Urgent Macaw lying down on his chest

[Maggu]

Hello everyone.
I need advice of birds specialist.
My Alexander (Gold and Blue macaw) suddenly began lie down on his chest since 5 days. He does this in the morning and in the evening.
Photo attached.
I just want to know is it normal or should I start to worry?
His droppings are normal so far. And his behaviour also the same as before.
But yesterday I noticed small lump on the side of his tale, it is skin color and it doesnt bother him, because when I touch it he didn't react. I can assume that it could be feather cyst. Of course Alexander didn't let me to take photo of it.
We live in Muscat Oman and vet clinics here are specialized on cats and dogs only. So ever if I take him there I don't think they will be able to help me.

 

[geff]

Do you know the Alexander's gender, cock or hen ?

 

[Maggu]

According to DNA test he is male.

 

[Shezbug]

@Hankmacaw, @Macawnutz I can not think of who else to tag......argh.

My bird does this but only when he is snuggling in on my knee for a quick nap or for a short time while he is playing but never for long.

 

[Macawnutz]

Any change in behavior with a bird should be cause for concern. Birds naturally hide illnesses until they can not hide it any longer.

If this was solely the laying down behavior and everything else seemed as it should I would ask more questions and also request a video however... you have a second concern. That lump could be an infected feather follicle, it could be a cyst or it could be a small mass. You are going to have to do your best to find a vet with some common bird sense. Many of us have to drive quite far to find a vet for our birds, I would start making some calls.

Regarding the laying down, can you get a video? Do you weigh your sweetie?

 

[Maggu]

He is 1kg. I just check his weight. He is always in this weight.

 

[Macawnutz]

Check his weight everyday at the same time. The best time is in the morning before breakfast and after the first morning poop.

You are looking for a difference of only 10-20 grams to have concern so a round number like 1kg needs more attention.

 

[Maggu]

I am trying to upload video, but it doesn't go through.

 

[Macawnutz]

You have to upload to youtube or similar and then link it.

 

[Maggu]

Log into Facebook | Facebook
Thus is video of Alexander

 

[Macawnutz]

Unfortunately it's really not enough to go on. I don't see any sexual behaviors to say this is a behavioral pose.

My opinion is to seek a vet. Any change in behavior should really be cause for that and with the lump I think it's your best option.

 

[Maggu]

I already called to vet clinic. Hopfully we will take him on Thursday as the doctor who treats parrots will be available on this day.

 

[Karen]

Can we see a picture of the lump?

 

[Maggu]

I tried to take photo but Alexander didn't let me do it. I don't want to force him. When I will go to the vet I will try to take some photos there.

 

[Hankmacaw]

That is unusual behavior for a macaw. I hope your vet can determine something. Ask questions and ask questions until you are satisfied.

My male started sleeping lying down, but not until he was 34 years old and quite ill. I wouldn't ignore this if I were you. Sarah's GW female slept laying down, but she was 70 years plus

 

[rockybird]

Please let us know what the vet says. It does not look normal to me. Is he limping or standing on one foot? Maybe the cyst is painful or infected and laying this way relieves pressure somehow? Hopefully it is something easily treated.