How to give aging quail an energy/health boost.

[TobyTheQuail]

Guys, I'm really concerned about one of my quails and am in desperate need of some expert medical advice. He's up there in age and is also blind. I've noticed that lately he seems a bit lethargic and slow. He's also losing weight. I am so concerned that he might pass away at any time and I'm truly not ready for that...he's like one of my kids. My question is...what could I give him to help him become stronger and elongate his life? Btw, as u can see in this picture, most of the time he spends it nodding off in a corner.

 

[le_bwah]

He does not look like a well bird. How old is he? At some point you have to recognize that there is no cure for aging. Would it not be more productive to make him as comfortable as possible until he passes (whenever that may be), and try to work through some of your grief in advance?

 

[CovidtimeQuail]

You could try supplements like nutridrench in the water. Give him foods high in fat like mealworms (maybe smaller or dried since he can't see). Ultimately though, @le_bwah is right in saying that this is your time to come to terms with his aging and mortality.

Five years old is an amazing lifespan for quail. Keep him comfortable and safe. I'm sure he's happy just knowing he is cared for and has companionship.

 

[FloorCandy]

Has he always been blind? I have 2 blind quail, one was born blind, one slowly became blind over a few weeks after hatching. The one born blind tap tap taps his way around and acts normally. The one that could see spends most of her time in a corner. I think it makes her feel safe to feel the walls around her.

 

[TobyTheQuail]

He does not look like a well bird. How old is he? At some point you have to recognize that there is no cure for aging. Would it not be more productive to make him as comfortable as possible until he passes (whenever that may be), and try to work through some of your grief in

He does not look like a well bird. How old is he? At some point you have to recognize that there is no cure for aging. Would it not be more productive to make him as comfortable as possible until he passes (whenever that may be), and try to work through some of your grief in advance?

Allow me to tell u that I find ur words to be therapeutic and just what I needed to hear...so for that, I thank u. So, how do u suggest I do all of the above u just mentioned?

 

[TobyTheQuail]

Has he always been blind? I have 2 blind quail, one was born blind, one slowly became blind over a few weeks after hatching. The one born blind tap tap taps his way around and acts normally. The one that could see spends most of her time in a corner. I think it makes her feel safe to feel the walls around her.

He became blind a year and a half after birth. We've established a type of communication going on when it's feeding time. I'll repeatedly call his name and tap on his bowl so that he knows where to find it. I tell u what...I love that little booger so much that if I could I would trade my eyesight with his for one day just so that I could bring a little bit of happiness back into his life. Thank u for ur comment.

 

[RosemaryDuck]

If you're truly concerned he's dying you can always go to an avian vet. Other then that, as the others have stated he is very old and there is no cure for age. Cuddle up with him, get him comfortable and be ready to let him go. You've given him a good 5 years.

 

[TobyTheQuail]

If you're truly concerned he's dying you can always go to an avian vet. Other then that, as the others have stated he is very old and there is no cure for age. Cuddle up with him, get him comfortable and be ready to let him go. You've given him a good 5 yea

You could try supplements like nutridrench in the water. Give him foods high in fat like mealworms (maybe smaller or dried since he can't see). Ultimately though, @le_bwah is right in saying that this is your time to come to terms with his aging and mortality.

Five years old is an amazing lifespan for quail. Keep him comfortable and safe. I'm sure he's happy just knowing he is cared for and has companionship.

Can the meal worms be dried up or do they need to be alive? I will definitely be ordering the Nutridench immediately though. Thank u for the advice.

 

[le_bwah]

Allow me to tell u that I find ur words to be therapeutic and just what I needed to hear...so for that, I thank u. So, how do u suggest I do all of the above u just mentioned?

If he's beyond dust bathing or preening (as critters tend to lapse on with age), making sure he's always near food and water is about as much as you can do to keep him alive. Keeping the temp regulated (i.e. bring him inside if he lives outside) and making sure the environment is quiet and clean should reduce the environmental stress.

Have you had a pet die before? If so, you know how hard it can hit. If not, you might start thinking about what you want to do with his body after, if you want to say some words for him when he goes, ways you want to honor and remember his life with you.

I'm sorry your quail is so old, but I'm also really glad he made it that long.

 

[CovidtimeQuail]

Can the meal worms be dried up or do they need to be alive? I will definitely be ordering the Nutridench immediately though. Thank u for the advice.

Mine will eat both dried and fresh mealworms. The dried ones are more convenient for you, and I'm thinking that since your roo is blind, easier to find and eat for him.