An Unexpected Goodbye to Phoebe Kay
Unfortunately, Phoebe Kay passed away this morning unexpectedly.
Basically she had a yolk inside her without a shell that did not pass through her system. This caused an infection which caused her kidneys to shut down. The technical explanation is “Yolk coelomitis causing amiloydoisis resulting in kidney failure.” The yolk was probably the last egg of her last batch… which means her problems first started around 3-weeks-ago. By the time I realized she was sick, it was too late to help her. She passed away in my arms this morning before the results of her blood tests from yesterday’s vet visit were back. She had started baytril antibiotics yesterday but it was too little too late.
The unfortunate thing was, I might have noticed she had an infection sooner if she wasn’t sharing a pen with Flapper these days. She and Flapper shared a space after Kozmo passed away. And after Flapper’s surgery, Flapper had been drinking a lot of water. Lately their entire pool was empty in the morning a few times, which scared and shocked me. It’s a sign of kidney trouble when ducks drink that much water. I actually had Flapper’s blood tested TWICE to see if his kidneys were functioning well — once 2-days after his surgery and the 2nd time at his follow-up. The results were fine both times. What I realize now is that Phoebe must have been drinking all that water to try to fight off her infection and the resulting kidney problems. She looked so normal and healthy that I never even THOUGHT to test HER kidneys. It just never occurred to me. Update: Actually I was wrong to suspect that. Flapper drank an entire 10-gallon baby pool last night by himself. It’s definitely still him and his post-surgery issues. His 2nd follow-up at the vet is scheduled for tomorrow at 11am.
She declined so fast that we may not have been able to help her even if we’d realized she wasn’t feeling well. But it’s such a shock that she’s gone. All the time I was focused on Flapper’s recovery, Phoebe was slipping away unnoticed.
Phoebe Kay, Flapper and Kozmo shared a pen for a few years together. Now both Phoebe and Kozmo are gone, and Flapper is alone for the first night in over 4-years.
Phoebe Kay was always such a sweet, quiet girl… and she was the only duck here who got along with everyone. Every single duck who passed through here liked Phoebe, and she liked them all too.
She loved to splash in the pool and she had the boys wrapped around her little webbed feet.
She was the center of attention much of the time, yet her star quality never went to her head.
She was a super-serious bug hunter and would do almost anything for worms.
Gosh, Phoebe. I’m so sorry I didn’t notice you weren’t feeling well sooner, girl.
You were such a quiet, sweet girl and such a bright light in Flapper’s life. I know he’s going to miss you dearly, and I am going to miss you, too.
Rest in peace, Phoebe Kay.
Birth: (unknown/rescued)
Adoption: January 22, 2006
Death: August 30, 2008
22 Comments
You will be forever missed Phoebe!
Gosh Tiff..I just read all about Phoebe Kay. Once again, I am so sorry.
She lived with Flapper and Kozmo and must have felt like the Queen Bee. Things just seemed to happen so quickly in your little duck world lately.
Hopefully it is all behind you. Phoebe Kay was a bright light in the lives of everyone she encountered. I’m sure glad I got to see these wonderful photos of her.
Rest In Peace…sweet sweet girl. You love them all so much, Tiff. Phoebe knew how much she was loved. : )
I am so sorry for your loss of Miss Phoebe.
I happened upon your site quite by accident and have become enraptured with your duck family. Miss Phoebe looked like a delightful lady duck, and it is sad she’s passed; you certainly gave her a wonderful home during her time with you, and she will be Queen of the Ducks over the Bridge, now.
Again, my sympathies.
Oh no, so sorry to hear this, Tiff.
Oh Sweet Blessed Mother NO. NO. NO.
Tiff,I cannot imagine what kind of personal Hell you are going through, but please take some small comfort in that Dawn and I admire and respect you for your selfless love for animals. You have done more for duckies (indoor and regular) than many would.
I can’t think of many people who would do as much, and as much as we’re broken up and blubbering, we wish we could give you a hug and help share your burden and your grief.
I have dreamed about Phoebe last night, I had hoped the autopsy showed that she passed away of old age, in my dream she did just that. Phoebe lived a long loved life. I’m so sorry to hear about the stuck yolk.
Poor Phoebe, rest in peace sweet pretty girl.
I know how bad you feel about her passing, but you can’t blame yourself. If this would have happened to one of my girls, I suspect I wouldn’t have seen it either.
