Concerned

[MissyMe83]

I just noticed that my two year old yellow naped amazon has a ticking sound coming from what I imagine is her chest when she flies to me. It's relatively short lived but it sounds so loud to me! I noticed it tonight and a few days ago in the same scenario. At times of rest I hear nothing. She is otherwise fine, talking, eating, drinking, playing etc. What is this??? I'm worried it's some heart defect or something serious that will take her away from me. Obviously a vet visit is in store but what if it doesn't happen there....I'm freaking out.

Anyone??

 

[noblemacaw]

How fit is your amazon? I am wondering if she is getting winded from flying. If she was sick with respiratory problem she would be wheezing while at rest. I can understand your concern.

My RFM Valentino has been flighted all his life and when I fly him heavily he will also get "out of breath" and winded. He will breath heavily and make the sound you talk about. He recovers quickly because he is exercised every day and is in good shape. Personally I know he would be in better shape is I could free fly him but that is not an option for me at this time.

 

[SandyBee]

A vet will be able to listen with a stethoscope and be able to understand what he is hearing and also determine by your description what is happening. I would imagine if you hear something when she flies it might be something with her respiratory system. Best to get to vet ASAP and maybe just don't over exert her till then.

 

[PetoftheDay]

Does it happen every time she flies to you? If so, would she be too nervous at the vet to fly to you in the confines of the exam room?

 

[henpecked]

i have noticed something similar with some of my zons when they have issues with infections in their cere or upper respiratory tract. In a 2 year old zon that would be my first guess. Have you seen any secretions from his nostril area (cere)? You could also have him fly while at the AV's and the same symptoms should appear. Let us know what the AV says. If all he does is prescribe Baytril , look for a better AV. Just my .02 worth

Also be aware of pet zons making sounds that gain sympathy, get attention, it might be very subtle, but they learn quick. By all means get it checked out.

 

[Birdman666]

Crackling sounds are also an indication of a vitamin A deficiency in Amazons. They need vitamin A to make certain secretions that coat their air sacs. When there isn't enough, the air sacs become leathery, and that's where the crackling sound comes in...

I went through this one with old Peckerhead, my BFA...

If that is the case, the vet can give the bird a vitamin A shot, and you increase the carrot/sweet potato intake, and it should clear right up.

 

[SoCalWendy]

I just noticed that my two year old yellow naped amazon has a ticking sound coming from what I imagine is her chest when she flies to me. It's relatively short lived but it sounds so loud to me! I noticed it tonight and a few days ago in the same scenario. At times of rest I hear nothing. She is otherwise fine, talking, eating, drinking, playing etc. What is this??? I'm worried it's some heart defect or something serious that will take her away from me. Obviously a vet visit is in store but what if it doesn't happen there....I'm freaking out.

Anyone??

Might be air sac mites. I lost my canary to them, but I had no idea at the time. You might want to see a vet ASAP.