I need help with my African Grey

[mullally]

My 14 yr. old African grey is ill. He has had large droppings. At first they were bright green with an odor. He was treated for a bacteria infection and Baytril cleared up the odor but the droppings were still not normal.

His gram stains showed slight bacterial shift towards the gram negative bacteria. His blood work has ruled out major organ diseases and his x-rays show no obvious problems. His blood cell count is normal.

He has been on Pretty bird pellets his whole life and the vet suggested that we go to a natural food. He has not taken to the natural so I have been mixing Zupreem colored food with the natural food.

His second meds were Nystatin and Clavamox and again the odor cleared up. He has been off both meds for over a week now and droppings are not green anymore, but have changed to a yellow/brownish red color, probably from the different food. And, I picked up a hint of the odor coming back. He has had a aspergillus panel and that has come back okay too. His droppings are still extremely messy and a large amount.

In addition to the "something is not right in his stool". He has become extremely aggressive. When I open the cage to clean it, he climbs down to the floor and lunges after me trying to bite me. He recently bit me so hard that I had to get a tetenis shot. He has never been aggressive as now.

He puffs up and trys to attack me all the time. I have been able to weigh him and (with a towel wrapped around my hand) and his weight is consistent at 560-579 grams.

Any advice? I have spent close to $600 at the vet trying to find out the problem. I cannot afford any more vet bills and I am at my wits end to the the behavior. I keep thinking that he isn't feeling well or he wouldn't be acting like this. My husband wants me to have him euthanized. My heart is breaking over this, but I don't want him to suffer if there is something going on that they haven't found yet. Thanks for your help.

Missy Mullally

[my-africangrey-echo]

Are you taking him to a certified avian vet?

[Astrid660]

If he's sick, that would probably explain the aggression.
Maybe you need to seek out a different veterinarian ?

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by mullally

My husband wants me to have him euthanized. My heart is breaking over this, but I don't want him to suffer if there is something going on that they haven't found yet. Thanks for your help.

Missy Mullally

there is no reason for him to be euthanized. He is biting because he has been medicated. he is not happy for all the man handling. He is just reacting normally. Not sure why you needed a shot tho?

He is at a very good weight. larger than most.

are you sure he's a male? females have larger poops sometimes when they are ready to lay eggs. they are odd looking. This time of year, they are all testy because they want to mate. I am sure that has something to do with his tude as well.

are you dealing with a board certified avian vet? if you want to pm me your vet info I can look it up.

My greys have varied sizes of poops all day.... depending on what they eat.
more watery items will make a mess.
here is a link to poopology.
The Grey Roost

please keep us updated.

[Ashling]

I'm so sorry she's sick. I agree with Lisa, maybe you should try another vet? If they hadn't even said anything about being female, hormonal or anything of such importance, you can't expect them to know much about medicating a sensitive bird! Oh and you wouldn't euthanize a sick kid, and neither should you kill a fid for being sick! I really hope it turns out well. Keep us updated please! Take care.