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Hi everyone! I'm new here.
I have a mitered conure who is at least 36 yrs. old. Last June I found him on the bottom of his cage. I thought he was dead, but he was sleeping. I took him to the vet immediately. His blood tests came back normal, but he does have cataracts and arthritis, plus a head tremor that is worsening.

He spends most of his time on the bottom of the cage. I placed all his food bowls and water on the bottom. He cannot see very well at all and sleeps a lot. His appetite is fine.

My intuition tells me it is his time to go. Another vet visit will kill him. Can anyone offer advice on how to keep him comfortable until he expires? I have had him for 36 years and my heart is breaking.........

If he's not having too much trouble seeing, then rearranging or changing things shouldn't be too much of an issue, although you mention he can't see well. Either way, if he doesn't have an issue with change, you can try setting up a cage, or even an aquarium, if he's having trouble perching, with large flat perches, rope perches, and ladders. Make it easy for him to get around, and keep him warm. If he'd let you, massage his joints.

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Have you asked your avian vet what may be best for him?

Last June, after the exam, the vet felt he was simply nearing the end of his lifespan. As a matter of fact, she had never seen one anywhere near as old as Red.

She advised trying to keep him mildly stimulated with toys, etc., and if he stopped eating to have him euthanized.

This bird has been the most dificult bird I have ever had. We have had issues over his diet, as he would eat nothing but sunflower seeds if he could. He refused pellets and almost all veggies. Only until 5 years ago did he eat a wider variety of foods. The only reason he was healthy is from the vitamin supplements I mixed into his seeds. His screeching was unbearable at times, and he felt all fingers had to be bitten.

He has had other avian company most of his life, and the view of the outdoors thru a large window. He became my doorbell...alerting me when company was at the door. I would never want another mitered due to the hyperactivity, but I will never forget this one!