URGENT PLEASE RESPOND

[tka]

Ask the vet about what tests they'd recommend for faeces. There is a general one for larger parasites and a more specialised one for giardia - there may be more that I'm not aware of. After examining your bird, the vet may be able to rule out some potential issues and want to investigate others in more depth. You can ask them any questions you have, ask them to explain what they're doing during the examination, and ask them about any tests they'd like to run and why. A competent professional will be happy to explain their reasoning.

Take a photo of your bird's cage and take it with you to show them.

Make a full list of what your bird is eating. If it's a seed mix, make a list of what's in it - if it's a reputable brand like Tidymix, you should be able to find a list on the website. Make a list of the vegetables and fruits that your bird eats, and note the quantities and proportions.

Take along any photos of poo that you want the vet to be aware of.

I've given you details for two exotics vets in Birmingham, one of whom is an Advanced Practitioner in zoo medicine. Have you contacted them yet?

 

[Mantis64]

Yes

 

[tka]

And were you able to set up an appointment?

 

[Mantis64]

Not yet

 

[tka]

Try calling them. Emails often get bumped to the bottom of the list of priorities, especially on a busy day.

 

[Mantis64]

Try calling them. Emails often get bumped to the bottom of the list of priorities, especially on a busy day.

Okay will do

 

[tka]

Okay, try that and let us know if you get an appointment.

 

[Mantis64]

Guys I have contacted them but I dont want to go yet not because I dont have money or I dont think my bird is ill but because of coronavirus I haven't been outside in months because one my of my family members is extremely vulnerable and all my siblings have asthma. I disinfect any shopping that comes into my house and my bird is getting frozen fruit and chop normally every week I get him fresh fruits and veg. Do you think it's too risky to leave it for a few more weeks untill coronavirus gets less.

Also for some reason he doesnt eat the nut of the Brazil nut rather the outer coating that is quite hard he tends to drop the nut probably by mistake.

He hasn't done any more poops like that but do you think I should take him asap or could I wait untill coronavirus gets less.

 

[enigma731]

You need to take him to the vet. The vet will be taking precautions to keep you safe. Follow whatever the recommended precautions are in your area and go.

 

[Mantis64]

You need to take him to the vet. The vet will be taking precautions to keep you safe. Follow whatever the recommended precautions are in your area and go.

Do you thinks it's a good idea to get insurance as well. And anyone in the uk what is a good parrot insurance.

 

[Ali]

Exotic direct

 

[tka]

Ask the vet what precautions they take. Some are doing kerbside drop-offs, where they take the bird in to examine them and talk to you on the phone while they do so. You can email them photos etc for them to look at.

With the lifting of restrictions, vets are starting to open up but are doing things like staggering times so only one person is in the waiting room. Call them and ask about their procedures, and talk it over with your family so you make the decision as a group.

Insurance-wise: most policies kick in around 14 days after taking out the policy and cannot be applied retroactively. You'd also need to check carefully what they don't cover (for example, plucking where there isn't a physical cause) and whether you need to pay a certain amount before the insurance provider covers the rest. If you're under 18, you probably won't be able to enter into a legal agreement and an older relative may have to take out the policy.

 

[Mantis64]

No I'm not under 18 and thanks for the advice and support everyone. I dont know what I would do without this forum and you guys.

 

[Tiel Feathers]

I hope everything goes well! Maybe you should stop giving him the Brazil nuts if he’s eating only the hard shell and not the nut anyway.

 

[Mantis64]

Guys could I also get DNA testing from the vets and a nail trim

 

[Mizzely]

Yes

 

[Mantis64]

Also sorry I keep asking questions with most diseases and illness are they curable.

 

[Mizzely]

Just like people, it depends on many factors. Age, prior health, genetics, all play into it.

 

[enigma731]

Please just take him to the vet. Make a list of all these questions and ask them there. If you keep waiting, eventually you are going to be faced with a true emergency.

 

[tka]

Also sorry I keep asking questions with most diseases and illness are they curable.

It's impossible to say without knowing what disease or illness you're talking about. Even something like, for example, heart disease can be caused by different things and occur with different degrees of severity. Then, as @Mizzely said, you have to factor in the individual, their medical history, their physical condition, their genes, age and so on.

Just think of the broad range of diseases and illnesses humans can get. You can't make a generalisation whether all diseases can be cured. You can't even make a generalisation about one set of diseases, like cancers or diabetes. Similarly, you can't make generalisations for illness or disease in birds. There are some things that are easily treatable. There are some things that are going to be chronic. There are some things that can be managed with medication and good husbandry. There are some things that will be fatal.