With birds (unfortunately) you discover that they are ill in a late stage, birds dont’ show that they are ill, or they must have been wounded. I’ve been told this a long time ago by a breeder, and have experienced it twice, once with one of my Canada geese and one time with Sally, Sieb’s sister. The moment I realised that they were not well was at the very end of their lives, and I coulnd’t have done anything anymore.
Birds keep their posture for as long as they can, they need to behave normally to stay included in the flock, sick birds are being picked on. So this explains (for me) why Phoebe didn’t show any signs, you must have suspected something to be able to see it. With all the turmoil around Flapper, Juno and Frank it’s quite understandable that you missed it. You must feel quite burned up after so much trouble with the ducks.
My deepest sympathy for you and Flapper.
Keep an eye on him (like I need to say that). Eventhough my experience is that ducks move on quickly I have noticed that Saartje has been feeling lost and alone for quite some time after her husband Socks dissapeared.
Maybe you can let one of the others stay with Flapper? Does he and Chewy get along?
Sad news, and to be honest, I’m shaking, I’ve got so many birds who seem to be healthy and happy, but you never know what’s beneath the surface.
Hug the ducks from me and specially Flapper and Petunia.
I’m speechless, Tiff.
The family gives our condolences.
This is so sudden….I’m absolutely heartbroken now. She was such a sweet girl and she knew how much you loved her.
Don’t worry, Sandie will keep her good company over the Rainbow Bridge.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Oh no, I just found out this morning before coffee. What a shock isn’t it. Phoebe Kay was always such a calming center of forces, the pacifier of the flock. She was graceful and kind to other ducks. Tiff, at this time please don’t blame yourself for not noticing – it’s not your fault. I bet Kozzy and the gals are welcoming Phoebe’s arrival on the other side of the rainbow by now.
I hope Mr. Flapper is surviving the loss well emotionally. Mr. Quack Quack’s wife died suddenly 5 years ago of egg-binding as well. Similar to Mr Moor’s experience, QQ was visibly upset and desolate for a few weeks after that.
Please take care and accept big wireless hug from me.
Oh God Tiff, first Kosmo and now Phoebe. Poor Flapper. You really need to get him some company now. Bless her and you for all you did for her.
sorry to hear for your loss
i am so sorry to read of your loss…
My Donnovan died on the operating table trying to remove
a problem like that- It was back in the 70’s…
I still miss her & visit her in my dreams to this day.
Gosh, I hope Flapper’s doctor checkup goes well tomorrow. WHY is he drinking up the entire pool? Please please please get well Flapper. Mommy (and we all) needs good news on your health.
My heart goes out to you. These quackers are our kids and I know what you are going through. Take Care.
Hi. Like commenter Kelly above, I recently happened upon your website. I’ve very much enjoyed reading about your ducks. Every one of your posts teaches me something about ducks.
I’m very sorry about the loss of your Phoebe Kay. I’m a cat person and I’m sure your ducks are your kids the way my cats are my kids. It’s so very hard to lose any of our furred or feathered friends.
Thanks for sharing your ducks.
I wish I could say something more comforting than I’m sorry.
Don’t blame yourself, Tiff. You couldn’t have seen it coming, and you were naturally involved with Flapper, Frankie, and Juno.
You gave her a lot of love. Take comfort in remembering that she died cradled in your arms, and surrounded by friends. This is more than most of us will get.
I know she’s enjoying eternal peas with her buddy Koz.
When I was a kid we had 3 ducks as pets. One of them, Speckles, had the same yolk type problem. Every day she laid an egg with the white and yolk but no shell. Luckily she died from old age. I loved those ducks – messy as they are – but water fowl have remained to this day (along with my cats) my favorite of all animal species (well, rodents too). My best to Mr. Flapper during his losss.
I’m sorry about Phoebe Kay. She will be missed by me too.
My condolences to your and your flock at this sad time! Phoebe Kay was such a beautiful duck with a wonderful sweet spirit. You gave her a pampered life that few ducks enjoy. Please don’t blame yourself for not catching this sooner. You know how expertly birds hide their illnesses. Glad you were able to be with her at the end. She had a special bond with you and I know she appreciated your support. You have been through a lot of upheaval recently. Please take good care of yourself.
I am so sorry to here about the duck. We had a neighborhood duck that dies and left the nieghborhood in shock. I am with the I would like to write about your duck. I work for the Examiner and I am writing a story on ducks. Can I use your picture its great.
WOW! I am so sorry for your lose!
On the other hand my name is genuinly Phoebe Kay
hehe
Once again i am so sorry for your loss,
Phoebe Ann Kay