I took Peppercorn (Mélènge) back to the vet today, since he seems to be fading. These past two days I've hardly seen any food in his crop, he seems to spend more time eating — and apparently not really succeeding — and he seems a little less coordinated. As I'd feared, he lost weight since the last visit: 11 grams down from 13. The vet didn't have any new ideas about the cause, particularly since the antibiotics (last dose tonight) didn't do the trick. But she sent me home with a painkiller, just in case that makes it easier for him to eat.

You know, somehow.

It's times like these that I wish I could learn how to tube feed a bird. But even if I knew how, and could give a sick bird a quick little pick-me-up of food, it's not a good choice for long-term care. It always comes down to the quality of life issues. Getting food stuck down your throat can't be very fun.

I had a lovely moment with Peppercorn (Mélènge), though. Actually, a lovely half hour or so. After we got back from the vet's office I took him out of the travel cage and put him back into the hospital cage. But instead of hopping right away from me, Peppercorn (Mélènge) stayed in my hand, and slept there for half an hour. It's the first time I've ever been able to give a Finster Warm Toasties. I'd love to try that again tonight!