Sudden breathing difficulties and rush to vets

[LaManuka]

A 'friend', when I mentioned I didn't have her insured said 'Why on earth would you insure a bird, it isn't' a dog or a cat.

Not gonna lie, that "friend" would very quickly be an ex-friend if they said something like that to me!!

 

[DonnaBudgie]

What happened to Salvador has taught all of us a lot, and fortunately, she didn't have to die for the lessons to be learned. Those of us who have female birds must consider the possibility of egg binding even when it doesn't seem obvious or even possible. Even though I lost a budgie to egg binding, I wouldn't have thought of it. Sometimes, unless confirmed by DNA testing, even birds we think are males are actually females- and could be egg bound. I knew that egg binding can cause profound lameness from pressure on the nerves and vessels to the legs, but I just read that a retained egg can cause respiratory problems from pressure on the airways and air sacs. Perhaps it depends of where the egg is positioned in the oviduct. We should try to familiarize ourselves better with the internal anatomy and physiology of our birds.

Regarding insurance, egg binding may not be a covered benefit, especially when repeated. Breeding issues (breeding on purpose) are excluded. You need to look closely at your policy exclusions. Insurance policies have a pretty long list of exclusions. Some policies don't cover parrots younger than 12 weeks or over 25 years old, which would exclude a lot of mature Macaws, Amazons and Greys, but some policies don't have an upper age limit. Behavioral problems including feather plucking MAY be excluded. Nationwide bird insurance appears to cover both egg binding and feather plucking.

 

[Geslina]

I was in awe of the work they put into getting Salvador well. Incredible the things they can do with something so tiny. The vet also mentioned that it is light sedation, just enough to keep them still long enough to get the image. I had no idea it was egg binding. Like I mentioned in another post, she presented with respiratory problems, and that was the initial focus of the vets until she stopped responding to the oxygen and nebulisation. I have no doubt it is a regular occurrence for female birds, sadly. Not only does it not always present itself in an obvious way, but I don't know a lot of people who would be willing to take a small animal like a bird to a vet due to costs. It makes me incredibly sad.

A 'friend', when I mentioned I didn't have her insured said 'Why on earth would you insure a bird, it isn't' a dog or a cat. When I was growing up, you just went to the cage one day and they were laid on the bottom of the cage, feet up!'. An insensitive comment, but also very typical unfortunately.

Why would you insure a bird??? Good lord, the cost alone, for the bird, and the high vet bills for exotics would be a good reason, and seems obvious…but maybe your friend, and most people, are thinking about $20 budgies, or even cockatiels. Often impulse purchases, and that is how a lot of people think. Breaks my heart for birds everywhere.

I agree with you about these amazing avian vets, I am eternally grateful to the vet and surgical team who operated on my Max last month. I want to do something nice for them, just haven’t decided what yet. Maybe a gift card to a restaurant, or a nice gift basket. I hope they are allowed to accept something like that, I work in health care and technically we are not - even though we sometimes do. Oh, just got another idea, I have a membership at day spa chain here - each month you get a “free” service, and if you don’t use them, they accumulate. Since I rarely go, I have a whole bunch of them. I could get the name of each person involved in Max’s surgery, and give them each a gift card for a free hour long facial or massage. Does anyone think that sounds like a good idea?

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I don't know what unwritten rules there are about things like this. Maybe you should assume it may put them in an awkward position and just send effusive thank you notes and post a terrific review online. Getting more business and an enhanced reputation is worth more than a day at a spa to these professionals. People are so quick to post mean reviews.

 

[rheashard2]

I was in awe of the work they put into getting Salvador well. Incredible the things they can do with something so tiny. The vet also mentioned that it is light sedation, just enough to keep them still long enough to get the image. I had no idea it was egg binding. Like I mentioned in another post, she presented with respiratory problems, and that was the initial focus of the vets until she stopped responding to the oxygen and nebulisation. I have no doubt it is a regular occurrence for female birds, sadly. Not only does it not always present itself in an obvious way, but I don't know a lot of people who would be willing to take a small animal like a bird to a vet due to costs. It makes me incredibly sad.

A 'friend', when I mentioned I didn't have her insured said 'Why on earth would you insure a bird, it isn't' a dog or a cat. When I was growing up, you just went to the cage one day and they were laid on the bottom of the cage, feet up!'. An insensitive comment, but also very typical unfortunately.

