Skinny (But Happy) Timneh

[Jeffreybomb]

We've got a TAG who's a little on the skinny side. A local bird shop owner recommended we mix in some seed with the Zupreem pellet food we've been giving him since we've had him. However, after a few weeks, he doesn't really seem to be putting on any weight.

He eats; if he's out and about (on a playstand or the couch or what-have-you), he lets himself back into the cage and merrily begins chomping away over his food bowls. He doesn't turn his nose up at anything -- he's willing to try just about everything we put in front of him. He's especially fond of millet and AviCakes.

He's developed a bit of an attitude while eating, too! If we give him a piece of food to try out, he grabs it with his beak, runs away, and begins feeding himself with his claw. If he thinks you're going to try to take it from him, he squawks, runs away again, and when he's convinced the coast is clear, starts shredding again!

Other than his skinny appearance, we're convinced Pico is quite happy! We both know that birds are very skilled at hiding small health problems until it's a big problem, but he's never given us reason to worry. He's very chatty, loves imitating sounds, and plays quite regularly. He never seems run-down or tired (aside from when the night winds down and we all head to bed). He's pretty behaviorally sound.

How can we get his weight up a little bit? Is he just burning it off because he's such an active little troublemaker?

[Sashagirl]

Jeff

If I were you take that TAG to an avian vet A.S.A.P have a complete exam.Something could be wrong with him but how would you know unless you take him to an avian vet.And do you have other birds?Did you quarantine him?I know to the human eye you can't see a sick bird until it's too late.Don't wait too long.I hope this helps.

[bb100]

First make sure you take him to a Avian Vet to make sure there is no underlying cause. If you have already done that & all checks out than try offering him additional things like Nuts (walnuts, almonds etc), Pasta (they love it), mashed sweet potatoes (you can add veggies/pellets to it) and brown rice. The seed suggestion is fine so long as you don't make it a total seed diet. Be patient as he may not eat everything initially offered but they do come eventually end up realizing it tastes good.

He maybe totally fine as I have the opposite with my CAG being well over 660+ grams. He was the one of the largest my Breeder produced and he checks out fine every year.

[Lisa B]

Dang, Max is a big boy!!!



I would also check for underlying issues with your vet. Thats the most important. Once they give you go ahead he is healty then ya can try to fatten him up a bit. However, I have 3 cags, and my one boy Sydney is a skinny thing, with lots of strength. He is about 417 grams. Sister Emma is 354 grams adn Stirling tops us off at 430ish. Then there is Max(see above post )

[Jeffreybomb]

Thanks, guys! We're going to take him to the vet for a check-up. We're definitely going to ask about his weight and appearance while we're there.

Pico is our first AG, so we want to make sure we're doing everything right. He looks great so far! We were in a bird store in the suburbs earlier this month and felt better about his appearance after a woman walked in with a frazzled-looking CAG.

Again, thanks for the input.