Hi everyone! I created this account a while ago but I don't think I ever posted an in

ogfrenchhorn

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I'm in so cal and I've had birds since I was in 2nd grade. My dad use to breed all kinds of small birds. Currently I have a B&G who recently suffered a broken leg. She's having a hard time and has gone to the hospital twice in 5 days because she chewed off her first splint. Yesterday they put a new splint on. And put an E collar on her. It hurts so much to see her like that. I also have a cockatiel that lives with a dusky conure, a European starling that I rescued after it fell from its nest twice, and a pair of plumb head parakeets. The starling is pretty awesome I thought it how to whistle and he also talks. Unfortunately he can not be released because he doesn't know the song of the local flocks and because he likes humans and cats. I do have a question about breeding the plumb heads but I don't know what forum to post it in.


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ogfrenchhorn

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Welcome! Sorry your Mac is having a rough time!



Thank you. She hates the e collar but she's accepting the fact that it's on. The good news is that she's eating and drinking water. Hopefully the splint works and she won't need surgery.


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GaleriaGila

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The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
A hearty WELCOME to you and your flock.

I'm sorry about your macaw, but glad you found us and finally posted! :)
 

SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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DYH Amazon
I find that you have a question regarding breeding and want to know where to start a Thread: See Breeding /Raising Parrots.

I would recommend that you clearly indicate the level of interest that you have in Breeding, what effort you have already placed in to growing your Knowledge.

To be a successful Breeder requires a depth of commitment that very few really have or later (sadly) find that they are no longer willing to continue. In addition, rarely does anyone make great success in off-setting their costs, let alone their time and effort.
 
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ogfrenchhorn

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I find that you have a question regarding breeding and want to know where to start a Thread: See Breeding /Raising Parrots.

I would recommend that you clearly indicate the level of interest that you have in Breeding, what effort you have already placed in to growing your Knowledge.

To be a successful Breeder requires a depth of commitment that very few really have or later (sadly) find that they are no longer willing to continue. In addition, rarely does anyone make great success in off-setting their costs, let alone their time and effort.



I've been breeding since I was in middle school. I'm in this for the long haul. I know it's a lot of time and effort and I'm not trying to run a business this is just a hobby and like all hobbies it costs money and doesn't make it. I've bread budgies, cockatiels, canaries, and Indian ring necks but I'm just not having any luck with the plumb heads. I bought this pair 3 years ago and they only hatched chicks their first year. Sadly the chicks didn't make it. I'm just looking to hand feed a baby to keep it as a pet anything beyond that is a bonus. I know I can buy a hand fed baby from someone but it's not the same as raising them your self. When I was a teenager my dad used to make me hand feed his babies so I do have the experience. I tend to fully commit to a hobby. I'm also a reefer. If anyone here knows about saltwater aquariums you know how big of a commitment that is. I've learned how to weld and I just started to learn how to do woodworking because of my interest in aquariums and sea life. Here's a full tank shot of what I'm currently building

15d97a30471b88a67fb97cc6bdd71bf8.jpg


Any hobby dealing with animals... actually any pet, is a big commitment. I also have a dog and 2 cats. My house is a zoo!

Anyway, I guess I'm trying to say that I'm not in this to make a buck.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I'll go look for the breeding forum.

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SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,643
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Western, Michigan
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DYH Amazon
I find that you have a question regarding breeding and want to know where to start a Thread: See Breeding /Raising Parrots.

I would recommend that you clearly indicate the level of interest that you have in Breeding, what effort you have already placed in to growing your Knowledge.

To be a successful Breeder requires a depth of commitment that very few really have or later (sadly) find that they are no longer willing to continue. In addition, rarely does anyone make great success in off-setting their costs, let alone their time and effort.



