a little worried about Benji

[jimpierce7]

The little man has me a bit concerned. He has been sleeping A LOT these last couple of days. He has even been ok with me holding him and petting him.
His poop looks normal. He is eating a lot too. Even after/while I cover them at night.
If he doesn't perk up soon I won't be waiting for the well bird check up. E-filed my taxes last night. I do the check ups with my returns.
Anybody have any ideas?

[mayaexquisite]

Illnesses are one of the things I don't have much experience with (and hope to keep it that way *crosses fingers*)... but if the behavior is abnormal, I agree with not waiting to go to the vet. I hope he perks up soon as well!!

How much is "a lot" of sleeping? How much did he used to sleep and how much is he sleeping now?

With the eating, perhaps he's nutrient deficient? Birds are very good at knowing what they need and try to get that into their system... What is Benji's diet?

[gbird]

I can honestly say that Jims birds are so well taken care of. It's a mystery, and I will keep little Benji in my prayers.

Keep us updated Jim.

[jimpierce7]

Benji's diet is Mike's manna mash and Volkman's with millet and quinoa added to it. He seems to want to sleep all the time. Except when he is eating. It is like he is molting. At least that is how he was during a hard molt. Except for letting me pet him. His eyes look alert and normal when he is awake. As close as he and Cricket are I would think if one is sick the other would be too?

[mayaexquisite]

It's possible if the two spend lots of time together... maybe separate Benji for the time being, until you find out what's up?

I've never experienced a big molt with my birds... I'm guessing because of our climate or something? Mika and Kano only lose a feather here and there and that's it. So I don't have any experience as to how they behave during molting... But sleeping, unless eating, sounds kind of excessive to me?? Are you able to call your vet and ask if he feels it's a real concern?

Hmmm... I had never heard of Mike's Manna Mash so I looked it up. Which one do you give? The one with aaaaaaaaaaaaaall those different fruits, veggies, and beans or the quarter recipe with just the beans, peas, and rice? The full recipe seems to have lots of variety so I wouldn't think malnutrition would be a problem... but perhaps with the quarter recipe, there needs to be more fruit and veggie variety in the diet.

[jimpierce7]

I'm off to the emergency room with Benji. Poor little guy was on the bottom of the cage this morning. Sleeping, not laid over or anything. There he is eating away though all puffed up. I can tell by his pathetic chatter he really isn't doing well at all!! Pray for him folks.

[expressmailtome]

Good luck! I hope that if it is anything it is only something minor. In my prayers.

Matt

[kellywess]

Will keep you and Benji in my thoughts today. Best wishes coming your way.

[shosh]

Sincerest prayers for Benji!!! I do hope the little guy will be alright!!

[jimpierce7]

I didn't even take time to weigh him before I took off. He has dropped a couple grams in the last couple of days. Basically I spent 90 bucks to be told to wait until the Avian clinic opens tomorrow. The vet did not think it was critical.
She thinks his poop is looking too green. She also thinks his abdomen is swollen a bit much for as light as he is. Any way, he goes back to see his vet in the AM below is the write up for today's visit.