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my alexandrian parrot is very sick

21 16:29:01

Question
QUESTION: hi i am upset i took my alexandrian parrot to the vet and found out he is very sick i have now brought him home and he is takin medicine, the vet said his outlook is bleak is there anything i can do to help him in any way im so upset
ANSWER: What did the vet say was wrong?

What is the medication ?

How old is the bird?



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QUESTION: he is a year old, the vet isnt sure what is wrong with him but he is making a clicking noise and is very weak and low in weight and is now sat on the bottom of the cage i dont think he is goin to make another day, the vet has given him 2.5% baytril and metacam, he has also had an antibiotic
ANSWER:  It does sound ominous and I'm so sorry for what you must be going through in watching this.
 Still, I've seen birds pull through some amazing things.

Is your vet an avian vet?  Did he take a crop culture? Droppings culture?

If, by the time you get this, your bird is still with us, provide a heat source (very important) in the way of a heating pad clipped to the OUTSIDE of the cage next to where she sits (use clothespins, avoiding clipping any wires) - set it on low and remove it immediately if you see her try to bite at it.
 You may also provide "rice socks" for warmth.  Use any clean sock (preferably cotton or cotton blend) and fill 3/4 with plain white, raw rice. Knot the end, microwave x 1 1/2 minutes and shake out to distribute the heat and be sure it's not too hot. Place in cage next to her. It should last an hour or more.
 You may also attach a clip on lamp with 40-60 watt lightbulb to the side of the cage - again where she cannot touch it or bite at it, but close enough that it generates heat toward her.  
 Do not use more than ONE of these methods at a time. It's possible to overheat her - so remember, only ONE method.

  Let me know.


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

QUESTION: thanks for getting back to me i feel he has got weaker he even lets me stroke him now which is so sad cause he used to bite, i have been in floods of tears its a shame he is only a year old, anyway i have done what you said and given him some heat source i suppose its now just a waiting game i know for a fact i wont sleep tonight. thankyou again for your advice much appreciated sarah
ANSWER:  Sarah, he's fighting ! Fight with him ok? keep him on the meds exactly as ordered and using an eye dropper, get liquids in him regularly.
 If he's still with us, you might want to try a baby bird feeding formula available at most pet stores (it's a powder that you mix with water) and get some in him if he's not eating.
 
 You can try some jar baby food (any pure type that has no garlic/onion or flavorings added) - mixed with a little water so you can offer it with an eye dropper.
  
Just put enough in the bottom part of his beak or at his tongue and let him do the swallowing.

Keep me informed ok?


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

QUESTION: hi again just to let youknow he died this afternoon it was like he had gone into a coma this morning, i was just about to take him to the vets aswell he died before i could do so, i looked ater him so well and spoilt him rotten with all healthy fruits nuts and vegatables, i think i will be too scared to get another one i dont think i could go through that agin i love parrots too much sarah

Answer
Sarah, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sometimes these things happen, even in the wild, so please don't blame yourself.

I think that in time you should consider another companion bird. They can be so full of spirit and inspiration!

When it's time, when you think about doing this, email me first and we'll discuss whichever bird you're thinking about.  I'll help you all the way when it comes to knowing beforehand what their needs will be, ok?

I have had this happen to me too. As a bird rescue, it's not unusual for some birds to come us too late and pass away in our hands as we struggle to save them.  It is truly heartbreaking. I know how you feel.

It's not your fault!

God bless you.