I insensitive remarks can be hard to deal with. I get looks from my siblings when they have heard about the money I have spent keeping my CAG healthy. Routine isn't the issue. It's the two emergencies over the past two decades. Each one was very expensive. I am glad things ended well. My CAG is female. Egg laying with possiblity of binding is a real dread of mine. Fortunately (knocking on head) she hasn't laid any eggs.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Imagine people's reaction when I tell them I spent hundreds of dollars on vet care for a parakeet (they don't know what budgies are).

 

[The Green Demon]

I insensitive remarks can be hard to deal with. I get looks from my siblings when they have heard about the money I have spent keeping my CAG healthy. Routine isn't the issue. It's the two emergencies over the past two decades. Each one was very expensive. I am glad things ended well. My CAG is female. Egg laying with possiblity of binding is a real dread of mine. Fortunately (knocking on head) she hasn't laid any eggs.

A lot of people don't realise the real personalities these birds have. My bird is my companion. I am very attached to her and she to me. There are days, the only thing that gives me purpose for getting out of bed is her calling me to see if I am up yet. She brings me joy and happiness every day. Also, many people don't realise birds need to be trained, need stimulation and fun added to their days, and need socialisation and company. Many still believe you stick them in a cage like you would a pretty fish in a bowl and feed them occasionally. They are there for aesthetics or because they've seen a funny TikTok and think it would be a fun pet to have.

They also don't realise or take into consideration how expensive it is to have any pet in general. My daughter recently mentioned she would love to get a cat, because they are 'easier' than a bird. I said ok. So let's work out how much it will cost each month to have a cat. She was only taking into account food and litter, because apparently, that is all a cat needs. So I mentioned vet bills, immunisations & boosters, and flea control. What if the cat has an accident or gets sick? I showed her my most recent vet bill. Asked, 'Do you have the money or even the credit to be able to cover a cost like this?' What would your choice have been had this been you? Needless to say, she is waiting until she is more financially secure to get a cat.

Egg binding fills me with dread, too. From the moment she laid her first clutch, I have learned everything I can about what she needs nutritionally, as well as signs of egg binding. I still missed it. This is why I chose to have an implant for her. It is a quick procedure, a little sore for them on the first day, but no more than after a dog or cat has been spayed. It has not changed her personality, something I was concerned about, and she has been quite calm. I don't know how long it will be effective for so still do all the things to discourage hormonal behaviours. I have also removed the cover for the cage. There is some debate about the need for one, with a key factor of reducing light exposure, but the vet recommended its removal, so we now have blinds to darken the room and I head to bed earlier with a book. Good bedtime habits for both of us, really.

Wishing you and your bird well! And thank you for your comments and support.

 

[The Green Demon]

Imagine people's reaction when I tell them I spent hundreds of dollars on vet care for a parakeet (they don't know what budgies are).

I have kept our recent vet bill to myself, other than sharing it with my daughter, because of the reactions I know I will get. The comments from my 'friend' about 'What a waste of money! For a bird?' The word friend in quotes now because I no longer consider this person to be much of a friend. She clearly didn't understand the importance of Salvador in my life, and was less than supportive at a time I was utterly devastated. I have kept the egg, though in a little box with the statement that reads 'The most expensive lovebird egg!', now in my display cabinet.

I understand what you are saying about budgies! They are incredibly clever little birds. We grew up with budgies, my mom often having one to keep her company. Unfortunately, I do recall one or two of them dying from egg binding, and my parents not having enough money for the vets to properly care for them. Very sad now that I know better.

Good luck with your little parakeet!

 

[rheashard2]