I've been breeding since I was in middle school. I'm in this for the long haul. I know it's a lot of time and effort and I'm not trying to run a business this is just a hobby and like all hobbies it costs money and doesn't make it. I've bread budgies, cockatiels, canaries, and Indian ring necks but I'm just not having any luck with the plumb heads. I bought this pair 3 years ago and they only hatched chicks their first year. Sadly the chicks didn't make it. I'm just looking to hand feed a baby to keep it as a pet anything beyond that is a bonus. I know I can buy a hand fed baby from someone but it's not the same as raising them your self. When I was a teenager my dad used to make me hand feed his babies so I do have the experience. I tend to fully commit to a hobby. I'm also a reefer. If anyone here knows about saltwater aquariums you know how big of a commitment that is. I've learned how to weld and I just started to learn how to do woodworking because of my interest in aquariums and sea life. Here's a full tank shot of what I'm currently building

15d97a30471b88a67fb97cc6bdd71bf8.jpg


Any hobby dealing with animals... actually any pet, is a big commitment. I also have a dog and 2 cats. My house is a zoo!

Anyway, I guess I'm trying to say that I'm not in this to make a buck.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I'll go look for the breeding forum.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Please understand that the vast majority of individuals that are requesting information regarding Breeding do not have your background. I believe that Breeders are more interested in have specific discussion with individuals who are committed. Hence the reason for my comments.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Welcome to the forums, we're glad you joined!

Sorry your macaw is having discomfort. Did the diagnosing vet suggest surgical pinning as a primary therapy, or give multiple options? Splinting may or may not permit proper healing.
 
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ogfrenchhorn

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Dec 30, 2015
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I find that you have a question regarding breeding and want to know where to start a Thread: See Breeding /Raising Parrots.

I would recommend that you clearly indicate the level of interest that you have in Breeding, what effort you have already placed in to growing your Knowledge.

To be a successful Breeder requires a depth of commitment that very few really have or later (sadly) find that they are no longer willing to continue. In addition, rarely does anyone make great success in off-setting their costs, let alone their time and effort.



I've been breeding since I was in middle school. I'm in this for the long haul. I know it's a lot of time and effort and I'm not trying to run a business this is just a hobby and like all hobbies it costs money and doesn't make it. I've bread budgies, cockatiels, canaries, and Indian ring necks but I'm just not having any luck with the plumb heads. I bought this pair 3 years ago and they only hatched chicks their first year. Sadly the chicks didn't make it. I'm just looking to hand feed a baby to keep it as a pet anything beyond that is a bonus. I know I can buy a hand fed baby from someone but it's not the same as raising them your self. When I was a teenager my dad used to make me hand feed his babies so I do have the experience. I tend to fully commit to a hobby. I'm also a reefer. If anyone here knows about saltwater aquariums you know how big of a commitment that is. I've learned how to weld and I just started to learn how to do woodworking because of my interest in aquariums and sea life. Here's a full tank shot of what I'm currently building

15d97a30471b88a67fb97cc6bdd71bf8.jpg


Any hobby dealing with animals... actually any pet, is a big commitment. I also have a dog and 2 cats. My house is a zoo!

Anyway, I guess I'm trying to say that I'm not in this to make a buck.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I'll go look for the breeding forum.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Please understand that the vast majority of individuals that are requesting information regarding Breeding do not have your background. I believe that Breeders are more interested in have specific discussion with individuals who are committed. Hence the reason for my comments.



No I understand. I'm very active on the reefing forums and there's a lot of new people that try to get in to that hobby to make money selling frags. They quickly learn that it doesn't work and they disappear.

I found the forum, thanks for your help!


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ogfrenchhorn

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Welcome to the forums, we're glad you joined!

Sorry your macaw is having discomfort. Did the diagnosing vet suggest surgical pinning as a primary therapy, or give multiple options? Splinting may or may not permit proper healing.



The vet said that his primary therapy was surgery but he said that we can try the splint too. I'm taking her back in next Saturday for a follow up appointment. If it's not healing well we will have to got the surgical route. My fiancé and I are really concerned about surgery though. The cost doesn't necessarily concern us it's just that the macaw would have to be put under and we're concerned about any possible side effects from that. When I took her in yesterday the Dr. Referred me to a hospital that has experience with these procedures. I called and got as much information as I could so they are on stand by.


