able to make arrangements for their final days, whether you let your bird pass away naturally or choose humane euthanasia.
Prepare Yourself For The Final Goodbye
Once you have decided that you want to euthanize your cockatiel, it is time to bid your bird the final goodbye.
In addition, the important part of the process is to decide on how and where the process shall execute.
Before the proceedings, you must plan to spare some time with your little bird to bid a final goodbye.
Furthermore, the children of the house might have been emotionally attached to the cockatiel. Give them some time to understand the process.
Mentally prepare them for the loss of their beloved pet in advance.You must also decide whether you or any member of your family wants to be present during the process of euthanasia.
Also, from my personal experience, I would advise you not to let the young children of the family witness the process. It might break their heart to see their beloved pet pass away.
What Is The Most Humane Way To Euthanize A Bird At Home?
Honestly, there is no humane way to euthanize a bird at home.
You will probably never be able to provide your little bird with a comforting and painless death like a vet would do.
However, if you still want to euthanize your bird at home, you can follow the process mentioned below.
Materials Required:
- A huge plastic bag
- A shoebox (the shoebox must have holes in it)
- Baking soda
- Vinegar (about 2-3 liters)
- A huge empty container
The Process:
- Put your bird in the shoebox. If you are using a shoebox, do not forget to make plenty of tiny holes in the box. This will allow the easy movement of air.
- Now, fill the empty container with one and a half cups of baking soda.
- Place the box in which you have kept your bird in the plastic bag along with the container of baking soda. Make sure that the box and the container at least a foot apart.
- Reach the container in the plastic bag with the bottle of vinegar. Now, slowly pour the vinegar into the container filled with baking soda. As you do so, you will notice a fizzing sound and movement.
- While doing so, wrap the ends of the plastic bags around your arms. This will restrict the passage of air. You will notice that the bag starts to inflate.
- After you have poured 1-2 liters of vinegar into the container, use your hands to fan the air inside. After this, you can start filling the container again till you are done with all the vinegar.
- After you are done, remove your arm from the plastic bag and close the ends properly. Now, all you have to do is wait for an hour or so before verifying the death.
Even though the process might seem easy to you, it would be very harsh on your bird. Therefore, I would suggest you take help from a vet to euthanize your little birdie.
How To Dispose Of A Dead Cockatiel?
It is crucial to dispose of a dead bird correctly. In such cases, you can take the help of your vet. Most vets will help you arrange the process safely and legally.
Although getting the process done by a vet can cost you a ton, this cost will be less than the penalty for inappropriate animal disposal.
However, if you still wish to take care of your cockatiel’s body by yourself, you can choose to follow any one of the options listed below:
- Garden burial: You can choose to bury your bird in your home garden. However, it is essential to confirm all the legal involvements concerned before carrying out the process.
- Composting: Composting is another way you can choose to dispose of your birdie.
- Cremation: A local service provider can surely help you arrange for a private cremation. However, this process is pretty expensive.
- Garbage Disposal: Although garbage disposal is quite inhumane, some still might want to do it. However, you should check with the local waste collector for the rules and regulations of the area you are living in.
If you are still unsure about the process, I advise you to call animal control for proper guidance. They will provide you with the necessary suggestions depending on the situation.
Can A Vet Euthanize A Cockatiel?
A vet can help you to put your cockatiel to sleep. The best option is to get the euthanasia process done by the vet and not on your own.
Most vets usually do so by injecting an overdose of anesthesia. This is one of the best and most painless methods to put your little bird to sleep.
How Much Does It Cost To Euthanize A Cockatiel?
Getting your cockatiel euthanized by outsourcing can pinch your pocket a little. In general, the euthanasia process can cost you anywhere between 50$ and 300$.
This price range depends upon several factors:
- Your location: You can get your bird euthanized in two places. It can either be in the vet’s office or the comfort of your own home. The decision is entirely yours. The in-house process can cost you as high as 300$, depending on the distance between your home and the service provider.
- Service provider: You can get your cockatiels euthanized either by a vet or an animal help group. Any animal help group will indeed charge you much less than the vets. The vets might charge you anywhere between 50$-70$. You can go with whatever option suits you the best.
- After service: Once the euthanasia process is completed, you can either bury the bird yourself or get it done by a service provider at a pet cemetery. Getting it done by a service provider will surely cost you higher.
How Are Cockatiels Put Down?
In most cases, the vets mostly put down sick cockatiels by the process of euthanasia. This is one of the best and most painless methods to put a bird to sleep.
In typical cases, the vet will ask you to sign a form of consent, which will permit him to euthanize your cockatiel.
However, no vet will carry out the process for free. The fee can range anywhere from 50$ to 300$, depending on the service they provide you.
