HELP please! Parakeet with poopy butt...

[artsyrobin]

Quote:
do you have a small cage you can put her in and maybe a lamp to get her warm? is she eating ok?

 

[itsy]

I have several clamp lamps from my reptiles that I could set up on one side of the cage. I was thinking about that. I don't have an isolation cage and I wonder if it would make her even more stressed not to be with her friends. They aren't bothering her. She's off to the side of them, puffy and eyes shut. That must have been very traumatic for her. I never touch them because they aren't tame at all.

 

[itsy]

Thank you for all of your help and suggestions! You're making me feel like I'm not alone through all of this.

I'm so exhausted - we were doing everything we could today to prepare for this snow storm - chopping wood, getting tarps on my makeshift coops outside, prepping our outdoor rabbit, going to the grocery store. Now poor Greyere.

 

[artsyrobin]

i think you are right, she probably feels safer with the flock, but the lamps would be a good idea too, between the move and the storm, you can only do so much- do the lamps and get some rest- moving isn't hard just on the animals....

 

[itsy]

Her butt was poopy again today. No response in the ER section of that forum.

I just removed it and I'm going to go out and get her a hospital cage before the storm hits. I researched avian vets and the closest is about an hour or so away and it's Saturday and we're getting over a foot of snow tonight.....

I'll ask at my feed store (they sell parakeets) if they have any suggestions.

The other birds are picking on her now. I'm guessing they know she's sick and are trying to "take her out" for the safety of the flock.

I'll pick up some vaseline as well.

 

[artsyrobin]

Where are you at in NY, i have a friend up there that is a vet- she might have some ideas

 

[Nambroth]

Yes, where in NY are you? Depending, I may be able to recommend vets.

Usually by the time parrots show signs of illness, they are quite sick indeed. It is their instinct to hide problems as long as possible (to help reduce predation). Without knowing what's wrong, keeping her warm, well hydrated (especially with wet poos) and if possible in a somewhat humid environment will help. When I had an ill parrot I parked her in the bathroom to help keep the humidity up.

Volatile fumes from oil (etc) can be very damaging; if possible next time can you arrange for her to spend the day at a friend's house?

 

[itsy]

Thanks for your help, guys.

We're in Sullivan County. According to this site the closest vet is about an hour.

The oil thing was unexpected. We don't own this house and the landlord had it delivered and setup in the morning. We just moved here and don't know anyone yet, so even if we were aware, I don't know where we would have brought them. It's very frustrating.

We got the extra cage and I got a low watt bulb for one of my smaller clamp lamps. I'm going to set it up far enough on the side so she can get away from it if she needs to. I also got some Vaseline, which I'll apply.

How can I encourage her to drink? I did see her eat last night, but I haven't sen any drinking. I'd be afraid to force any liquids because I wouldn't want it accidentally in her lungs.

 

[artsyrobin]

I would think like with a chicken, drips on the beak- the problem is she is not comfortable being held- i have one like that... let me email my friend and see what she suggests

 

[Nambroth]

Ah, I am on the other side of the state. My vet is nearly a 2 hour drive one way though, so I feel your pain!

Don't force liquids. Stressing her out any more could be harmful, and aspiration happens easily. Offer her a drink in her normal bowl... if she likes leafy greens, offer her some that are still wet from washing. We don't often see our birds drink but they are doing it all the same.

Hoping the best for you two!