Help please -

[PattiB]

Hi - Peeka is not acting like he feels well - his tail feathers are shaking, his poops are mostly all liquid and clear and he has been extremely nippy. I have a vet appointment for 5:20pm this evening but I am worried about what I should offer him or do for him.....Is it possible that this is him still adjusting and given that he really didn't eat or drink much on Saturday - could this be his body's way of reacting to that???
Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated, as I have to make it and try to make him feel better throughout the remainder of today!
Patti:(

[gary&chloe]

I am certainly no expert. The real expert on here is Dr. Cook, but since he is being nippy, that tells me he just wants to be left alone. Make sure he is warm, maybe cover half his cage, so he has a place to hide.

Call the vet and tell them that it is an emergency and can they work you in earlier than 5:20, is what I would do. (Dr. Cook. Don't you just LOVE parents like me... "I need to come in right now. Can you work me in ??)

In this case, from your description of his poop, I, not being an expert, would say it is something maybe you should try to get in as early as possible. Especially if he hasn't ate or drank since Saturday and it is Monday and his poop is watery and runny. You DO NOT want him to get dehydrated. It is very easy for a bird to get dehydrated.

I would make sure his water bowl is clean. Just a little bit of food or poop in it and within an hour you have a science experiment going on in there. Keep his water clean and offer him his normal food and veggie's. Try to make as little change as possible.

When you go to take him to the vet, make sure his cage is covered and he is as warm as possible. Heat the SUV up first before bringing him from the house. As little change in his environment as possible. Warm to warm as quickly as possible. Don't cause more stress to his system.

Patti, You did good calling the vet right away. But see if you can get in earlier. Tell them he hasn't eaten or drank since Saturday and his poop is runny and watery. Tell them you are concerned about dehydration. They will be impressed that you know so much and it might get them motivated to move a little faster.

Good luck and I am sure everything is going to be ok.

Keep us informed.

[Sue]

Patti, I'm moving your post over o Dr C'sforum too, she is more likely to see it there quicker.

Good that you got a vet appointment so quickly.

I would say keep him quiet and warm.

Hope he's OK.

[CocosMomma]

Patti, I find myself in agreement with Gary...
(Hey, Gary, that might be twice in a week!!!:beerchug: Woo-hoo!)
That means I agree with you more often than my husband!!!:rotflmao:

Patti, it IS possible that this is from transitioning - he's young, he's got a new house, new cage, new schedule, lots of new stimulas and things to get used to - he may have drank a lot of water and not so much food... the vet will know for sure what's going on. Since you'll be seeing the vet today, either at 5:20 or earlier, that's excellent. In the meantime (oh, isn't this easy for ME to say??!!!) try best you can to relax... best you can!:tighthug: Transition time can be a slight stressor on them and us!:wub:

You might want to TRY to save a poop for the vet to look at. Sometimes you can tell when they are getting ready to poo - they kinda squat a little, and if you are REAL lucky, you can stick a wide-mouth mason jar under them while they are on the perch and catch that sucker - mid air.... Ohhh, the things we talk about on this site!:funny: If you don't get one - no big deal. Chances are he'll poo in their presence - they tend to do that!!!:nuts: It's not essential that you tote him with a poo in a jar! But if you could get one.... oh... there I go again - talking poo!:woot:

In any event, Gary gave some great advice IMO. I might add (cos I'm a music person)... some soft music - you could also softly hum or sing to him while in his area... birds are VERY musical! Some nice gentle music may bring him comfort to both of you!:wub:

Hang in there, and keep us posted!!!:tighthug:

[PattiB]

OK - from now on I am going to NOT panic and just see how things go!!! Now he is eating and acting "normal" - meaning as normal as I know of him. I guess I am just overreacting to his moods, poops and everything else that goes with him. It is worse than having kids - I have two of those home today one with the flu and the other one with sympathy pains - ha ha!
I am going to watch Peeka for the remainder of the pm and report to the vet all I see and find - thanks for the poop jar idea - that will work beautifully well! I will let you all know how things are going and I am so sorry for the panic in my tone earlier!!
Thanks Gary for the ideas - the vet is an excellent one and would see him even if I just showed up there with him - we live in the Blue Mtn. area - mostly rural and the doc's here aren't like the ones in the bigger city areas! Sorry Dr. C no slander intended.

[gary&chloe]

That's what I did the first time I took my Princess to the vet. I just showed up, with my Princess, and dare them to refuse me medical care.

If it is something for myself, I just press the severed arm against my shoulder, put some duct tape on it and hope it grows back. No biggy.

I didn't realize that he had just come home on Saturday. I read your other post and saw the pictures and he is absolutely gorgeous. I like the males much better than the females, personally. I noticed that you had a jacket on and he didn't.... Where he comes from 80 degree's is a cold front... There were some excellent post, the other day about the temperature of your house when you have birds. Him being new to your house, maybe a little on the warm side wouldn't hurt him any. I know electricity is expensive but just while he is getting use to you and your house.

