Char

Update. We just returned from the vet. The vet trimmed up the beak and took some samples to send for fungus and pathology. She is being thorough. She also prescribed an antifungal antibacterial to put on the beak. You know what pathology means..EXPENSIVE. The vet was $150 and the path alone with shipping was another $150. I am starting to think I need pet health insurance. The beak looks so much better already. She said her beak was a little bit overgrown anyway. I am very sad to learn that I will be losing my vet. She is moving to Iowa to head up an exotic animals program at the Univ of Iowa. I am happy for her but very sad to lose her. She is so good with Whisper. Her associate will be staying but only has 2 yrs of experience compared to her 18 yrs. The nearest certified vet is 1 1/2 hrs away and is good but does not take emergency calls.I don't mind the drive for normal checkups but what if I had an emergency. I am really bummed about this.<br><br>Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/04/15 22:28

Sorry I had trouble getting it to upload.

Yeah!congrats on having another girl!

I don't use anything like that either. It is not worth the risk. If the bird has a problem it could be gradual over time and you would not know what was going on. They are very good at hiding illness until it is too late.

Sorry the news wasn't good. Karma to you for taking the bird back in to the vet. Don't leave the vets office until you understand every thing that is going on. Tell him to put it in your language so you can understand.

One more thing. My vet advises to not use the birds cage as a place of punishment. He says to use another smaller cage or carrier and only for a few minutes. He says that a birds home cage should be a place of refuge and where they feel comfortable. It makes sense that if you put the bird in the cage as punishment it will associate it with punishment. Also how does the bird know when you put it in the cage if it is for punishment or otherwise? Just a thought.

He is a very handsome boy.

The only thing I will add to what has already been said is this: The only time Whisper has REALLY not wanted to go into her cage is when I put a new toy in there that she is afraid of. I got her some new better perches but I cannot put them in the cage because she is afraid of them. Have you added something new to the cage? Also try not to spoil the baby too much. (I know it is hard) If you hold the bird all the time when you are home, that is what it will expect. Start out the way you intend to remain. I will insist Whisper spend some time in her cage even on the weekend. I call it naptime.

The only thing I will add to what has already been said is this: The only time Whisper has REALLY not wanted to go into her cage is when I put a new toy in there that she is afraid of. I got her some new better perches but I cannot put them in the cage because she is afraid of them. Have you added something new to the cage? Also try not to spoil the baby too much. (I know it is hard) If you hold the bird all the time when you are home, that is what it will expect. Start out the way you intend to remain. I will insist Whisper spend some time in her cage even on the weekend. I call it naptime.

Gooooo Shady!

Whisper will sometimes play a little teasing game with me. She will come out on the ledge all glad to see me but when I ask her to step up she will run back in or on top of the cage. I know she is just playing around. I will just say okay and walk out of the room. When I come back later she steps right up. Sometimes they just want to try us just like children do.

I was finally able to get some of Whisper's new stuff on video including barking like a dog. Enjoy! http://lanephotography.smugmug.com/gallery/7206449_PXnCv/1/510753513_ytVjb Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/04/12 17:47<br><br>Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/04/12 17:47

Thanks so much for for the help.

Awww. We do love them don't we. When Whisper sits on my shoulder she is always preening. It makes my eyes water and itch but I still let her get up there. Years ago I was allergy tested. The only reaction I had was to DUST and FEATHERS. Oh well.:whistle:

Awww. We do love them don't we. When Whisper sits on my shoulder she is always preening. It makes my eyes water and itch but I still let her get up there. Years ago I was allergy tested. The only reaction I had was to DUST and FEATHERS. Oh well.:whistle:

Will do. Now that I think about she rubs her beak on the edge of her food bowl on her playstand a lot also. She does seem to rub her beak a lot, not just to remove food. Why do you think she does it so much?<br><br>Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/04/12 03:45

Thanks Dave. She does rub her beak a lot but not on the cage bars. She is not confined to her cage during the day. The door to her room is closed but her cage is open. It is an empty room and nothing in there to hurt her. She has this little door that opens down and becomes a ledge that she walks out on. She does rub her beak a lot on the edge of this. That is probably what it is.

Well I see to be having a bit of a problem getting the pic posted.:blush: You can see it here. http://lanephotography.smugmug.com/photos/510364773_uxzVF-L.jpg

I know that a parrots beak flakes off and is constantly renewing itself but does this seem extreme to you? I has gradually gotten worse over the past few weeks. She has an appt with the vet on the 18th but I would take off work and get her in sooner if I thought I needed to. Have you guys ever seen this? Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/04/12 02:21 Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/04/12 02:24 / Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/04/12 02:30<br><br>Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/04/12 02:32

You have only had the bird for a few days. I would back off and give him some time to adjust to the new home. He is probably feeling a little overwhelmed with all the attention. Give him some space and some quiet time. It could be something in your behavior or the way you are approaching him that is scaring him and causing him to bite. Give him time to learn to trust you. Approach him slowly and gently until he learns to trust. If he is growling is is probably fear. My bird is afraid of children. My grandchildren cannot get near her. Their movement are too quick and jerky for her.<br><br>Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/04/11 23:44

She is adorable. I wish Whisper would go on her boing.

she wrote: Hey I had not thought of that connection. Maybe I will name her Easter or Bunny.

Now that I am adding a DYH to my flock, I want to hear all about yours. I have read everything I can find online but I want to hear the stories about your DYH.<br><br>Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/04/10 20:40

All of the above. Whisper will also rub her beak if she is excited.

That is so sweet.