Sick Lovebird Please Help!

Question
QUESTION: Hi I have about a 11 month old female lovebird, who is acting quite peculiar.  She was fine till about 3 days ago, she started cocking her head to the left side, and has lost her coordination, She is still eating a little and trying to drink water, trying to take a bath. But when she tries to walk She'll stumble cause she can't stand straight up, her head is cocked to the left constantly now, and she wont straighten it up. She did get into a fight with my other two fisher lovebirds about 4 days ago and I immediately took her out of the cage and housed her with a tame lovebird, who's shes taken too but she's still doing it. I've double up on her vitamins and been feeding her more veggies,and fresh fruits..
ANSWER: HI Mary,

Your bird is very sick. You need to take her to an avian veterinarian immediately.

If you need help finding an avian vet let me know.

Jennifer
www.feathersandscales.com

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

QUESTION: I've already got her scheduled to go the avian vet right down the street from my house in the AM, But do you have any idea what it might be? She had entered the nest of the Fischer's and they literally threw her out, I heard the thud and seen her go flying across the cage and immediately took her out and checked her she seemed a bit shaken and scared but no visual bite marks, or blood.  I put into the cage with my hand tamed Lutino lovebird and she really took a liking to him, He is fine, no signs of any sickness what so ever.  Do you think them throwing her out could of hurt her little brain or broke her neck by chance? I've never owned lovebirds till recently so do not know too much about them. I have always had parakeets, ring necks and cockatiels. The lovebirds are just mean and vicious at times. I'm just not sure what to do for her to make her more comfortable till the morning.  

Answer
Hi Mary,

I'm happy to hear you have an appointment with an avian veterinarian.

Since I am not a vet I really can not tell you what is wrong with your bird. I have seen this condition with birds who had brain trauma, spinal injuries, and parasites.

Until tomorrow keep her in a small box or container. The less she has to move around the better. I wouldn't offer her perches since she may fall easily. Put paper towels or a towel in the bottom of her box, something she can grip and walk on easily without slipping. I would be concerned about leaving her with water unattended. Since she is unstable she could fall head first into her water and drown.

And yes, lovebirds are very territorial and aggressive. If you would like to work on reducing the aggression the first thing I would do is remove the nest box.

There are some links to great resources on my website. Take a look, I believe you will find information on lovebird care and behavior that will help you.

I hope it goes well at the vet tomorrow.

Jennifer
www.feathersandscales.com