Bird Emergency Highway 911

[NikkiLev]

Just had a question. I have a clutch of lovebirds that I have been hand feeding basically from day one. The second of the clutch was fine up until a few days ago. He just recently started to not take his entire feeding and is far to young to wean never mind that he isn't eating on his own at all. When I feed him he acts hungry takes 2cc's then stops and stands up really straight almost seems to be sneezing and wobbles. Then after a while seems to return to typical behavior but is loosing weight too. I am very concerned. I plan to take him to the vet but unfortunately the only one around is the emergency vet and I would really like a direction to point them in so they do not try to give me the run around just to ring up the bill. PLEASE any advice, I have never had this happen in all the clutches we have had.

[birdlvr466]

Nikki could his crop possibly be impacted? Can you see if his crop is emptying completely between feedings? I am not familiar with feeding baby birds so I cant give you much advice. Hopefully some more experienced baby bird feeders can give you some advice.

[WingedVictory]

More experienced people that raise birds from day one should be on the thread to help you shortly. Two things come to mind from you description, a possible yeast or bacterial infection in the crop that does not allow the bird to take a full feeding or the crop is slow and slightly impacted. Having other birds there you can compare them and see what might be going on. What many breeders do is add a couple of drops of ACV or 1 drop of GSE to hand feeding formula for a slow crop. If it has progressed you may need an antibiotic or antifungal. We use ACV here.

gary

[Greycloud]

His crop could be impacted or I have seen babies do this if they gobble or fed to fast. They stand up straight and stretch their neck to try and get the food down. Try feeding slower, keep him warm, which I'm sure you are already doing. You need to make sure the crop is empty before you feed again, otherwise they end up with sour crop. If no improvement or he presents with a slow crop I would seek an avian vet's advice.

[srtiels]

My first thought is what are you using to handfeed with...such as syringe, and type/style of syringe, and how far into the mouth/throat. Alos if you press the crop when empty or almost empty between your fingers the crop tissue and skin should feel like the thickness of a folded paper towel. If the skin feels thicker their could be a possiblity of yeast building up inside the crop.

Also part the feathers on the crop and look at the skin. Compare the skin color to another chick as to color, etc. What you do not want to see is prominant red veins. if these are present and there is a build-up of yeast/bacteria in the crop this can get absorbed through the vascular wall of the veins and into the bloodstream and go systemic (meaning throughout the bloodstream and body)

Also open the chicks mouth, and compare this to another chick that is fine. Does the inside of the mouth look clean and a healthy color? No white build-up around/under the tongue or throat?

[NikkiLev]

Will try all of this. Should I try the ACV or GSE or just try the feeding slower first?

[NikkiLev]

no prominent red veins, color of skin and mouth looks healthy. Crop is empty but as I said I cannot get him to finish a full feeding without stretching out and bobbling. They eat by syringe but it barely goes in their mouth.

[Prince Toasty Buns]

Originally Posted by NikkiLev

Just had a question. I have a clutch of lovebirds that I have been hand feeding basically from day one. The second of the clutch was fine up until a few days ago. He just recently started to not take his entire feeding and is far to young to wean never mind that he isn't eating on his own at all. When I feed him he acts hungry takes 2cc's then stops and stands up really straight almost seems to be sneezing and wobbles. Then after a while seems to return to typical behavior but is loosing weight too. I am very concerned. I plan to take him to the vet but unfortunately the only one around is the emergency vet and I would really like a direction to point them in so they do not try to give me the run around just to ring up the bill. PLEASE any advice, I have never had this happen in all the clutches we have had.

As BL466 & Gary said, the bird's problem could be crop impaction (etc.) but also could be a few other things.

How old is he? Where do you live if you don't mind saying? Have any pics you can share of him, nestbox, brooder, cage, etc.? What do his droppings look like (Gary might be able to visually analyze them for you from a pic, for the most part)? What name brand formula are you using and how do you store it? How do you feed? Intervals? Temp. of food? Thickness of food? Usual # of ccs or mls he eats? Temp. of feeding area? Etc.

The avian vet visit is probably the best way to handle your current situation.

If simply a crop infection, your little Lovie should be ok if treated quickly and properly. I use the prescription anti-fungal Nystatin (suggest everyone who allows breeding or hand feeds (etc.) have this med on hand). Others use ACV and etc.

If the infection (if there is one) hasn't gotten into the bloodstream or any other organs/areas other than the interior crop, the contact anti-fungal should knock it out. If it has gotten into the bird's system then a systemic anti-fungal like Diflucan (fluconazole) or similar (from your vet) may be needed. If bacterial, Baytril should work (although Baytril is more dangerous for very young birds) - your vet will advise what is best prescription med to use.

Curious as to your answer to BL466's question about crop emptying time?

Will send this for now before distracted by other happenings around my place here. Will also wait for your responses to other questions.

[srtiels]

First check the crop and mouth to determine if there is a problem going on there, and also what/how you are using to feed with.

If you have any plain yogurt you can add some of this to the formula.

Also check the crop size...it is rare with lovebirds (common with tiels) such as an overstretched crop. If the crop is overstretched the food will hang lower than the opening to deliver the food to the body. If you watch the crop, several times a minute you should see the muscles churning the crop contents. Check to see if you can see this. If the crop is stretched, and there is no muscle activity, do NOT use ACV. From my personal experience it hinders and weakens these muscles.

[NikkiLev]

Alright well crop is empty and never completely full because can't get the full feeding. They are in a temperature controlled brooder made by Tweety Bird Aviary if you search their website there are pictures. They are currently eating the Exact handfeeding formula. I just tried feeding him by spoon to help him regulate it a bit more on his own. As soon as he got a bit in his mouth he started having trouble shaking his head and making a little almost pip sound. Once he settles down he reverts to typical behavior but clearly something is wrong and since he is not eating enough he is loosing weight. They have been eating just recently 8am,12pm,4pm,8pm,&12am although the 12am feeding is being dropped. I would just like to get a direction to point the vet in before I go. I do not have any pics of droppings, they are about 4 weeks old, there are some pictures in the photo forum of them. We are in NH.