sammygray

No problem, Sammy is a very happy bird considering what he's been through. He's a character all right. He get's lots of love in our home. He stayed at his previous home for 2 years after his companion died and nobody ever picked him up. There were no more men left in the house (because he died) and Sammy does no like women. The vet said his life would be shortened somewhat but we don't worry about that, we just focus on today. Thanks

Sammy was born with a malformation near his pallet. There is a flap (I forget what it's called) in the roof of the mouth and Sammy's was formed improperly and doesn't function properly. The sinuses can't drain so it seems as though he always has a runny nose. When I aquired Sammy 3-4 years ago, I immediately brought him to the vet on the way home. That vet didn't know what to do so they referred us to Florida Vet Specialists in Tampa, FL. That's where all exotics and regular pets go for cancer and such. Sammy had surgery and several nasal flushes lasting 6 months. I spent over $4,000.00 and drove 360 miles round trip every week or 2 for 6 months. I had to stop the vet visits because it was stressing Sammy out to much and we (the vet and I) decided it's not worth risking seizures to have clear sinuses. So I know what it means to bring a bird to a vet and I know what they do and the tests they conduct. I recently found a holistic vet here in Naples and have an appt next Wed. As of now Sammy is back to his old self. He's eating (not as much as usual) but he's eating and has a full crop 3 times a day. I appreciate all the feedback and concern from all of you

Sammy's feeling more like himself today. Thanks for all your support, it helps to get feedback from your experience. I still don't get it why he was under the weather, we all have bad days why not birds too. I'll keep a closer eye on him.

I will keep a close eye on him tomorrow. I think the best thing was NOT to take him to the vet today. The vet wouldn't of caught the beak symptom. You would of had to watch him climb, eat and behave around his cage and if I would of brought him today my regular vet wasn't even there which is why I decided to wait until Friday if needed. Today was a good observation day so I'm glad I took off work to be with him and just watch and learn. And learn I did. Sometimes we (bird owners) just need to look closely at our birds instead of jumping in the car and going to the vet on a whim. I understand the importance of vetcare also. I will let you know how Sammy boy is tomorrow. Thanks for your thoughts. Have a good day tomorrow all!

Sammy ate alot of creamed rice and is feeling better. It is definately a problem with his upper beak movement. Put Sammy to bed. There was a typo in the last message. Sammy likes to "tug" back when I tug on his beak. The typo was "dug". I feel embarrased, You all were probably thinking, what the heck is this guy doing to his gray "dug"ing on his beak. Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I have a clue about what may be bothering Sammy. He can't move his upper jaw! I have been hand feeding him off and on all afternoon. He eats, only in small bites. I do have to tell you more about Sammy's history. He was born with runny nares. Ever since he was 10 days old, he has had a runny nose. I took him to a specialist 2 years ago and after surgery and several nasal flushes he's still the same. I had to stop the flushings because they were too traumatizing to him. He may have another infection up there. I can't see any severe swelling or any abnormal signs except he is disharching in both nares when usually it's just the right side. There is no blood and that was pretty common when he got flushed out, which hasn't been flushed for over a year now. He may have fallen and hurt himself. He does like to play dug on the beak with me but I don't think we got that rough. I will bet it's an injury to his upper jaw bone, soft tissue probably muscular. Any ideas you vets out there. I would appreciate your help. Thanks

I do have a avian vet, but they won't just talk to you without an appt. They're always busy. Lots of animals need help!

no, there's no blockage on either end:laugh: . his crop was empty until i hand fed him some pasta and peas. now it's full. I gave him a very light bath with Aloe juice and water and he seemed to enjoy that. i already cancelled all my appts. today and I will stay with him and let him poop on my shoulder for the rest of the day.

what does it mean when his feathers are puffed up?

he may be puffing his feathers a little but he does that when he sees me and he definitely is not himself.

He did eat some pasta and his crop looks pretty full. he's acting a little sluggish, not his usual fiesty.

I have had Sammy for 4 years, he came from another family for previous 13 years. His companion died and I got him. For the most part he fit right in. 2 months ago my lovebird got near or in his cage and Sammy killed him. It took me a couple of days to understand and I'm pretty much am OK now. It was tough for me to get close to him for a few days as I was pretty upset. My mom who is usually home just started working again and I have been pretty busy myself so I only really spend long quality time w/ Sammy in the evenings. I thought about my mom's and my schedules and maybe he doesn't like it home without anybody home. I do have another bird Jeffrey, he's a senegal. he's in the same room with Sammy. His dropping look normal. A little watery but this isn't uncommon due to the fruit he eats. No weight change lately.

Everything has been fine up until today, he hasn't eaten anything. I just did hand feed him some warmm peas and pasta. He ate all his pasta and a few peas. I'm thinking about taking him to a vet but what can a vet do except take blood and check for bacteria in his stool. I was thinking of going to get some Exact baby formula he usually likes that. Sammy is 17 years old and normally has a great appetite. Any Ideas? If he needs to go to a vet, I better bring him now, tomorrow's a holiday.