amazon seizure?

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have had an amazon parrot(orange winged) for about a year now and he just loves taking a shower in the kitchen sink under the spray faucet. But 3 times now something happens to him after being in the water for a few minutes, It's almost like a seizure but I don't know, he will suddenly get still after being very active and start shivering a little and grunting and then he can't perch with his left foot he will ball it up and can't stand on it(just the left one) and this will last for a few minutes and then he will be fine. Now I'm afraid to put him under the water at all. Do you have any suggestions?

ANSWER: I think what you're seeing is his soaking his oil glands. It can look very strange.  I remember when I first saw this happen it was a pigeon sitting under the waterfall of a fountain and I thought the same thing, that it was paralyzed or sick. The bird will start out as usual, preening and fluffing in the spray or stream, but then just stop, perhaps holding his wings down slightly to the side and often turning so their butt end is under the water.  One leg or the other may be up at any given time - and they can stay like this for what seems like way too long.
 It takes quite a bit of time for the water to soak through the waterproof layers of their feathers, removing the oils that have been preened from the very same glands they're trying to soak by taking these strange stances.

As long as he recovers and nothing else is going on - he's eating, drinking, pooping and acting fine otherwise, he may have just picked up a new bathing habit.

 Take a look here for more about behaviors in parrots and lots more  www.4AnimalCare.org

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your timely response, I really appreciate any input that I can get although I don't think that this is just a form of bathing only because as soon as it happens I try to put him back in the cage but he can't perch with the left claw that is balled up, now again, this will only last for a few minutes and then he will be fine. Could it be the temperature of the water (usually cold) that sparks this problem?

ANSWER: Oh yes! I'm sorry I didn't realize the water was cold when you first mentioned it.  Yes, you could very well be describing a reaction to the cold and it makes sense since birds will pull their feet up into their body.  They lose most of their body heat through the feet and can obviously only pull one up at a time. If he's very cold, he may become anxious and these spasm like motions are his trying to prevent body heat loss.  

 The stillness in the water though is a conundrum. If not trying to let the water soak through the feathers, I really don't know why he's doing that.

 A nice warm water bath is suggested and then removal to a place where he's going to be warm while drying - absolutely out of drafts or doorways (where someone might come in).  
 
 Let me know how he is - and follow up as often as you need to ok?  I'd like to figure this out with you.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, I think that this is probably what is happening. I will give him a warm shower from now on, I didn't realize that cold water could effect him because my conures bathe in their cold water bowl all of the time, but it probably effects each bird in a different way. I'll probably also get a blood test done on him just to make sure that he is free from underlying disease but I do think that it's probably from the cold as you described. HAPPY NEW YEAR AND THANKS AGAIN

Answer
I'd like to hear how he (and you) makes out.  If you've seen our site you'll know I strongly recommend the DNA testing for peace of mind. It can't rule everything out, but it can sure help!
 
 I'll also be updating the site soon with how to make a 'heated cage' (works best if a separate sleep cage is provided) so check back later this week to my bird page
  www.4AnimalCare.org (click on the bird tab)

Good luck and may the new year be nothing but blessings !