My daughter has trouble with her pet commitments. Growing up she'd bring home puppies. I'd be stuck training and caring for them. I didn't mind until kittens showed up. My daughter was/is less than diligent with taking the dogs outside. Hence a few of my CAG's favorite statements. Did you take the dogs outside. Are you going to take the dogs outside. She has a few more along that line. For reasons known only to my daughter she got a three kittens. Each a different breed. She did this a few weeks before being deployed somewhere for six months. I hate cleaning, replacing, kitty litter. I hate cleaning the area around litter box. I hate the smell of a litter box. In short I hate kitty litter. But there were these adorable kittens. It wasn't their fault my daughter was an idiot. I needed to keep them. I needed a way to not have to deal with the hated kitty litter. With the help of internet search. I found a way. I trained her three cats to use the toilet. It was was easier than I expected. It wasn't without problems. The Siamese became excuse the expression anul. He would screech until the toilet was flushed after use. It didn't matter the time of day. He would herd me to the toilet for flushing first thing after I got home. He'd inspect the bowl for floaters before use. Then scream for toilet flush. He got so weird and embarrassing. He'd inspect the bowl after human use. Human and visitors were deemed unable to flush toilet without his pre and post inspection. I don't know how many times I nearly sat on his head. i don't know how many visitors he scared trying to peak in toilet before use. He had a screaming, yowling tomcat tantrum until my brother put the seat down. Those cats went to the feline play area decades later. My daughter got three more kittens. But she's retired military. I don't have to deal with the dreaded kitty litter. So they and it are her problem confined to her part of the house. She complains about every kitten litter purchase and upkeep time. I only smile. She did offer to pay me to toilet train this bunch. But I put my foot down. Yes I would do it for a price. But they had to be trained to use her toilet not mine. She declined.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Even though the price of the bird is irrelevant, not like all budgies are "cheap". My English budgies sell for up to $400 each, especially the males because they're more likely to talk! I only paid $75 each for 6 of them.

 

[nkrbkr]

A lot of people don't realise the real personalities these birds have. My bird is my companion. I am very attached to her and she to me. There are days, the only thing that gives me purpose for getting out of bed is her calling me to see if I am up yet. She brings me joy and happiness every day. Also, many people don't realise birds need to be trained, need stimulation and fun added to their days, and need socialisation and company. Many still believe you stick them in a cage like you would a pretty fish in a bowl and feed them occasionally. They are there for aesthetics or because they've seen a funny TikTok and think it would be a fun pet to have.

They also don't realise or take into consideration how expensive it is to have any pet in general. My daughter recently mentioned she would love to get a cat, because they are 'easier' than a bird. I said ok. So let's work out how much it will cost each month to have a cat. She was only taking into account food and litter, because apparently, that is all a cat needs. So I mentioned vet bills, immunisations & boosters, and flea control. What if the cat has an accident or gets sick? I showed her my most recent vet bill. Asked, 'Do you have the money or even the credit to be able to cover a cost like this?' What would your choice have been had this been you? Needless to say, she is waiting until she is more financially secure to get a cat.

Egg binding fills me with dread, too. From the moment she laid her first clutch, I have learned everything I can about what she needs nutritionally, as well as signs of egg binding. I still missed it. This is why I chose to have an implant for her. It is a quick procedure, a little sore for them on the first day, but no more than after a dog or cat has been spayed. It has not changed her personality, something I was concerned about, and she has been quite calm. I don't know how long it will be effective for so still do all the things to discourage hormonal behaviours. I have also removed the cover for the cage. There is some debate about the need for one, with a key factor of reducing light exposure, but the vet recommended its removal, so we now have blinds to darken the room and I head to bed earlier with a book. Good bedtime habits for both of us, really.

Wishing you and your bird well! And thank you for your comments and support.

My lovebird really did not do well with a cage cover. It made him very hormonal. I know lots of people use covers, as that is what works best in their particular situation/set up. That said, I don’t use them at all.

 

[nkrbkr]

My daughter has trouble with her pet commitments. Growing up she'd bring home puppies. I'd be stuck training and caring for them. I didn't mind until kittens showed up. My daughter was/is less than diligent with taking the dogs outside. Hence a few of my CAG's favorite statements. Did you take the dogs outside. Are you going to take the dogs outside. She has a few more along that line. For reasons known only to my daughter she got a three kittens. Each a different breed. She did this a few weeks before being deployed somewhere for six months. I hate cleaning, replacing, kitty litter. I hate cleaning the area around litter box. I hate the smell of a litter box. In short I hate kitty litter. But there were these adorable kittens. It wasn't their fault my daughter was an idiot. I needed to keep them. I needed a way to not have to deal with the hated kitty litter. With the help of internet search. I found a way. I trained her three cats to use the toilet. It was was easier than I expected. It wasn't without problems. The Siamese became excuse the expression anul. He would screech until the toilet was flushed after use. It didn't matter the time of day. He would herd me to the toilet for flushing first thing after I got home. He'd inspect the bowl for floaters before use. Then scream for toilet flush. He got so weird and embarrassing. He'd inspect the bowl after human use. Human and visitors were deemed unable to flush toilet without his pre and post inspection. I don't know how many times I nearly sat on his head. i don't know how many visitors he scared trying to peak in toilet before use. He had a screaming, yowling tomcat tantrum until my brother put the seat down. Those cats went to the feline play area decades later. My daughter got three more kittens. But she's retired military. I don't have to deal with the dreaded kitty litter. So they and it are her problem confined to her part of the house. She complains about every kitten litter purchase and upkeep time. I only smile. She did offer to pay me to toilet train this bunch. But I put my foot down. Yes I would do it for a price. But they had to be trained to use her toilet not mine. She declined.

