My Heart is Breaking Again!

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
My sweet Sallybird...

My flock leader for more than 15 years... who to this point in her life with me has been a happy, well adjusted, free flighted, out and about bird.

HAS MUTILATED HER OWN FEET...

She amputated her own back toe, and has chewed up two of her front toes, one on each foot...

She's in an obviously great deal of pain. It is hard for her to perch...

The vet can't see her until tomorrow.

I feel like my heart has been ripped out... obviously there's some sort of physiological cause for this. She's a very well adjusted bird. I just don't understand why...

And of the three or four possible physiological causes, two are FATAL!!!

I can't lose BOTH my flock leaders.
 

chris-md

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Oh boy is it in the air today.

mark, that's so sad, my heart goes out to you. I'm watching this and hoping it can be corrected. All love and healing vibes to you guys.
 

wrench13

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Mark, what are these reasons, can you please let us know, if you can.
Buddy, my heart goes out to you. The Sky Chief is certainly testing you this year.
 

SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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Heartbreaking!

In the short term, towel rap her primary perch. Use a towel / color that she is comfortable with. This will easy perching for her.

Mark, you know how Amazon's can with great ease live in our emotions. Take our Stress unto themselves, feel our pain. She can easily be living in your Stress and her only release is, well to hurt herself. I hope that I am way out in left field on this and it is something easy and simple to fix.

I know that you are doing your very best.

Prays!
 
OP
Birdman666

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
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San Antonio, TX
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
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It's NOT psychological...

There has to be some underlying physiological cause for this.
 

Taw5106

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Mark I'm so sorry for everything you and your flock are going through. I'll be watching your thread and I hope Sally pulls thru and Maggie comes home!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
OP
Birdman666

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
9,904
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San Antonio, TX
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
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Mark, what are these reasons, can you please let us know, if you can.
Buddy, my heart goes out to you. The Sky Chief is certainly testing you this year.

Either that or he friggin' hates me! More punishment for you a%%hole!

1. Foot Necrosis. WORST CASE SCENARIO. FATAL!

2. Mites. Not the cause. She doesn't have mites.

3 Contaminants, especially nicotine. Not!

4. Herpes virus. Don't see any liesions.

5. Hormonal imbalance. (Likely. This bird is very hormonal. She actively courts the coffee pot, when the coffee is brewing.)

6. Several different types of infections. Some MUCH worse than others.

7. Long term effect of lack of bathing. (She gets bathed.)

8. Contaminated perches, causing crusting on the feet. (Not! I clean cages.)

9. Pressure sores from improper types of perches. (NOT! There isn't a dowel perch in this entire friggin' house!)

10. Vets won't admit this easily but = WE DON'T ACTUALLY KNOW WHY SOME BIRDS DO THIS, BUT AMAZONS ESPECIALLY, DO...

I suspect she has some sort of hormonal imbalance that is causing this...
 
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BIRDIGIRL

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So sorry to read this Mark you certainly have had your share of saddness these past few months without this happening but I hope and pray that some remedy can be found for Sally ...my thoughts and prayers are with you and Sally tonight.
 

RavensGryf

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Oh my gosh Mark :( No, I yelled out when I read this! My heart truly hurts for you.

You really don't think it has to do with the change in the flock? Remind me, how close is she to Maggie? Forgive me, but it just seems like such a coincidence that it is not related.

Maybe wrap the perches where she sits so they're wider, with old t-shirts. That will be comfortable and a smooth textured feel with a bit of padding. You have a vet appt. tomorrow, right? Good vibes wafting your way... I really hope there can be a concrete diagnosis, and a sure cure regardless of the reason.
 

Kiwibird

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Mark, I sincerely hope whatever has caused Sally to do this is not fatal and can be quickly brought under control! You take such good care of your babies, none of this should be happening to you :( Fingers crossed the vet can have an answer and treatment plan tomorrow!
 
OP
Birdman666

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
9,904
258
San Antonio, TX
Parrots
Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
  • Thread Starter
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Actually, she's been perched on my leg, or my hand most of the night.

And I'm putting her on a portable boing in my room overnight.
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Mark, I am so sorry Sally has mutilated, but I know you will keep her as comfortable as possible pending the vet visit.

Of all the possibilities you posted, extreme hormonal activity may be the best case scenario as opposed to a disease process. If Sally is deeply attached to Maggie, despondency may be a secondary factor. Regardless of cause, I hope the vet has a definitive and effective solution.
 

plumsmum2005

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Fly free Plum, my gorgeous boy.
I also am truly sorry to hear this. Life sucks!

Are there any indications of pressure marks on her feet?
 

Aquila

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Mark, I'm here if you need me! I wish I wasn't so far away (I think many of us feel this way) so that I could give you a big hug.
 

AmyMyBlueFront

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And a Normal Grey Cockatiel named BB who came home with me on 5/20/2016.
Mark, I don't have any "magic" words,that can make all of this go away :(

Your "family" here,all know how magnificently you take care of your flock. Any one of us would sell our soul to help you and your Sally,and the rest of your flock, to help you get through this horrible thing.

All I can do is offer my sympathy and prayers.


Jim
 

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