"Quaviary" Build

[Nabiki]

Unfortunately, now one of my other birds has started developing similar symptoms as poor Pearl did… I changed the feeders, so I know it’s not their food. Still feeding 20% Flock Raiser, as I have been for years. I noticed her moving a bit more slowly than usual a few weeks ago, and now it’s progressed to the point where she sort of “scoots” forward on her chest when she tries to run. She’s still eating and drinking. I picked her up and examined her, she’s not thin, abdomen doesn’t feel distended, crop wasn’t over-full. Thankfully she doesn’t have any sores/wounds on her chest (yet) but I’m worried it will progress to the point that Pearl was at when we had to euthanize her… Marek’s is the only other thing I can think of. And at this point, the whole flock would have been exposed. If she passes, I’ll definitely do a necropsy this time to confirm one way or another. I guess I don’t need advice… I’m just sad. She’s over 2 years old, which I guess is a decent life, but I read they could live to be 5+. Everyone else is doing really well, thankfully

Is she a jumbo? Jumbos often experience health issues due to their size. The necropsy is definitely a good idea so you know what's going on.

I have a "retirement" pen with some very old birds in there. I just lost my oldest who was about 5 two weeks ago.

 

[eddie_van_quailen]

Is she a jumbo? Jumbos often experience health issues due to their size. The necropsy is definitely a good idea so you know what's going on.

I have a "retirement" pen with some very old birds in there. I just lost my oldest who was about 5 two weeks ago.

Yeah, I’ve wondered if genetics might be part of the reason they haven’t aged well. Pearl was a jumbo pearl and Jenny (the one who’s declining) is a jumbo falb fee. I know genetics selected for certain colors aren’t always the most robust. My jumbo browns are going as strong as ever at the same age (2 years & 3 months). Either way, I’ll be sure to report back what the necropsy says.

 

[lindy]

so sorry you lost your two birds. what did you test for?

 

[eddie_van_quailen]

so sorry you lost your two birds. what did you test for?

I haven’t actually sent out for the necropsy yet… she’s still alive and with us, and she’s actually been pretty stable for the time being As long as she has some quality of life we’ll let her stay… she’s still very wobbly and clearly having neuro issues, but I put some fluffy pine shavings down in the aviary and she’s still able to get to the food and water, I’ve seen her eating/drinking and even dust-bathing (attempting to, anyway), and no one is bullying her. So we’re kind of in a holding pattern, I guess… but when she passes or we have to euthanize her, I will definitely send her remains for necropsy and report back here what it says. If she worsens we will end her suffering.

 

[lindy]

I haven’t actually sent out for the necropsy yet… she’s still alive and with us, and she’s actually been pretty stable for the time being As long as she has some quality of life we’ll let her stay… she’s still very wobbly and clearly having neuro issues, but I put some fluffy pine shavings down in the aviary and she’s still able to get to the food and water, I’ve seen her eating/drinking and even dust-bathing (attempting to, anyway), and no one is bullying her. So we’re kind of in a holding pattern, I guess… but when she passes or we have to euthanize her, I will definitely send her remains for necropsy and report back here what it says. If she worsens we will end her suffering.

o thats good, wonder what it was? maybe it was the feed? and you caught it fast enough for the second one? what feeders are you using if you dont mind me asking and do you like them.

 

[eddie_van_quailen]

o thats good, wonder what it was? maybe it was the feed? and you caught it fast enough for the second one? what feeders are you using if you dont mind me asking and do you like them.

I have no idea what caused/is causing it, that’s ideally what the necropsy will tell me

We use PVC gravity feeders, and I like them just fine, but they can be somewhat difficult to clean. We shortened the pipes to make it easier and fixed the mold issue. I’m not convinced the mold actually caused Pearl’s issues anymore, now that another is sick 3+ months later. And no one else is symptomatic.