My dear, sweet, departed Puck kitty was toilet trained as well. I hate kitty litter.

 

[Geslina]

My lovebird really did not do well with a cage cover. It made him very hormonal. I know lots of people use covers, as that is what works best in their particular situation/set up. That said, I don’t use them at all.

I never cover my Amazon at night. I did it a few times when I first got him, and he went nuts, completely trashed the inside of his cage. He wasn’t hormonal, just very p***ed off!! There have been times when it was really cold or I lived somewhere drafty where I would just drape something over his sleeping corner, but he made it clear from the beginning that he does NOT want to be completely covered!!

 

[nkrbkr]

I never cover my Amazon at night. I did it a few times when I first got him, and he went nuts, completely trashed the inside of his cage. He wasn’t hormonal, just very p***ed off!! There have been times when it was really cold or I lived somewhere drafty where I would just drape something over his sleeping corner, but he made it clear from the beginning that he does NOT want to be completely covered!!

I’ve never covered my Amazon either. I saw what it did to my lovie and how vicious his attitude and tiny beak became, and that was a big nope from me. No thank you to an angry Amazon

I understand that it’s what works best for others, but works best for us is a smaller room with blackout blinds and a dim night light.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I don't completely cover my budgies' cages. I just put a small fleece throw on the tops and most of the cage is uncovered. My budgies, like most birds, sleep lightly and occasionally wake up suddenly and start flapping which starts everyone flapping and when they flap around in the pitch darkness they can get injured. I don't think it's natural for birds to sleep in complete darkness.

 

[rheashard2]

Nameliss only accepts her sleeping corner covered. She has a fit until it is covered. I never bothered to understand why. She was like that when I got her. I assumed it was something that the breeder did.

 

[Macawdamia Nut]

I used to cover my macaw’s enormous cage when I lived in cold places. His cage is so huge I used to sew covers from king size sheets. They were really nice! My favorite was a Ralph Lauren custom cage cover that looked like basketweave. I called it “Chicken in a Basket.” I deliberately left an open area near the ties which closed it so he would not chew holes in it like he had done in past covers, but every morning I would get up and see fabric being chewed up from inside the cage. Needless to say it was eventually chewed to shreds. I haven’t covered him up since living in a warm climate. Much easier!

 

[rheashard2]

I sometimes wonder. If not wanting complete covering is a way to keep track of the human flock members? I worked midnights for decades. Since retirement Nameliss watches and verbally reprimands me until I am in bed, all lights off except for night light. I can't even be in another room crocheting or reading.

 

[The Green Demon]

My lovebird really did not do well with a cage cover. It made him very hormonal. I know lots of people use covers, as that is what works best in their particular situation/set up. That said, I don’t use them at all.

Thank you. I agree. I think leaving the cage cover off was actually a good decision. She is fine without it. It is hard to say whether the cage cover has reduced hormonal behaviours or not because she recently had the implant. However, she is quite calm, very settled, playing more than nesting and is a joy to have out of the cage again. No longer being sexually molested by my bird She was pretty intense for a while.

 

[The Green Demon]

I sometimes wonder. If not wanting complete covering is a way to keep track of the human flock members? I worked midnights for decades. Since retirement Nameliss watches and verbally reprimands me until I am in bed, all lights off except for night light. I can't even be in another room crocheting or reading.

My lovebird takes herself to bed around the same time each evening usually around 9.30. She will tolerate me watching TV for about a half hour, making those beaky grinding sounds they make when settling down for the night. But if I stay up past ten she starts shouting at me. God help me if I even think about picking up my phone! She keeps me in good habits haha