It looks like convulsing, or like exaggerated dry heaves

walterbyrd

New member
Jun 9, 2012
111
0
Parrots
Lovebird
But I think she is getting something up.

I feel certain it is involuntary. She heaves for about ten seconds, then stops for about ten seconds, then starts again. It goes on for a few minutes. Afterwards, she is tired, but otherwise seems to be fine.

She has done this twice recently. Both times, first thing in the morning.

No change to her diet, or routine.
 

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
She is likely regurgitating or adjusting her crop. Regurgitation is when they bring food up from the crop to feed young or (in the case of domestic birds) want to "feed" their favored human as a sign of affection. Crop adjustment is exactly what it sounds like, and it looks like a gigantic and prolong yawn. Both natural and normal:)

Has she otherwise been normal?
 

Taw5106

New member
Mar 27, 2014
2,480
25
Texas
Parrots
Buddy - Red Crowned Amazon (27 yo)
Venus - Solomon Island Eclectus (4 yo)
Buzz CAG (2 yo)
Sam - Cockatiel 1997 - 2004
Tweety - Budgie 1984 - 1987
Sweety - Budgie 1985 - 1986
Buddy does that but he's adjusting his crop.
 

Hawk

Banned
Banned
Dec 5, 2014
1,052
Media
2
Albums
1
0
Michigan, USA
Parrots
5 Parrots, 8 year old Blue-fronted Amazon, 2 1/2 yr. old African Grey, 2 3/4 year old Senegal. 5 month old ekkie, 5 month old Albino parakeet. Major Mitchell Cockatoo, passed away at age 68.
Normal Behavior....crop adjustments, or wanting to cough up a delicious cookie (food)
that they save JUST for you..Because they love their human buddy and like to share...Yum yum....barf!
 
OP
walterbyrd

walterbyrd

New member
Jun 9, 2012
111
0
Parrots
Lovebird
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Has she otherwise been normal?

Yes, but it is scary to watch.

Again: this behavior seems to be involuntary. For example, I open the door to her cage, and she tries to get out, but cannot stop heaving.

Seems like, if she was adjusting her crop, or regurgitating, she could stop whenever she wanted.
 
Last edited:

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top