8 month old congo.

Question
about a week ago, my youngest brother got himself an African Grey, Adik, from a dealer. the dealer told my brother it will slowly get acquainted with us in about a week. so, we kept Adik in its cage and havent been let out at all. it was very quiet until the 2nd day when it started chirping. however, after the 3rd day, i notice that its dropping is greenish in colour and sometimes diluted. just today, it was of a very dark green. also, throughout the day, it fluffs itself over about 20 mins each time.

could it be that it is sick and we need to get it to the vet? or is it natural since Adik was just introduced to a new home?

we keep Adik in a very well ventilated area with bird food and water. since the 1st day it came home, we washed down the whole cage once and change its cage paper every morning.

we are 1st time bird owner and are all very excited about Adik. i think that the enthusiasm might freaked Adik abit because my brother would go up to it and start talking to it loudly. but besides that, we are eager to grow with Adik and make him part of the family. for now, i am very worried about it.

can you please advise?


thank you so much.

FarahJ.

Answer
The droppings are normal because he is frightened, but if they don't change within a week, I would talk to your vet. He may be fluffing himself up to look large because he is afraid of you, but if he is staying fluffed when you're not even in the room, I would take him to the vet for a check-up. With any new bird, it's a good idea to get a 48 hour warranty so that you have time to take him to the vet because if the vet finds something wrong with the bird, the dealer has to pay the bills. It sounds like you're doing a great job taking care of Adik and he can sense the excitement. For now, he is afraid of your excitement but as he gets used to his new home, he will realize that you are happily excited and it's nothing he needs to worry about and he will soon join in! I recommend, since you have never owned a bird before, purchasing the new guide to owning a parrot by Mattie Sue Athan. It has food recommendations, cage and toy advice, training methods that work, and some other great things.
Good luck with your new bird and please let me know if I can help you any more