Severe Macaw help

[star7]

I just got a Severe Macaw (age unknown) was told older macaw.He came from a smokers home and whezzes .I give organic fruits and vegetables. Is there something I can give him to breath better?
I'm so glad I have never smoked.
Please help with this little guy.

Star7

[Mike B]

Originally Posted by star7

I just got a Severe Macaw (age unknown) was told older macaw.He came from a smokers home and whezzes .I give organic fruits and vegetables. Is there something I can give him to breath better?
I'm so glad I have never smoked.
Please help with this little guy.

Star7

Have you bathed him yet? Can you handle him? I would try, and get him in the shower for a GOOD soaking. After his bath, close the door to the bathroom. Get him out of the bath, let him perch on something. Give him a steam bath. Have you had him to the Vet?

Mike

[Monica]

In short... Injectable Baytril, Doxycycline, Nystatin, or otherwise come to mind.... which involves a vet check and best possible way to treat problem which could be anything from second-hand smoke (damages the lungs), bacterial or fungal infection, or even any numerous other "environmental" items that could be harmful (such as strong cleaning chemicals such as bleach).

I'm currently treating a bourke who has a bit of a wheeze (no clue however how it started), and I couldn't find anything on my own to help with her breathing, so a vet visit is more than likely a must, especially since you may not know what all this bird has gone through.

[The Outlaw]

Frankly, before anyone gets you side tracked, a vet check is in order. Birds with respiratory problems can crash and burn very quickly. What you are describing could be aspergilios, bacteria infection, etc. Since non of us are vets, its a waste of your time and ours to make guesses. If you love him, you'll make an appointment with an AVIAN vet, not a general vet, and have him checked out. Birds are very expensive, and free birds usually wind up costing more than pet store birds. With the weekend about to begin, I suggest you call your vet now.

[Big_Blues]

Are you sure the bird is not imitating a wheeze? My birds will cough just like I do.

[Birdsmile]

Yes get a vet check. This way you know for sure if it is a weeze or your bird is mimicking the sound. I would never take the chance with my birds.
Jack

[Winged_Victory]

Hi,

Thank you for taking the bird in?

Your bird is going to need a vet check immediately if it is truly wheezing. If it sick and wheezing it will not last long without antibiotics and and antifungal. I know it is the weekend and it is hard to find an avian vet so take a close look at the bird and watch for labored breathing and a constant wheeze, you may have to be close to the bird to hear any sound. How long has the bird been making the wheezing sound? Does the bird wheeze more after some wing flapping exercise? Can you call the previous owner and ask if the bird mimics the wheezing sound or has been sick

Living with a owner that smoked for years, the bird could have picked up the wheezing sound from the owner. My birds can mimic my cough or sneeze exactly as I sound, I hope this is the case with your bird.

Don't wait until Monday to call an avian vet!

Please keep us posted..............

[star7]

Vet appointment in progress. The owners gave this bird to someone and they did not want to take it to the vet. So, I received him. He is in a room by himself and he wheezes during the night. I do not think he is imatating from listening and watching him breath. I even put a moist air vaporizer in the room with him. He is in perfect feather , very quiet.
Thanks for all the advise.

[Winged_Victory]

From the sounds of what you are saying, I would treat your bird like he is sick until seen by an avian vet.

Keep your bird warm 85-87 degrees and keep the humidity 40-50%. Should the bird be sick you want him to use his energy to fight off an infection rather than use the energy to keep warm. Food should be high energy food, a good nut seed mixture, some natural pellets and a few fruits or veggies, high calorie food is best. What are you feeding now?

An avian vet is your best choice for seeing the bird. I would also find a regular vet that has emergency hours should you need his help.

Remember a sick that goes critical will need: heat, fluids, proper medications, food to survive.

Please keep us posted.

[star7]

I'm feeding a good seed mix. He seems to really like sunflower seeds. He seems to eat really good. Even fruits and vegetables.