Vomiting?!

Hi All,

So last night we were cuddling and watching a movie and Aleta started vomiting. She threw up a couple times, then had a bit of water and napped on my shoulder. She seemed unusually calm before she got sick, and very cuddly and sleepy after. Once she woke up from her nap she seemed to be her usual self again. Ate some pellets, had some water and was back to being a general pain in the butt.

Everytime I tried to look up online about birds vomiting I just kept reading "it's regurgitated food - the bird is showing they love you". Blah blah.. I know that's not what this was. It was more than just food bits, it was very watery.

Unfortunately the vet isnt open at 10:30 PM on a Sunday, so I couldn't really ask what to do. She seems perfectly fine this morning. I don't know if I should bother taking her into the vet. I have no idea if this is a common thing, or something to worry about! I know with dogs, they just tend to do that occasionally, and there is no need to involve a vet.

Suggestions?! I don't want to keep her from the vet if she needs attention, but I don't want to be a crazy parront who worries about nothing.

Appreciate any help!!

It really depends. if she only threw up the once,it may not be an issue.
if she continues to throw up, then she should be seen by a vet, but it doesn't sound like what you described.
what did she throw up....was it food she ate?

it could have been something that upset her stomach a bit, it's very difficult to tell.

If she appears to be fine within her self, and her poop is ok, I would just watch her carefully. Birds can become dehydrated very quickly.
if she continues to be sleepy more than usual I would consult a vet.

btw,they won't tell you anything over the phone, they will request you bring her in so a vet can examine her.

I've noticed that if a bird pukes with an up & down motion it's from affection or hormones, and if the head movement is whipping side to side then it's actual sick-vomit.

Thanks Crimson, you always make me feel better.

It was little bits of red/pink chunks in clear liquid that she threw up. Her food isn't pink, but I'm pretty sure she had a dried cranberry in her play cage bowl. I have no doubt she ate that before getting sick. Not to mention some carrots she had with dinner. I assume it was the food she threw up.

I'll keep a close eye on her and see how she does. She seemed happy this morning, and just as perky as usual.

Kalidasa said:

I've noticed that if a bird pukes with an up & down motion it's from affection or hormones, and if the head movement is whipping side to side then it's actual sick-vomit.

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This is very true. The vomit will also tend to be more watery as opposed to thick and chunky. Please bring him as soon as you can. My bird recently had a bad bacterial infection and I think had I not reacted sooner, I might have lost him.

Good luck and I will be sending you and your bird lots of good vibes.

It was definately a side to side movement. I was the unfortunate recipient of a being sprayed when she shook her head.

Kind of wish someone had been able to hold my hair back while she was sick.

oh yuck, ha ha.
boom boom is right though, she had a very close call, and like she said if she had waited, boom boom might not be here

It's a very fine line when to take them in, and only experience can teach you that, and asking good questions.

most vets will do a physical, gram stain(for poop) and 'maybe' blood work. the problem is if your bird is behaving normally at the vets, they won't suspect anything wrong and send her home.

it's only when a bird is VERY ill, do they act sick and lethargic at the vets, cause they are just too ill to even hide their symptoms.

use your own judgement, money is money, but your bird is your pet.

It certainly wasn't about the money. I don't mind taking her to the vet if she needs it. I just didn't it to be like going to the Dr for a hang nail. You know, something silly that really doesnt require medical attention. I just wasn't sure. I've never had my budgies do it, but then again they only eat seeds (as much as I try to suggest otherwise - a topic for another time). And they don't spend a great deal of time with me, as they prefer the company of eachother.

My vet is open late tonight, so I will see how she is when I get home and decide from there. Hopefully an avaian vet will be working if it comes to that.

Fingers crossed!!

Hoping everything turns out well with Aleta. It's so hard to know the best thing to do...you don't want to stress them by a vet visit if you don't have to, but you want to take them if they need it..sometimes it's really hard to tell the difference
I see you are in Alberta...I am in Spruce Grove, where are you located?

sorry, I didn't mean to insinuate that is was about money.
when you own as many birds as I do, sometimes it's about the money, even though I hate to admit it, but that is reality, there is only so much money to go around.

that is why I educate myself on how to take care of birds and watch for things before they become issues.

I hope she is fine and it was just a 'hang nail' type thing.

Update: I didn't take Aleta to the vet. She has been her normal self since the incident. Eating, drinking, acting normal, poop is normal, and weight is the same. I'll continue to keep an eye on it, but it seems like it may have been an isolated event. Hugh sigh of releif!

Terry I am in Edmonton. Its good to know there is someone else in the area on here!! Maybe you have some information on where to get cheap toys and treats around here?! Between the birds and the dogs.. I should have shares in Petsmart.

No worries Crimson, I wasn't offended. Just clarifying.

So glad that Aleta is doing well!
That's awesome that you are in Edmonton, we are almost neighbours!
I also should own shares in Petsmart as we get so many of our toys there. I am actually ordering some toys from a woman who makes them this weekend...she is in New Brunswick, I believe. Her prices seem quite reasonable and the shipping is not bad, so will let you know how that goes.
We also go to Petland in Mayfield Common to pick up toys and perches. They have a different selection that Petsmart and they have a loyalty program that saves a little money