Emmett's Gram Stain Results. . .

. . .showed he has an overgrowth of gram negative rods. I'm still awaiting other fecal tests, but this is a start. I believe this has been an issue for him since I got him at the end of February and has recently become bad enough that a newbie Ekie owner like myself noticed. First I saw his poop changing, then I noticed he wasn't talking hardly at all. I don't believe he was well fed with his previous owner. When I got him, he was missing a ring of feathers around his neck and had black tips on most of his body feathers. Since I've had him, I've been feeding him all the best recipes I can get my hands on. No seed. Only a touch of Zupreem Nut Blend Pellets between meals.

I've been speaking with a very helpful Eclectus breeder in GA who has recommended her organic pellets (in addition to the fresh foods I am already feeding him) -- I've read about her and her pellets online and people have very good things to say about them both. I'm also starting him on AVIAN TRIO and Silver Hydrosol (immune support). I'm considering spirulina, but am still doing some research since there seems to be positive and negative ideas about its addition to the eclectus diet.

Of course, my vet wants to put Emmett on an antibiotic. I'm on the fence about it. I believe the use of antibiotics come with a price and I'm hesitant. I want to believe that the change in Emmett's diet and the addition of immune support and supplements will be all he needs, but I don't know if that's too much of a risk to take.

Looking forward to seeing Emmet improve now that we know what's wrong with him!

Can you help us understand what a negative gram stain means ?

henpecked said:

Can you help us understand what a negative gram stain means ?

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We did a fecal gram stain from Emmett. This test checks for abnormal bacterial and/or yeast.

Gram Negative Rods are the most common disease producing bacteria in psittacines. Examples include E. coli, Pseudomonas, Enterbacter sp. They may be found in small numbers in healthy birds but should not be the predominate bacteria seen. This means Emmett has an overgrowth of bacteria and is probably the reason for his feather issues, lethargy and decrease in vocalization.

Then why would you refuse to follow the vet's advice and put him on antibiotics? Yes many see antibiotics as a cure all and they are over prescribed but in your case i would think it makes good sense.

henpecked said:

Then why would you refuse to follow the vet's advice and put him on antibiotics? Yes many see antibiotics as a cure all and they are over prescribed but in your case i would think it makes good sense.

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I haven't refused it -- I am leaning towards it, in fact. It's just that I have been told that the silver can decrease his negative rods without destroying his ability to create strong feathers.

Emmett started his antibiotics yesterday. Giving him his medicine is no easy task! He doesn't care for the tootie fruity flavor. I hate forcing him, but I have no choice. Hope he doesn't get too pissed over the next 10 days! I'm also giving him plain yogurt to help with his good flora. He doesn't like that either. However, he eats it if I mix it with his mash and sprinkle it with some chili powder. I hope he's feeling better soon! I miss his sweet voice!