Uglow suddenly sleepy and aggressive.

[Any Name You Wish]

Yesterday my parrot and I went for a long walk. He doesn't love his travel bag but usually tolerates it. Last night he went to bed early, and this morning he asked to be preened and then wanted steam in the bathroom, where he kept dozing off. After that, he started lunging at my hands while I was preparing food. He’s been unusually agitated and a bit aggressive. He wants snacks but isn’t eating much of his regular food.

I’m not sure if he’s reacting to the walk, hormonal, or feeling unwell. His droppings look normal. My usual vet is closed, and I don’t trust the local ER vet based on past experience.

Is this something I should be concerned about immediately, or does it sound like a temporary behavior issue?

Lastly, about 3 weeks ago there was a severe flood in my rental. The flood was stopped within 24 hours, but the damaged floors won’t be replaced for at least another month. I’m concerned there might be mold underneath and that he could be reacting to it. Am I being overly cautious, or is mold a reasonable concern in this situation?

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I would take him to the vet. If you don't have access to an avian vet there isn't much else you can do if he's sick. You can't use home remedies on a sick parrot hoping they will work.

 

[Any Name You Wish]

The vet is closed today. However, shortly after posting this he flew to the kitchen counter and devoured a walnut I had half cracked for him. Then he asked for a shower and was singing.

Was he just snack angry? He seems totally fine now. It's hard to tell. He's never been this way before.

 

[nkrbkr]

Is he molting? Not always, but sometimes my lovebird can be pretty cranky & sleepy while he’s molting. I would continue to keep an eye on your guy to be sure he’s acting like himself again.

 

[Any Name You Wish]

Is he molting? Not always, but sometimes my lovebird can be pretty cranky & sleepy while he’s molting. I would continue to keep an eye on your guy to be sure he’s acting like himself again.

He's been molting for months now. It started with a big “mojo molt,” - he's done this a few times over the last 10 years. It's a long process. For the last few months it’s been a feather here and there. I’ve taken him to the vet a few times since the start of the molt, and his bloodwork and overall health check out perfectly.

After the flood last month, I moved his cage into my bedroom during the remediation process (loud fans, industrial dehumidifier). He seemed to sleep really well at first so I haven't moved his cage back into the original room, but now he’s waking me up by fluffing his feathers and trying to play games at 1, 2, 3, 4am - Peekaboo, “Where’s Mommy,” etc. I slept on the couch last night to see if that would help him settle… and today he was extremely grouchy before his shower. Sorry - this is a lot of information. He seems very happy at the moment and I think it's more of a mood thing than a viral or bacterial thing. I just don't understand it.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Birds have moods for sure. If he doesn't seem right for more than a few days (poop not normal, not eating, sleeping too much, etc) take him to the vet. Birds tend to only look sick when they are VERY sick.

 

[Any Name You Wish]

Birds have moods for sure. If he doesn't seem right for more than a few days (poop not normal, not eating, sleeping too much, etc) take him to the vet. Birds tend to only look sick when they are VERY sick.

This is just worrying me more. His poop is totally fine - I've been checking it. He seems totally okay after his shower. I don't hesitate to take him to the vet, but the vet is closed until tomorrow and I am not sure an ER visit with unexperienced vets is required atm.

 

[linnielove]

For me it sounds more like a temporary behavioral issue. Because of the flood there has been a lot of stress in his environment recently.
If you are worrying about mold under the damaged floors you can meet the Avian vet after their replacement to look if there are any signs of aspergillosis.

Years ago I had an issue with permanent molting of one of my linnies. It stopped after I bought a bird lamp with uv radiation.

 

[Any Name You Wish]

For me it sounds more like a temporary behavioral issue. Because of the flood there has been a lot of stress in his environment recently.
If you are worrying about mold under the damaged floors you can meet the Avian vet after their replascement to look if there are any signs of aspergillosis.

Years ago I had an issue with permanent molting of one of my linnies. It stopped after I bought a bird lamp with uv radiation.

Thank you! This afternoon, after his snack and shower, he was back to his usual self: perched on my shoulder, preening, beak-grinding, and chattering. So I’m thinking it was just a temporary behavior thing.

He has a check-up coming up soon, so I’ll mention it then just to be sure. He’s had a lot of changes and stress over the last three years due to a change in our living arrangement (house to condo), and while he’s doing really well overall, he can still be a bit moody at times. This morning just seemed like one of those moments.

I appreciate the reassurance. I tend to worry when my little guy seems off. He's such a good guy & sweetheart. Have a nice rest of your Sunday.

 

[rheashard2]

He's been molting for months now. It started with a big “mojo molt,” - he's done this a few times over the last 10 years. It's a long process. For the last few months it’s been a feather here and there. I’ve taken him to the vet a few times since the start of the molt, and his bloodwork and overall health check out perfectly.

After the flood last month, I moved his cage into my bedroom during the remediation process (loud fans, industrial dehumidifier). He seemed to sleep really well at first so I haven't moved his cage back into the original room, but now he’s waking me up by fluffing his feathers and trying to play games at 1, 2, 3, 4am - Peekaboo, “Where’s Mommy,” etc. I slept on the couch last night to see if that would help him settle… and today he was extremely grouchy before his shower. Sorry - this is a lot of information. He seems very happy at the moment and I think it's more of a mood thing than a viral or bacterial thing. I just don't understand it.

I moved my CAG into my bedroom. She became upset after I had emergency hospital stay. I wasn't allowed out of her sight especially at night. In the beginning she'd play with a toy, peekaboo etc much like your guy. I thought originally it was the difference in ambient noise. I ignored her. I became a statue and do a lot of deep breathing. She eventually became used to me. She only now becomes active when there is a reason, storms etc.