The test came back positive

[BirdyMomma]

I am on the train. On my way to work. The Vet just called. The test cam back positive. I think I am going to have a heart attack. I want to cry right now.

 

[Terry57]

Oh Michele, I am so sorry What else did the vet say?
My heart is breaking for you and Wingnut and I so wish you did not have to go to work.
Sending you hugs and much love, my friend.

 

[RavensGryf]

Michele, I am so very sorry. As Terry asked, what did the vet say? That is, if you even feel like talking about it right now. Sympathy and hugs coming your way...

 

[JerseyWendy]

I am so sorry, Michele!

I'm also quite dumb-founded, to tell you the truth. I just don't understand it at all.

HUGS to you. LOTS of them.

 

[Allee]

Michele, I can't put into words how sorry I am to hear this. Sending you many hugs and warm wishes. Please give us an update when you can. Our thoughts are with you.

 

[thekarens]

Well heck.....

 

[Birdman666]

I am shocked, and absolutely at a loss for words...

 

[Kiwibird]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Wishing the best for you and Wingnut.

 

[Mattroma]

I'm truly sorry to hear this.

 

[Agapornis]

So, so sorry, Birdy Momma! This is terrible news. Please know you are in all of our thoughts and prayers.

 

[Anansi]

I am so sorry, Michele. I know this news must be devastating to you and your family. Our prayers, well-wishes and support will continue to be with you through this difficult time.

I have to wonder, though. Is the fact that he is showing no symptoms a sign that he might be a carrier? Perhaps he's one of those birds that remain unaffected by the disease?

But either way, we're all here for you, Michele. God bless.

 

[BirdyMomma]

Thank you everyone. I on my way home now. I just want to cry. It is such a disaster. The vet was talking to me about what is right to do for the birds, if the others are not infected. My ethical obligation. She mentioned giving up either Wingnut, or the others...... My babies. I can't do that. They love me as much as I love them. I cannot "give" any of them away. It's a ridiculous thought. They are my babies!

Tomorrow we have to go and have them all tested, and Wingnuts test will be sent to a different lab. We had to book the last appointment of the day, so they can sanitize the room after we leave. Our birds will have to be brought in one at a time. I was told about doctors who only see PBFD cases in the parking lot, or at in home visits, which our vet does not do.....

If you saw our birds, in a million years, you would not believe this. They are happy, bright, alert. They.... eat and poop like horses. They are so well cared for and loved...... I cannot believe that I could lovethat. something so much, and take so much time to nurture and provide everything, and that this could happen.

 

[MonicaMc]

So sorry to hear about the test!


Just a suggestion though.... you may end up having to handle all of your non-PBFD birds first and interacting with them, then handling your PBFD bird(s) last and giving them all the best life that you can!

The rest of your flock may or may not become infected, and just because they are in a home with a PBFD bird doesn't mean that they will become infected. If they do, they may become carriers of it but not be adversely affected by it. Who knows.



At minimum, before making any rash decisions, I think you should try contacting other owners of PBFD birds and ask them what they do. I know some owners only take in PBFD positive birds so they don't have to worry about one bird effecting the others.

 

[MikeyTN]

I'm so sorry to hear....this makes me very sad as this proves what he has.....I was so hoping to see the last test was incorrect.....

 

[witchbaby]

I'm so sorry. *hugs*

 

[Kalidasa]

Be strong, and live true to your name BirdyMomma if anyone's going to figure it out, it's you.

 

[RavensGryf]

At minimum, before making any rash decisions, I think you should try contacting other owners of PBFD birds and ask them what they do. I know some owners only take in PBFD positive birds so they don't have to worry about one bird effecting the others.

I think that is an idea. Contact other PBFD owners and talk with them about what they've done. I'm sure there are groups out there.

Even in the worst case scenario, you could keep all your birds together and you guys could still be a happy family, and just not get any others? Then you could continue feeding healthy, and give a supplement to boost everyone's immune system so they can still have a great chance of living a good life in remission.

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT PRODUCTS The HEALx line from the Harrison's company. I have the HEALTHzyme.

HEAL-x

 

[BirdyMomma]

Thank you for your positive suggestions. I am very unhappy right now. I feel so helpless. I look in their eyes, and I feel guilty, because I cannot protect them. I cannot insure the long, healthy lives that they deserve....and the second I bought them home, that became my responsibility.

I am a very strong person, and I will do whatever it takes to make them happy, and give them the best. I just don't feel very powerful right now.

 

[RavensGryf]

Your feelings are normal... I've been through pdd in the past, and even back then I was as totally disease paranoid as I am now :52: and believe it or not it STILL it came into my house!!!

Just as with people, diseases don't discriminate! Both the beautiful pampered beloved pet, as well as the dirty hoarder's bird are both equal in terms of exposure to these evil diseases. These viruses can be found ANYWHERE.

It will unfortunately stay in our bird community and is spread because while MOST people are well meaning, loving, responsible people who are NOT stupid, but just simply don't realize how common and in some cases highly contagious the avian viruses are, and to beware. Even worse are the people out there who not only are ignorant to diseases, but are just out to make a buck and don't care.

Sometimes no matter how careful you are, you can have bad luck. I got my beautiful (on the outside) pdd bird from what I thought was a good, clean and knowledgable bird store!! I was aware and paranoid even then, and I couldn't avoid it. I got her every other test, but that one was not available then (or very accurate).

So remember... Sometimes crap just happens. Some things are just part of our life path for some reason and we can't avoid it. Just like some really fit healthy people get cancer, and we can't understand why.

 

[MonicaMc]

Roudybush does have a diet for PDD birds... so if any of your birds come up positive for that, they may benefit from the diet. Birds who have PBFD often tend to have PDD as well.


Formula APD Proventricular
Roudybush Direct




You can only get it via a vet prescription, and it would probably be best to speak with your vet about the diet anyway, to see if it may be beneficial to any of your birds. (saying that, I don't know how many avian vets are aware of the Roudybush Careline - some may recommend feeding Harrison's over Roudybush, too)