Sudden behavior change and health issue-hoping for advice

Kathryn

New member
Oct 25, 2021
3
5
Parrots
CAG
I’ve previously just read threads in this forum, but I’ve got a very worrisome issue with the CAG that lives with me. His behavior changed radically about 10 days ago. Repeating one old phrase he learned years ago and nothing else, not wanting to be held or play normally. I got in to an avian vet as quickly as possible. There’s something on his X-ray that’s not normal-waiting for more test results at the end of the week and he’s having his DNA done again to make sure there wasn’t a mistake made when his previous owner had him. To make sure he’s not actually a girl and the mass is an old egg. Could be a fungal infection and apparently that’s best case scenario.
My question is-any advice for while we wait? He’s not happy with me clearly, and vet visit was traumatic for him. He’s had diet changes-vet is not a believer in chop etc, which I’ve been ignoring, but I’ve removed any fruit and upped the ratio of pellets, giving less seed treat. He usually always loves his cuddle time especially at night but now just squawks when I’m holding him, and rarely even wants head scratches since the vet visit. Treats, favorite toys, nothing is pleasing to him. 2 weeks ago he was in a particularly happy phase, a pretty well-adjusted parrot who liked cruising around the house and frequent physical interaction. I’ve never had this happen with him. Do I let it be for now? Wrap him and remind him that I’m safe and that he likes petting? Help! I’ve been lucky with this sweet babe so far and this is really exposing the gaps in my knowledge. Just want to do what’s best for him. Thanks in advance.
 

foxgloveparrot

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Aug 30, 2021
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If he has lost trust in you, take every step you made at the beginning to rebuild that trust. Next time he goes to the vet, give him plenty of treats and praise whenever he is calm. This will keep him from being traumatized again. However, he might not anyway, because he knows what's going on the second time.
I'm very sorry he has a health problem, I hope he'll be okay. I wish you and your bird the best
 
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Kathryn

New member
Oct 25, 2021
3
5
Parrots
CAG
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If he has lost trust in you, take every step you made at the beginning to rebuild that trust. Next time he goes to the vet, give him plenty of treats and praise whenever he is calm. This will keep him from being traumatized again. However, he might not anyway, because he knows what's going on the second time.
I'm very sorry he has a health problem, I hope he'll be okay. I wish you and your bird the best
Thank you. I’m doing that and will redouble my efforts. It’s unfortunate the vet has the bedside manner of a gorilla. I really didn’t like the way he was handled. But there are very few resources here in spite of being in a large city, and the other avian vet can’t see him until after Thanksgiving so choices are limited. Going to have to read up again on establishing that trust. It’s been a long time. And it’s hard for me to discern whether it’s that, or he just doesn’t feel good.
 

foxgloveparrot

Well-known member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
Aug 30, 2021
5,727
7,008
Indiana, USA
Parrots
Ziggy, Kai, and Seiji (blue, yellowface, and dilute budgies)
Jasper (yellow-naped amazon)
Lilla (senegal parrot)
Snowberry (yellow-crowned amazon)
Cricket (pacific parrotlet)
Thank you. I’m doing that and will redouble my efforts. It’s unfortunate the vet has the bedside manner of a gorilla. I really didn’t like the way he was handled. But there are very few resources here in spite of being in a large city, and the other avian vet can’t see him until after Thanksgiving so choices are limited. Going to have to read up again on establishing that trust. It’s been a long time. And it’s hard for me to discern whether it’s that, or he just doesn’t feel good.
It might be both, but regardless, try to treat him as nicely as possible.
And if you don't like your vet, find one you trust with your birds
 
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Kathryn

New member
Oct 25, 2021
3
5
Parrots
CAG
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  • #5
It might be both, but regardless, try to treat him as nicely as possible.
And if you don't like your vet, find one you trust with your birds
Yes, of course. His regular vet is good, is older and works less now. I felt he should be seen asap and vet appointments have been incredibly difficult in pandemic reality for whatever reason. I spent literally hours on the phone to get him in anywhere at all, including the emergency hospital that couldn’t see him for days. It’s not like it used to be and there seem to be a total of 3 genuine avian specialists in a two hour driving radius. So like I said, it’s not that easy. I’ll continue to look of course.
 

Laurasea

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Aug 2, 2018
12,593
10,702
USA
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Full house
I always apologize and explain, I feel like somehow they understand. And lots of bribes fed by hand.

Its important to weigh sick birds daily, as this helps if you need to offer higher calories. Sick burds burn 3x more calories. Warmth is also extremely beneficial with any health issues. K and h has a cage warner they can snuggle. I myself love the sweeter heater you can find on Amazon its a radiant heat panel and usually you have to set it back from the cage at least six inches. I attached mine to a pole so I can adjust, I have it aimed at corner with a perch on the inside so they can move away or towards it.

Keeping my fingers crossed fir a happy outcome
 

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