Concerns about my macaw, Georgia. Please help?

[HappyHummingbird]

Georgia, my B&G macaw, has been throwing up after her hand feedings today. We've done 2 hand feedings. She is 4.5 months old and has never done this. It isn't projectile vomit but rather a spitting up or a dribble out.... it happened several times after first feeding and once after the second feeding. Should I be concerned? Oh and she has been sneezing some lately. The only new event that has happened lately is that she went to the vet for a wing/claw trim but other than that nothing has happened.

 

[MeganMango]

I would call the vet and ask about it. Some sneezing is normal, but I dont know anything about hand feeding. I know from frequenting the forum that people usually weigh their babies often and regularly to assess whether they are gaining appropriately. I would consider this if you are worried she isnt getting enough food.

 

[triordan]

I agree, call the vet and explain what is happening

 

[JerseyWendy]

Yes, I agree. Please call your avian vet.

Do you weigh Georgia every morning, on empty crop? Has she steadily gained weight? Has she been introduced to foods, and if so, how does she eat on her own?

 

[HappyHummingbird]

I am at emergency vet. Prayers please.

 

[plax]

I am at emergency vet. Prayers please.

HappyHummingbird: I'm so sorry to hear that Georgia is ill . My thoughts and deep concerns are with you and your baby! Please keep us updated!!!

 

[Turquoise]

I do hope Georgia is going to be ok. It is good that you took her in to the vet. My thoughts are with you and Georgia.

 

[Ash]

I do hope Georgia is going to be ok. Please keep us updated and my thoughts are with you

 

[noblemacaw]

You post caused me to catch my breath. I pray that Georgia is alright and if not that they can help her get well and strong again.

When I read your original post I thought she was doing what my Valentino does with his night feedings sometimes. He will pump while I am feeding him hand rearing formula though the syringe and sometimes he will cough and spray it all over my face and chest. I think he is eating too fast and I slow him down at that point. The first time it happened I thought I he was going to aspirate but I realized right away he was not and that never came into play. Now he does it on purpose because of the total shock and dismay displayed on my face. Valentino is very smart and picks up things so very quickly.

Again I will pray that Georgia is going to be alright. That she is alright and the ER vet will pronounce her a healthy baby macaw.

My thoughts and prayers are heavily with you tonight

 

[CathnPoe]

My vet said it could be because of the temperature or texture of the food.
But better to check. Hope it's just this. x

 

[MikeyTN]

My vet said it could be because of the temperature or texture of the food.
But better to check. Hope it's just this. x

This is correct! But it can be something more serious as well such. There can be many issues in handfeeding a baby bird such a yeast infection, bacterial infection, sour crop, crop burn, crop stasis, etc... This is part of the reason why handfeeding isn't for beginners. I hope everything is all right....

 

[HappyHummingbird]

Hey y'all,
update: Georgia is in hospital and will be there all day today. She has some sort of infection/inflammation in her crop. She is in an incubator on antibiotics, getting crop flushes and dextrose/water feedings every two hours to clean out her crop and monitor her condition. No idea how this happened. Can I just reiterate that I will NEVER HAND FEED A BABY BIRD AGAIN?! This has been a stress filled experience and my breeder made it sound so easy but we've dealt with crop burn (mild) and now this. I love my bird and I try very hard but it's apparently harder than I knew or was led to believe. Anyhow, Georgia is safe and fine right now at the vet and that's good. Will keep all posted on her condition later today.

I am beyond stressed. If you read my original postings here you know I lost Max not long ago. Georgia is a baby and I can't imagine losing her too. I think I'd give up birds all together because the pain would be too much. Birds just attach to my heart in a way that I would have never imagined. Prayers please?!

Plus, I am already, after one night, $500 in the hole. I expect another $500 by tonight for all the treatment. UGH.

 

[plax]

I'm terribly sorry to hear about Georgia's crop inflammation, Carolyn. I am truly concerned for her... It's such a sad thing that your beloved baby bird has fallen ill . The unimaginable devastation we feel when things like this happen to our cherished feathered babies is such a hard thing to cope with. At the same time, though, it's a really great thing that you sought medical treatment for Georgia immediately and that she's now receiving the care she requires to recover . So please take heart!

I very much empathize with the imposition of stress upon your baby from the treatment procedures she's enduring. And I understand that it's such a heartbreaking thing to put her through. Your deep concerns for her life and health (not to mention the costs of treatment, which I'm sure you don't need) must seem like a living nightmare . But please realize that once you have her back again and she's a healthy, happy baby bird, the nightmare will fade! You'll have years and years with her to make wonderful memories !

You and your baby, Georgia, shall remain in my thoughts... May she make a full recovery, and do so rapidly!!!

Please continue to update us.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I whole-heartedly second Tony's sentiments, Carolyn!

You did the right thing, THANK YOU for that. You didn't hesitate and probably saved her life due to your quick reaction.

She is in good hands now, and getting everything she needs to be well.

You and Georgia are in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep your head up. And HUGS to you!

 

[Sherry]

My heart is breaking for you and your bird. Big hugs I too know the stress of handfeeding, it's not something to enter into lightly. I'm sure with your bird getting the proper treatment she will make a speedy recovery. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[HappyHummingbird]

I visited sweet Georgia at the pet hospital. It was so sad to see her in that steel cage with the dogs and cats that were also there. She is doing okay right now. They are keeping her on water/sugar (dextrose) every two hours and she is responding well to that and antibiotics. Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment. It means so much to me. I anxiously hope that Georgia will come home tonight but we shall see. I have to know that she is in good hands and that God will protect her. Did I mention how many grey hairs this stress has cost me?! I don't need any more stinkin' grey hairs! I'm only 33!!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Thank you again for the update, Carolyn. I'm chewing my nails here....but it sounds like Georgia will be ok.

Hey, we will NOT mention any grey hairs Miss "Feria" has been working GREAT for me. :54:

You and Georgia continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, and I'm sending all good vibes your way. More HUGS!!!!

 

[noblemacaw]

Hi Carolyn,
I am very happy that Georgia is doing better. Thank you so much for updating us on how she is doing. My prayers are always with you. I lost two parrot companions within a year and half of each other. I almost gave up on parrots and almost cancelled getting Valentino but I am very glad I did not. Every day Valentino helps me heal a little bit more. When he learns something new I am teaching him when he demonstrates he is bonding to me more, when he communicates with me, when he expresses the desire to want to be with me helps me heal my broken heart.

I think Georgia can do the same for you. It sounds to me that she is going to be alright and will continue to grow and be a member of your family. I hope Georgia can bring you some comfort as Valentino as brought comfort for me. Taking care of her after she comes home will bring you even closer to her. The after care you will give her will bond her more strongly to you. Georgia will be in such caring and loving hands she will get better and thrive.

I offer you lots of hugs. From one bird lover to another.

 

[Turquoise]

I too am so very glad to hear that Georgia is doing good. So lucky of you in catching it quickly & her getting the treatment she needs.

I totally understand on the hand feeding. It is not for everyone, that is why my new baby Green Wing is still with her breeder in Washington state & it may be another month or two before she is ready to come home. It can be a stressful time for everyone even when all goes well. I think you & Georgia will move on through this & she will be with you a long time.

 

[plax]

I as well am so happy to hear about Georgia's positive status! That's great news!!! You acted quickly and did the right thing, Carolyn. I'll be anxiously awaiting your reports of her continued improvements. I so hope she can come home with you soon .