please help/sick parrot

[Scott]

Easiest way to upload videos is via YouTube if you have an account.

Hopefully he will love Harrison's. Took my flock between 1 and 2 weeks to totally accept. They all love it now! Part of the acclimation issue is they are greyish squares, not very appealing. I followed the precise advice as listed on their site: Diet Conversion: Medium to Large Bird | Harrison's Bird Foods
Not sure if Alexandrines are considered "small." If so, the conversion protocol: Diet Conversion: Small Bird | Harrison's Bird Foods

 

[luthergoessquack]

BIG UPDATE


so after days of trying and failing to find a specialist the vet finally phoned me back a day late but with good news. They knew of a specialist who was not over 60 miles away in coatridge but just up the road from me! A four minute taxi ride and I was there and seeing the vet within 20 minutes.

He was amazing and got straight down to checking luther while asking me many questions about his diet and where he is kept etc He took a crop sample and then went away and tested them while I tried to keep luther from eating his way out of the box (which he managed to do but they were kind enough to give me another box). There was no sign of any major infections or parasites like worms but he does have an infection which I now have medicine and supplements for.

I am even now going to buy a UV bird light which I now realize is a pretty important piece of hardware. He mentioned a few other things I will be getting them as well.

I am just so glad I finally got him to someone who knows what they are doing and to have answers. Its still early and things could get worse but I am going to make sure he gets every drop of his medicine and I will continue to kep an eye on him 24/7


thank you to everyone who has responded to this thread, and apologies for how erratic my writing has been, ive just been under so much pressure the past ten days with him. To everyone who asked me questions or gave advice, i read every post and took every bit of information seriously so thank you for being there for me and especially for luther and lacreesha

 

[Scott]

Glad to know you're on the right track! Infections generally respond will to the appropriate medications. Sometimes it can be a great challenge to administer the meds. Let us know if you have difficulty and we can recommend techniques to make it much easier!

No problems with your writing, most of us have been there! Please keep us updated.

 

[Kentuckienne]

Oh, this is such good news! I hope he will improve. What kind of infection does he have?

 

[luthergoessquack]

Glad to know you're on the right track! Infections generally respond will to the appropriate medications. Sometimes it can be a great challenge to administer the meds. Let us know if you have difficulty and we can recommend techniques to make it much easier!

No problems with your writing, most of us have been there! Please keep us updated.

If you could help with administration that would be a huge help. He noticed the difference in taste when i put it in his apple juice and on the grape too. i am not holding him right and his head is moving too freely when i try and use the syringe. what should i be doing?

Oh, this is such good news! I hope he will improve. What kind of infection does he have?

you know I was so shaky during the appointment waiting for bad news I forgot what he specifically named the infection but it is in the crop area and its apparently one of those types of infections like the cold where its usually always there but sometimes just gets worse for some. he isn't terribly worried but he said if it persisted he will do blood work.

no coughing noises tonight or this morning so fingers crossed things are going in the right direction

 

[Owlet]

[ame="https://youtu.be/u-bvwf-F6Tw"]How to Teach a Parrot to Take Medication - YouTube[/ame]

maybe try what this shows

 

[Scott]

Blood work is generally recommended to accurately diagnose the illness and match the most effective antibiotic. A highly experienced vet may alternatively rely on clues in accessible areas such as the crop.

Many birds will resist the bitter tasting meds delivered via syringe. My favorite alternative is to mix with warm cooked cereal such as oatmeal, cream of wheat/rice, or oat bran. Use the smallest possible amount of filler that covers the flavor. If not, it may be necessary to increase the "bribe" with vanilla ice cream or plain/fruity yogurt. The last two are not ideal, but sometimes you must make a judgement of *no* medicine delivered vs a medium with excess sugar and dairy. Always ask your vet before mixing, as medicines will be affected by various foods. Have never seen a contraindication with cereal, though.