Open his cage door, pull up a chair and read a book to him. If he wants to come out, he will. But on his own terms. Also, it will get him use to you. Don't put your hand in and try to get him out of the cage until it is time for the vet. He might just come out on top of the cage or over to see you while you are sitting next to his cage.

Bigger cage, new house, new parents, new new new is bad bad bad for a bird but if you saw him eating and drinking then he is adjusting. They adjust quickly if they feel safe. You look like a really good mom.

In a couple of months you will look back on this and laugh. You will think "Oh my Lord, I was soooooo worried." I did the same thing when I brought Chloe home.

She wasn't standing on the perch, there must be something wrong. She didn't eat anything, there has to be something wrong. She ate everything, there must be something wrong.

I'm sure he is ok and just stressed BUT you still did the right thing by calling the vet. As my old pappy use to say "You can lead a horse to water, but it is better safe than sorry" or something like that... You get the idea.

OH and the other day, someone on here gave the suggestion that you put paper towels in the bottom of his cage on vet day, so the vet can get a good look at his poop. I thought that was much better than what I do. I just tear off a part of the newspaper and take it in. Paper towel in his travel cage, when you take him to the vet too.

[PattiB]

Gary - you are a hoot!! Thanks for the advice and support - yes he is very new and needs to adjust - as we all do! He is doing tremendously well all things considered - new everything totally new life! I am just acting like a brand new mom of a brand new baby and one who wants nothing to go wrong! Yea right - life that is going to be reality!
He has been stepping up and coming out of his cage - although we have learned over the past two mornings that he is not really a morning birdy - needs his fresh foods first and then he is much more willing to come join the rest of us!
thanks again and I will let you know what the vet says - I am fairly confident that all will be well - just me be a little too over the top - or me just worrying toooo much!!!

[CocosMomma]

I will let you all know how things are going and I am so sorry for the panic in my tone earlier!!

Trust me, at least around me, and I'm sure I speak for plenty of others, there's no such thing as over-panic where our feathered children are concerned!!! You're a new mommy to him and isn't it wonderful!

It happens everytime I get a new bird - can't help myself - - it is as if it is the first one I ever had. I get nervous, panicked... it just seems to come with the territory!!!

You're doing great! I usually give myself a bad case of dermatitis from washing my hands every two seconds!:rotflmao: That can be nasty.... One time I panicked so bad that I took a baby bird to the vet that wasn't eating as much as I thought it should, and the vet said if I didn't stop trying to force more and more food at it that I'd kill him by over-stuffing!!:rofl: The poor baby was already at adult weight!!! We've all been there!!!:beerchug:

He's so beautiful, and the two of you together was so precious!:wub: I am glad you're going to see the vet - that's just important to get established. Make sure everything is a-ok. But trust me - I've panicked plenty of times, and I plan on panicking in the future, on each and every occasion that I think one of my fids may not be perfect! It's a mother's/father's prerogative, isn't it???!!!!!:highfive:

Just get your camera ready .... he's a GORGEOUS BOY!!!!

[gary&chloe]

"NEVER feel guilty for loving your bird!!!" Dr. Susan Clubb, '2003.

I was the same way as you were. Here I had taken responsibility for this creature and I had no idea what the hell was wrong. The internet led me to believe it was my fault. I'm 100 miles away from a REAL Avian Vet.

I remember telling Dr. Clubb, in my phone message to her, "I can find another wife, but this is my girl." The next day when I saw her with Chloe, she told me she knew exactly what I meant. She has seven Australian Sheep dogs but ".... this one is my girl." and she pointed to the one that was at her feet.

Remember, if a bird looks sick, it is probably too late. So we have to be extra careful with our birds. They aren't like our other pets. Dogs, cats, children, spouses, etc.

Given the indicators you did, I'll bet half this board would have been just as worried as you were. And the other half would have lied about how they felt.

You done good, for someone that is as close to Washington DC as you are.

[Ellen K. Cook, DVM]

Hi Patti-

By now you probably have had your new baby in for an exam; I was glad to see so much good advice given here by fellow BoF members. Gary-GREAT job! And, Robin, loved your poop-in-the-jar idea :thumbup:

I must say that I have an innate interest in bird droppings. I ask my clients to bring in the paper dujour in their bird's cage so that I can study those droppings! Of course, my patients always oblige me with fresh ones-if they don't, then I worry!

Let us know how Peeka's visit to the avian veterinarian went.

