Signs of sickness?

What are some of the first signs my parrot might not be feeling well? I feel like Timneh is eating a little less today so far but she ate a lot yesterday. Reading people stories always makes me feel worriedl. This is the first week I've had Timneh so I guess I don't have a lot of data to go on.l Timnehs vet apt is for the 12th. eating the mash I made today. So that was cool.

Keeping in mind parrots are supreme at hiding illness, one has to be very observant. Altered droppings, lack of appetite, increased thirst, repetitive sneezing, discharge from nostrils/ears, labored breathing, a new lump or bump, lethargy, etc. Egg-binding is a problem with females that requires an immediate avian vet visit.

Weight in grams is a great indicator. Fairly inexpensive scales can be used to weigh your bird periodically, daily if standing on the scale is not stressful.

Very important to have an avian vet lined up, as emergencies happen with little warning. Also good to know of a nearby 24 hour emergency clinic for those after-hours problems. While you won't always find an avian vet, they often have rudimentary skills and can often reach an on-call specialist.

Subtle things are usually seen when illness is present or approaching, and if the bird is extremely ill it will sit on bottom with feathers fluffed up.
If you notice abnormal droppings (color, consistency, size, and odor) [from what they are like usually, though they will vary throughout the day and depending on what was eaten], discharge from the nares, lethargy, depression, wheezing, coughing, sneezing [more than usual and with discharge] feces stuck to the rump area, staying fluffed more than normal, among various ither signs. If you notice something abnormal the best thing to do is call the vet and have them asess whether or not the bird needs to be seen and how quickly that should be.
Its usually just that sense that something isnt quite right. Always act sooner rather than later. With birds, if you catch something early the chances are good, if you wait until the bird is fluffed and lethargic that is usually the beginning of the end. If something is the slightest bit "off", call the vet!

Whoops, Scott got it first, and better said!

Billdore said:

What are some of the first signs my parrot might not be feeling well? I feel like Timneh is eating a little less today so far but she ate a lot yesterday. Reading people stories always makes me feel worriedl. This is the first week I've had Timneh so I guess I don't have a lot of data to go on.l Timnehs vet apt is for the 12th. eating the mash I made today. So that was cool.

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Okay, if I am following this correctly; you have brought a very young Parrot into your home, which are are weaning and/or still providing support mash, Correct? In addition, you have been reading fifteen ways my baby died Threads /Books, and that has you all worried that your baby is staving to dead or other evil things are behind every shake of the wing, Correct?

Well, welcome to having a baby Parrot!

Now, if you got your baby from a Breeder or Pet Store and you are in fact needing to still be weaning /feeding your Parrot mash! Shame of them for sending you home with a Parrot that is not Fully Weaned!

First, call or better go see them and have them provide you more information on Weaning your Parrot, since no one here knows the age of your Parrot and therefore what special feeding needs it has at this point.

A baby Parrot needs to be fully weaned prior to being sent home with a very 'New' owner. Who ever sold you, this Parrot has a responsibility to fully wean. If not they are fully responsible to provide you hourly support until this Parrot is eating solid food!

And, as the three of us all respond!

Nothing to add, but question. Why are you always starting most of your new threads in the 'New Member' forum? It confuzes simple folk like myself!

Withdrawing.
Excessive sleeping.
Noisy breathing.
Throwing up.
Nasal drainage.
Seizures.
Abnormal droppings.
Inability to perch.

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Sorry FLy Boy I guess it would be a new member mistake LOL

Timneh is 1 and 1/2 years old. I would like to get him off of a seed diet. Eating Safflower Gold, Kaytees Fiesta Parrot Blend, and Nutriberries. I try to mix up different kinds of nutriberries with the base parrot food. I am really sorry about all my posts and posting in the wrong section honest newbie mistake. You guys have been very helpful. I'll give it a break and do more reading than typing.

Billdore said:

Sorry FLy Boy I guess it would be a new member mistake LOL

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Billdore said:

Timneh is 1 and 1/2 years old. I would like to get him off of a seed diet. Eating Safflower Gold, Kaytees Fiesta Parrot Blend, and Nutriberries. I try to mix up different kinds of nutriberries with the base parrot food. I am really sorry about all my posts and posting in the wrong section honest newbie mistake. You guys have been very helpful. I'll give it a break and do more reading than typing.

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No apologies necessary! You are a terrific new member with a great story to share. Keep on starting threads throughout the forums as needed!

Good for you, for researching and reaching out!
Here's my story about pellets. I feed Harrison's, supplemented by fresh healthy treats. My first, and later, my current avian vet recommended it. 30-ish years ago, Harrison's was still a small company. My vet was actually able to talk to Dr. Harrison about my bird's species and status, and they decided on the High Potency. My bird loves the pellets now, but to get him converted, my avian vet suggested putting pellets out all day, and putting seeds (his old diet) out for two 15-minute periods a day. That would sustain him but leave him hungry enough to try new stuff. I presume the same technique could be used to get him to eat other healthy stuff. My guy was eating pellets in a couple of days, and now I can feed a good variety of other stuff, knowing he has the pellets as a basic.