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[M0NTG0MERY]

At present I am looking after my terminally uncle who has 5 parrots that he cannot really look after himself these days, so I am having to learn fast how to care for parrots. So any help is not only welcome but very much appreaciated One of the parrots he owns is a hawkhead parrot. Yesterday she started jumping around like a cat on a hot tin roof, it was as though she was tap dancing. She then began to start looking around her body as though what ever was causing her distress was moving around her body. She also began squeaking as though something was biting her. We had to wait for an emergency Vet appointment, so I bathed her in warm water, this stopped her jumping around and she settled down. The vet could not find any mites etc on inspection, and at the time of the vet appointment she was calm dud to the soothing water I bathed her in. The vet advised to try Xeno 50-mini as a possible solution. When we got home the parrot again started the same jumping around and again only a water bath would help her calm down and stop the movements. This lasted for around 5 hours and then started again. We have taken the parrot back to the vet for 24hr observation, but I do not think they really know what this possible could be, even though they claim to know about parrots. Is their anyone who could give me some advise. Kind regards. Montgomery

 

[LaManuka]

Welcome to the forum Montgomery, and thank you for being there for your uncle and his birds. Sadly this is a situation that many will face as age and incapacity impinge upon our abilities to care for our birds, particularly as many of the larger species are very long-lived!

There is a wealth of info for beginners in the following link I hope you find helpful (and not too overwhelming!)

http://www.parrotforums.com/new-mem...friendly-warnings-keep-your-parrots-safe.html

I’m not sure what might be affecting your hawkhead though. Hopefully the vet you saw was a certified avian specialist, birds’ physiology is so very different from mammals so it’s important to get that expert help. The following link may help you find an avian vet, or find a different one if you want to get a second opinion...

https://www.aav.org/default.aspx

Meanwhile, welcome aboard! We have many very knowledgeable members who are happy to give of their time and share their experience and I hope you’ll update us with news of the rest of your new flock!

 

[Flboy]

Welcome! Thank you for your efforts!

 

[fiddlejen]

At present I am looking after my terminally uncle who has 5 parrots that he cannot really look after himself these days, so I am having to learn fast how to care for parrots. So any help is not only welcome but very much appreaciated One of the parrots he owns is a hawkhead parrot. Yesterday she started jumping around like a cat on a hot tin roof, it was as though she was tap dancing. She then began to start looking around her body as though what ever was causing her distress was moving around her body. She also began squeaking as though something was biting her. We had to wait for an emergency Vet appointment, so I bathed her in warm water, this stopped her jumping around and she settled down. The vet could not find any mites etc on inspection, and at the time of the vet appointment she was calm dud to the soothing water I bathed her in. The vet advised to try Xeno 50-mini as a possible solution. When we got home the parrot again started the same jumping around and again only a water bath would help her calm down and stop the movements. This lasted for around 5 hours and then started again. We have taken the parrot back to the vet for 24hr observation, but I do not think they really know what this possible could be, even though they claim to know about parrots. Is their anyone who could give me some advise. Kind regards. Montgomery

Is there any chance there might be Something In the cage? (Or, if she was outside of the cage - something in the room that should not be?) ie beetles or mouse or something?

(What you are describing reminds me, just a little, somehow, of how my budgies acted when I had a few mice here last winter. Also reminds me a Little of how my Sunny responds when a stinkbeetle gets in here and she knows I hate them. Although she does not go hunting around her own body... possibly a spider or something like that? That might get chased away by the bath?)

 

[Laurasea]

Welcome to the forums ! What kind of parrots and where are you from?
Mites are pretty rare in parrots st least in the states unless they are kept outside... the burd mites I’ve seen in wild birds are very large, but I’m nit that familiar with bird parasites... budgie get scarky face and keg mites that you can’t see but they really get scarlet skin...
what are the burd cages like? What is inside the cages? What is the location of the ages? What do the birds eat? And lastly can you post a vid of the behavior? Those questions might help us help you
Thanks fir stepping up during this trying time in your family’s life.
Also parrots are sensitive to stress, and may feel stress with their duck Psrrit, sbd yiu as a new person around... do you think this could be behavioral??
When possible the best vet is an avian only specialist vet
What sort of things do you have questions about, fir sure it’s a lot to learn when taking care of our feathered friends, I can try and copy past some good article
I used to be able to link them but with my new phone I haven’t figured out... I will go and get one if my favorite article and link.. it talks about stress in parrots but really it just covers so much good stuff, on clicker training I’m nit a fan, I do shape behavior but I say good birdie and give a treat instead of that clicker mess
https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/stress-reduction-for-parrot-companions/

 

[Scott]

Welcome to you and a newfound menagerie. Thanks for assuming their care and seeking advice. Are you able to video the behavior and upload for discussion? None of us are veterinary professionals but may offer advice. Best to seek a certified (or equivalent) avian vet for a seemingly offbeat issue.

 

[M0NTG0MERY]

Thank you all for getting back to me. I really appreciate the feedback. I am based in the UK hence the delay getting back in touch, also I was having problems with the site not accepting my log on, claiming it was incorrect. Anyway P 4 the parrot has arrived home after the vet kept her in for 24 hrs. The advised they could not find any mites etc and none of the other parrots have started with the same problem, so I do not think it is mites, fleas etc. I have been investigating and I think the problem may been caused by a new recliner chair. After speaking with the manufacturer they advise that they spray their furniture with fire retardant and scotch guard. So now that the parrot is home we are cleaning everything with white vinegar and water were the parrot likes to sit just to make sure we have not overlooked everything. The action I took by placing her in a bath of water looks to have washed out any residue of the solutions sprayed on my uncles seat. I cleaned out all the cages and made sure all the items in each cage was steam cleaned just to make sure all toys etc were disinfected. P 4 has been isolated in her own cage just to make sure the other parrots are safe. P4 is not happy with me for me actions, but I am sure the parrot will come round once it knows I meant it no harm. Once again, thank you for replying to my plea for help. My uncle has over 70 years experience of caring and looking after parrots so I have a steep learning curve to gain the information needed to look after his parrots once he has passed. Best wishes