Oh Help

[Birdswelove]

Hello everyone and firstly Merry Christmas! Myself and my 13 year old son are avid bird lovers - very soft hearts when it comes to these creatures of God. We had a big cage on wheels with 4 Cockatiels and 3 Budgies and a separate cage with one cockatiel female. Mostly rescue birds. Also have a new baby Love bird brought into the family yesterday, in its own cage and called "Blue". The one female cockatiel, Rachael has sneezed on and off in the big cage for about a month now, but I thought she was fine because she is a strong bird and looks healthy otherwise, there is a mating pair that absolutely love each other, Harry and Snowflake. Snowflake started sneezing yesterday morning and didn't look well all day, I kept a close eye on her. On our way out for my sons 13 year old birthday dinner, I brought them into the kitchen and she had a sneezing fit and fell to the bottom. I scooped her out and loved her and she died in my hands. SO traumatic! It's Christmas and no vets around. I am worried that what she had is contagious for all the others and poor Harry has called and called all day and we are all very sad.What can I do to help him? I put the other female in with him hoping it would distract him, but he continues to call. Can anyone help with ideas please and also advise if this is contagious? Please help... Thanks

 

[Loko]

Its very possible she died of a respiratory infection. Birds show very subtle signs of illness and noticing them early is necessary to be able to get them proper care. Watch droppings of the other birds, listen for any clicking sound when breathing or tail bobbing or any distress in breathing, and anything abnormal.. anything at all. If any show signs then bring them to an avian vet immediately. Some times it is hard to tell because birds hide illness so well, and the subtlest difference can mean they are very sick. Very sorry for your loss and hope the rest of the flock is okay! Try to keep the male as comfortable as possible.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hello and Merry Christmas to you also.

I think it prudent to take the new baby to another room away from existing flock. Quarantine is important and should be carried out each and every time you introduce a new member to your home.

link for info also My Parrot is Sneezing ? What?s Wrong!? | That Bird Blog

Without a doubt there does need to be a visit made to see an AV. I am sorry for the loss of Snowflake.

Please also make sure that you are using the highest hygiene standards to avoid cross infection. Can you remove Harry into another cage and then totally strip down and disinfect the cage, perches, food containers, toys. A cage move round may distract Harry from his loss.

 

[Birdswelove]

Thank you all so much! I will keep the new Baby in a separate area but hope it is not too late and he hasn't caught anything already. It is difficult to get them all to the vet, but I will take the one that started the sneezing as soon as the Vet is open again. You are all so kind thank you and hope you have a lovely day further.

 

[plumsmum2005]

BTW does anyone smoke in your home or do you use Teflon pans?

 

[Birdswelove]

No, No smoking at all and no Teflon. But I have sprayed for Fruit Flies in the kitchen, but not whilst the birds were in the kitchen. Three days ago, we brought a baby Mossie into a cage in the kitchen to help him, let him go during the day and caught him again at night as he wasnt strong. He Dad was feeding him outside during the day. I'm thinking perhaps he brought in something...?? we save birds all the time and I will be more careful now and keep them in another room rather....Hard lessons learnt

 

[plumsmum2005]

Aerosols and birds are not something that should ever be in close proximity. Now you are a member here please use the search function to research as there seems to be a need to learn, that is why we come here, yes? We all agree that we have added to our knowledge with the help of what is already written and the other members.

Some links for your info:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general...species-precautions-emergency-procedures.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/449-toxic-list-our-birds.html

 

[Scott]

My deepest condolences for the loss of snowflake.

As others have posted, birds can harbor illness and show little outward signs of difficulty. Whether your other birds are similarly affected is hard to know, and I understand holiday vet availability is difficult. Separation and quarantine for a 30 day period is always best. For now, isolation may be the best course, and a visit to an avian vet as soon as possible will help diagnose and treat.

Best wishes for you and your flock, please keep us updated!

 

[GaleriaGila]

Merry Christmas AND sincerest synpathies...

I have a question for anybody/everybody, please. Can you describe this 'clicking' sound? I just want to be able to spot it if ever the Rb does it. Is it loud? Quiet? Like a tsk-tsk, or more like a finger-snap, but maybe quieter?