Need quick help. Is it time for Vet visit?

[JohnNJ]

I have a 25 week old male Congo African Grey parrot. He weighed 472g on 9/22 and 460g on 9/27. He has been eating less lately.

Last night and this morning he has only picked at fruit and his Goldenfeast, two favorites. He is not playing as usual. He is sleeping now with his head turned, one leg up and puffed up.

My instinct tells me something is not right. I'm just not sure if taking him to the Vet will cause a bigger problem by stressing him out.

I need opinions from experienced bird people, not guesses.

Could it be the change of season, onset of molting, etc.? Something they all go through from time to time and recover from. Or is a Vet visit necessary?

Thanks for the help.
JohnNJ

[becca623]

A vet visit would be a good place to start. Whenever I've had doubts, off to the vet we go. If there is something wrong, the earlier it's treated the better. Something could very well be wrong. Birds are great at masking illnesses so when we notice something off, it's better to act fast.

[Greycloud]

Becca is right! Birds mask thier illness. as a 25 week old he should be pretty busy and investigative. Yes, he does need naps but being all fluffed up and reduced weight and appetitite is a definite road trip to the avian vet. Don't wait. There have been so many babies passing of late on here and other forums. It is not worth the risk!

[chinniechantel]

Please go to the vet. You will not forgive yourself if you do not. Puffing up is a sign of illness and like stated they hide things so well. I wish you the best of luck.

[JohnNJ]

I called and my wife is dropping him off.

The avian vet is in surgery all day but he said I could bring the bird in and he would examine him between surgeries. I'll get a call before they do anything.

I hate to put the baby through the whole exam thing which, I'm sure, will include a blood test. I am extremely upset about this.

FYI, his eyes are clear, no nasal discharge, no trouble breathing, no feather loss, no coughing or chest sounds. His feet and beak are not hot or cold. His poop is normal.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHH!!!
This SUCKS!!!

Thanks for the help.

[becca623]

Best of luck! Better to be safe than sorry! I haven't found going to the vet to be that stressful for my birds. They enjoy the long car ride and the special snacks they receive on the ride home.

[Monica]

Moving him around or taking him to an A-Vet can certainly cause more stress, thus making him feel worse, but if he really is sick, how else is he supposed to get treatment so he can get better?


Hope all is well.

[JohnNJ]

Originally Posted by Monica

Moving him around or taking him to an A-Vet can certainly cause more stress, thus making him feel worse, but if he really is sick, how else is he supposed to get treatment so he can get better?

He is at the Vet now. I'm waiting for a phone call.

[Valo's Moirana]

Originally Posted by JohnNJ

My instinct tells me something is not right. I'm just not sure if taking him to the Vet will cause a bigger problem by stressing him out.

I need opinions from experienced bird people, not guesses.

even experienced people have to guess regarding other people's birds... you know your bird best, and if you can tell sth's not right, it's time to go the vet...


i hope the vet has good news

[JohnNJ]

UPDATE:

Vet said he is the sweetest CAG he has seen. Of course!!!

He is starting Anit-B's for a bacterial infection while we wait for the results of a culture and fecal exam. No blood work or x-rays yet.

Hopefully the meds will work quickly and there are no surprises.

Thanks for the help.
JohnNJ