Rehomed Congo

[savagem13]

Well, just finished quarantining my rescued blue front amazon, when the perfect grey came along. Wasn't planning on getting another bird so soon, but a grey is the last "dream" bird on my wish list--after my rescued Goffins and Amazon. Anyway, Optimus (might need to change the name :)) is sweet, talks, and is supposed to be 6 years old. He has a deformed foot, which the woman I got him from (Craigslist) said he had when she got him. Looks like a birth defect to me. Anyway, this woman was very nice, and obviously loved Optimus very much. But she is moving to Florida in 2 months and moving in with her elderly mom. Felt she couldn't take her two cats, ailing dog, AND Optimus along. Optimus' feathers are a bit rough--he has bald patches on his chest and his shoulders. I can see pinfeathers coming in on the chest. Woman said that he has been this way for about 18 months, and that her vet felt it wasn't PBFD (first thing I asked about). However, he hasn't been tested. She did smoke, and the house smelled like smoke, so I assume she smokes inside. She said her vet felt the nicotine might have something to do with the bird's feather trouble, as well as the dry air in her house. She also said he didn't pluck. His diet was Zupreem and seeds, and a variety of fresh foods.

So, my questions--do you all think her vet was correct about the PBFD? I have many other birds and can't risk losing them. Optimus will quarantine in my garage (has windows and plenty of light and room), at least until the weather starts to turn. He will be tested for at least PBFD and Chlamydia.

Also, we had about a 3 hour ride home, and he rode most of the way on the back of my seat. When I got home, I noticed vomited sunflower seeds on my car seat. I assume he got car sick? Never seen that happen in a bird, but I assume that stress combined with a too long car ride could very well induce vomiting?

Any suggestions on how to get his feathers back in shape? Also, I noticed some chipping spots on his cage. It's a pretty nice Kaytee cage, and is supposed to be only 1 + years old. I really don't want to replace it right away. Is there some paint I can use to spray the chipping areas to get a bit more life out of the cage? And how difficult would it be to get Optimus tested for Zinc poisoning, just in case?

[Tom Lawless]

Congratulations on what looks like might be a great little bird. I can't speak about anything but the sunflower vomit. My Bing (CAG) got sick in the car and through up a seed or two a couple of weeks ago so think car sickness can be an issue with these guys.

It sounds like a good, thorough vet check is in order if for no other reason than peace of mind. Make sure you wash real good between handling the different birds and all of those other quarantine procedures since you still have some questions about his medical history. I'm sure it's nothing but why take chances?

Good luck, have fun and keep us posted on his progress and any reports you get from the vet.

[Bellco]

Grats!! I would say go to your vet that you trust and start from there. Your vet should know what needs to be done and rule out any disease or issues.

[Lisa B]

all the things you mentioned could have an effect on your grey. her smoking might be a big one. They can and do get car sick. try to notice if you see any more vomit in the next few days.
Dont spray the cage with anything. Prob not worth it.
The zinc test is on the expencive side. just went through it with my grey.
Go to your vet, talk about whats going on, and see what he suggests.
Its good to see you doing quarenteen. Please note this little grey is probably very afraid and need some extra reassuance of whats going on. dont be surprised if she does pluck a bit with the change and move.
I would love to see pics of her when you are able.
And I have had a few with bad feet as well. you might have to make some changes to make things easier on her with perches and stuff if she is not comfortable.

[savagem13]

OK, here are some pics of Optimus. As you can see, he doesn't have any trouble perching. He is small for a congo. Don't know a weight yet, but he definitely looks small to me. But you can see how rough his feathers are.

[savagem13]

Also wanted to add that, I don't think she had Optimus DNA sexed, because to me that looks like a female?

[Tobysmom]

all i have to say is congrats everyone said the best thing the vet...he will rule out things

[Lisa B]

looks like plucking to be honest. but go ahead with your plans on testing.
I also say male.
no way to 100% visualize them. DNA is the only way despite what people say.
I have a male with silver tips, round eyes, and head.

[Akasha]

Congratulations on your new grey. He looks beautiful to me. I'd also guess that he's plucking- being in a smoking environment could have led him to this. Good that you got him out of it. Try spraying him with 100% aloe vera juice for a couple of weeks- soak him with it completely once a day early in the day. Vet check is also a must if you have other birds in the house. He's going to take some time and patience to adjust to all the changes but it will be worth it!

[Tom Lawless]

Even with the rough looking feathers he looks like a nice little guy. There are products on the market that are supposed to help with plucking. One is by Kings Cages and I've heard mostly good reviews about it. I also hear it is a bit expensive. Avitech also has a product too. Your vet can probably make better recommendations than me.

Thanks for the pictures.