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Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
You are absolutely correct in having concerns about surgery and ought to seek a skilled avian specialist. I believe Sevoflurane is the most current anesthetic gas, and is relatively safe for a parrot absent serious preexisting conditions. Two of my birds have had broken legs fixed by surgical pinning and in each case the procedure was totally successful with absolutely no permanent issues. (Eclectus and Timneh Grey) A very durable cast is affixed and is changed frequently, though a macaw beak will stop at nothing!

Good luck, please keep us advised!
 
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ogfrenchhorn

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You are absolutely correct in having concerns about surgery and ought to seek a skilled avian specialist. I believe Sevoflurane is the most current anesthetic gas, and is relatively safe for a parrot absent serious preexisting conditions. Two of my birds have had broken legs fixed by surgical pinning and in each case the procedure was totally successful with absolutely no permanent issues. (Eclectus and Timneh Grey) A very durable cast is affixed and is changed frequently, though a macaw beak will stop at nothing!

Good luck, please keep us advised!



I agree. The Dr I was referred to has 20 years experience with these types of surgery but it's still a scary option for us. I'll update you guys after her follow up appointment next Saturday


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Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
You are absolutely correct in having concerns about surgery and ought to seek a skilled avian specialist. I believe Sevoflurane is the most current anesthetic gas, and is relatively safe for a parrot absent serious preexisting conditions. Two of my birds have had broken legs fixed by surgical pinning and in each case the procedure was totally successful with absolutely no permanent issues. (Eclectus and Timneh Grey) A very durable cast is affixed and is changed frequently, though a macaw beak will stop at nothing!

Good luck, please keep us advised!



I agree. The Dr I was referred to has 20 years experience with these types of surgery but it's still a scary option for us. I'll update you guys after her follow up appointment next Saturday


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I have always grilled my AV prior to the use of anesthesia. In 30 years of keeping companion birds, I lost one, a BFA during surgery. She had chronic sinus issues, and her passing was not directly related to the anesthesia. But Sally's loss haunts me and I remain leery. (my impression was a new vet-in-training performed the actual procedure under guidance of the primary vet)

You have every right to ask questions during the appointment! I find it helpful to write a list, though I don't produce the paper - jogging my memory is sufficient.
 
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ogfrenchhorn

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Quick update: my b&g is doing way better. I found a better Dr. when the first one referred me for a surgical consult. The first Dr put my b&g in a splint and then put an e-collar on her for two weeks before he referred me. The new Dr. said that the first Dr had no idea what he was doing and shouldn't be treating exotics... new Dr said that usually after three days it's too late to do surgery because birds heal very fast. She took x rays (which the 1st vet didn't want to do) and showed us how the bones are already fusing together. She took the splint and the e collar off and said that big birds are smart enough to leave the leg alone. She also gave me a calcium supplement and pain medication (which the first vet refused to do). I'm so glad I saw the new Dr. because the first one wanted to leave her with the splint and the e collar for another 6 weeks! She already lost a third of her body weight these past two weeks. I don't think she would have been ok if I didn't she a new Dr.


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Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
So glad your B&G is doing better. I assume you have full confidence in the second vet; the quality of care seems far better. Don't understand the lack of urgency to X-Ray a suspected bone-break, other than the inherent risk of anesthesia - and for radiographs it is a very brief period.

The loss of 1/3 bodyweight in 6 weeks is stunning.
 
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ogfrenchhorn

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So glad your B&G is doing better. I assume you have full confidence in the second vet; the quality of care seems far better. Don't understand the lack of urgency to X-Ray a suspected bone-break, other than the inherent risk of anesthesia - and for radiographs it is a very brief period.

The loss of 1/3 bodyweight in 6 weeks is stunning.



Yeah man, the first Dr. Did the first X-ray 2 weeks ago when she broke her leg. Yesterday I had a follow up appointment and a surgical consult. The first Dr didn't want to do X-rays for another 4 weeks and I just thought that didn't sound right.

The 1/3 body weight loss happened in a week and a half. It was scary, she did eat but was very annoyed with the e collar so she didn't eat as much


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Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Is her weight trending upward? A scale sensitive in grams is a great tool for home use. Often an early warning to illness.
 

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