[PattiB]

Hi All - we are back from Dr. Campbell's - and great news - Peeka is extremely healthy and possibly a little on the chubby side! He is perfectly normal considering all of his sudden new life starting. He was not very pleased at having met Dr. Campbell due to having his Polyomavirus vac. but the rest of the exam went fairly well. He has never "screamed" "screetched" or made the horrible sound he did when she turned him on his back! Poor lil guy I felt horrible for him and all I could do was stand back and watch! I think I was more nervous than he was! He weighs 329g just like he did yesterday and she said we will watch his weight and if he starts going above 400g then we will assess his diet - but for now he is a healthy growing boy!
He is still all puffed up and he did allow my husband to reach in and have him step up for some much needed love and attention - however short lived it was. I can't thank you all enough for your support and understanding - I feel like a complete overprotective mother but I don't believe that I will change a bit of it! If he grows up and find he does not care for my mothering then he can go find another momma - LOL!
Thanks guys hope you all have a terrific night!
Patti

[Ellen K. Cook, DVM]

Good news, Patti-glad to hear Peeka got a clean bill of health. Much better to be over-protective than not!

[SadennaAndFlock]

wax paper is good for collecting poop to..the gal I help out does random testing of her birds twice a year and used wax paper on playstands to catch poop then fold it up and puts in in a sandwhich baggie to be sent for testing with her vet..

[Jean]

Patti, I'm so glad you were able to get Peeka in to see the vet. I'm thrilled to hear the good news.

Keep up the good work!

[Jean]

wax paper is good for collecting poop to..the gal I help out does random testing of her birds twice a year and used wax paper on playstands to catch poop then fold it up and puts in in a sandwhich baggie to be sent for testing with her vet..

Wax paper! what a simple and clever thought.

[CocosMomma]

That's wonderful news, Patti! Congratulations again!

If I could count how many times I've fretted and stressed and panicked and had anxiety over something my birds were or were not doing.... there's no calculator that can count that high!:rotflmao: If we think something is amiss with our birds... we're gonna react - and rightly so!!!:D You're among friends here - we all do the same thing!:doh: :rofl: I think it is one of our more endearing character attributes.....:wub:


It is interesting how birds react to that good ole vet visit... I've seen some fluff for awhile, and sometimes I think they might just be reacting to the perceived indignity of it all.....:)

Some vets are better than others at reducing the stress of the visit to the barest minimum or even making it virtually stress-free. That's not always feasible. Pull out a needle, and I don't care how much the doc says it ain't gonna hurt.... I HATE NEEDLES!!!!:funny: Oh, wait, we were talking about birds....:doh:

Often times, Coco has zero reaction. On the other hand, my sister's b&g will cling to her, but when they get home, he goes into a major pout for the rest of the day and acts sort of depress'eey refusing to come out of the cage, etc.

Many of my birds over the years just seem to cling to me tighter when the visit is over, and of course, I milk the "I saved you from that nasty vet-person" for all it's worth....

(Sorry, Dr. C.!!!:D - Nothing personal!!!:beerchug: )

Congratulations again, Patti!

[gary&chloe]

Happy days are here again,
Peeka is just fine.

YEAH !!!!

I like that wax paper idea. Put it in the bottom of the travel cage before you leave for the vet. As soon as she see's the vet... WHOMP !!!

I was trying to tell Dr. Clubb why I was concerned about Chloe's poop. The white wasn't as white as I like it to be. Chloe was standing on my left shoulder. Dr. Clubb's tech moved a little to fast, Chloe flew to the floor and left a perfect sample on her daddy's shirt, shoulder and arm.

GARY !!! That is gross !!! Heah. It worked. Dr. Clubb looked at it and agreed with me. She didn't like the looks of it either.

NEXT time it is wax paper.

Patti, go to Bed Bath and Beyond and get some scales that measure in grams. Weight him every week on the same day, in the morning before he has eaten. And keep a log of the weight. The scales are cheap and when you take your log in to the vet, she will LOVE you. Weight and poop really turns an avian vet on.

You might make a column for weather conditions, humidity, atmospheric pressure, moon phase, hormone level, etc. It just takes a minute and you will see a pattern form that when he looses a little bit you won't get upset... You will see 10-20 gram fluctuation just due to the time of the year.

I know. I need to get a life other than my Princess.

[CocosMomma]

Sammy always porks-up right before what would be the breeding time for him - if he were breeding....:rotflmao: We call it his "tennis ball" stage. He gets VERY round. Then a couple months later - back to normal.:nuts:

[Ellen K. Cook, DVM]

!!!

when you take your log in to the vet, she will LOVE you. Weight and poop really turns an avian vet on.




Gary is 100% correct-there is nothing I love better than weight and poop!

[PattiB]

Gary - you are too much!! Very funny! Very true also! I purchased a gram scale from the breeder prior to bringing Peeka home - due to everything I have read - weight flucuations are one of the first ways to see something might be amiss or on the other hand as healthy as can be. Peeka shot me a look of total didain this morning and has not really wanted to come out to play at all - it has also been a sort of busy day around here my daughter still has the flu bug so we have been in and out to dr.'s etc. all morning.

[scotty]

These are great posts, it's really refreshing to know that where here for each other.I tuned in to late to give encouragement but I'm happy to know all is well,and for all it's worth I'm my own worst enemy when it come to worrying about the pets :eek:

[PattiB]

Scotty - It's never toooo late for encouragement!! Thanks for your thoughts and glad to hear She's really a SHE!!