So, we got out Orange Winged Sweetheart in May. I dont think she had fruits and vegetables before as she refused any and all at the beginning. She was on pellets and also seeds, she also got toast every single day. I remember telling the woman how bad seed diets were.. but she insisted I take the bag as she loved it. I obviously never gave her the seeds.. in fact I forgot about them and recently got a nice meal moth infestation. Anyways.. we were told she was about 10 from the previous owner. I think she was pretty much cage bound for those years as she had no idea how to play.. or even climb a ladder.
She is a gentle and sweet bird. She began to forge, started using chew toys and is always with us. I stopped the toast from the beginning and she now eats celery, peas, apples and peppers. We keep trying every day.
As most know, we got a 2nd Amazon a little over a month ago. She hates him. He isnt clipped and is always flying to her and she absolutely freaks.
This past week she stopped maintaining her feathers. Even after her bath. She fell off her perch a couple of times. She sleeps so much these days and is always puffed. Because of Christmas, its been hard to get an appointment, but we got one for today.
She was seen today and she is sick. Her liver is absolutely massive on tge xray, she is missing something at the back of her beak (I forget what it is called) there is white plaque which also indicates a vitamin a deficiency. Her nails and beak were already overgrown since her trim in May. They hear wheezing. There was plaque build up in her one nostril. The bird may be a lot older than 10.
The vet said this is from years of neglect and in the time we got her we couldn't reverse it. She also thinks the bird has a respiratory infection so she is being tested for absolutely everything. Including chlamydia. We won't get that result back for 2 weeks. The other tests will be a couple of days.She doesn't want to put her on anti fungal or anything for possible chlamydia if she doesn't have it as she said it can cause other issues.
She was put on a vitamin supplement, Milk thistle and antibiotics. With all of that, she should get better.. but we can't reverse fatty liver. Her life will be shortened and the other parrot is a big stressor.
We will rehome our new fellow (after her results are back.. obviously if she has something contagious we will have him tested and treated). It is devastating. I absolutely love the little guy and my kids are crying. He is such a character. But I also know she needs a calm environment and proper care. I don't regret for a second getting her.. like I told the vet, the money doesn't matter.. I just want to help her. And I want him to live happy and able to be free to do his acrobatics and antics.
But I do think people need to be reminded how fragile birds are. They dont need French fries for treats, or toast for breakfast. They really need to be out, and moving around.. clipped or not (not here for that debate). They cannot be bound to a cage and they need proper vet care. Birds are not a cheaper option for a "pet". They are companion animals.
If you have a little burb that may not be getting that right now.. do it. Stop the junk food. Forget the seeds.. and get them out and moving. I'm so heartbroken for both birds tonight.
She is a gentle and sweet bird. She began to forge, started using chew toys and is always with us. I stopped the toast from the beginning and she now eats celery, peas, apples and peppers. We keep trying every day.
As most know, we got a 2nd Amazon a little over a month ago. She hates him. He isnt clipped and is always flying to her and she absolutely freaks.
This past week she stopped maintaining her feathers. Even after her bath. She fell off her perch a couple of times. She sleeps so much these days and is always puffed. Because of Christmas, its been hard to get an appointment, but we got one for today.
She was seen today and she is sick. Her liver is absolutely massive on tge xray, she is missing something at the back of her beak (I forget what it is called) there is white plaque which also indicates a vitamin a deficiency. Her nails and beak were already overgrown since her trim in May. They hear wheezing. There was plaque build up in her one nostril. The bird may be a lot older than 10.
The vet said this is from years of neglect and in the time we got her we couldn't reverse it. She also thinks the bird has a respiratory infection so she is being tested for absolutely everything. Including chlamydia. We won't get that result back for 2 weeks. The other tests will be a couple of days.She doesn't want to put her on anti fungal or anything for possible chlamydia if she doesn't have it as she said it can cause other issues.
She was put on a vitamin supplement, Milk thistle and antibiotics. With all of that, she should get better.. but we can't reverse fatty liver. Her life will be shortened and the other parrot is a big stressor.
We will rehome our new fellow (after her results are back.. obviously if she has something contagious we will have him tested and treated). It is devastating. I absolutely love the little guy and my kids are crying. He is such a character. But I also know she needs a calm environment and proper care. I don't regret for a second getting her.. like I told the vet, the money doesn't matter.. I just want to help her. And I want him to live happy and able to be free to do his acrobatics and antics.
But I do think people need to be reminded how fragile birds are. They dont need French fries for treats, or toast for breakfast. They really need to be out, and moving around.. clipped or not (not here for that debate). They cannot be bound to a cage and they need proper vet care. Birds are not a cheaper option for a "pet". They are companion animals.
If you have a little burb that may not be getting that right now.. do it. Stop the junk food. Forget the seeds.. and get them out and moving. I'm so heartbroken for both birds tonight.