Tough situation there, I would worry more about other forms of illness than the Swine Flu. so many things our birds can inadvertently share. Hope they find this poor soul a happy landing.
Cold weather can trigger a more active appetite as can growing new feathers but this may just be a form of play for him. You could try mixing some chopped veggies and a few chopped walnuts into 1/2 cup of the pellets and see if the variety gives him something more to do and think about. Maybe it is time for a new toy? Do monitor the dropping also-are they normal looking are they more frequent, are they watery?
Wonderful timing and Don gets good angel wings for that one!Hoping he heals fast and so happy you got him some help quickly. Please do keep us all updated we do care.
Oh dear that is bad news, they are so good at getting into what ever is the worst thing for them. Sending some good wishes your way. You might see if he will take a little peanut butter and oatmeal to help bind some of the lead, I know some excellent Avian Vets who suggest doing that until you can get the bird into the office. Wishing all the best for your Grey friend.
Here is a link to help locate the closest Avian Veterinarian, even if you cannot get one then do call them please. There can be more than one cause for his symptoms and with birds they have very low reserves so if they act visibly ill then is is very serious. http://www.aav.org/search/<br><br>Post edited by: Greywings, at: 2009/12/02 16:55
In Texas we have a great many predatory birds year round and where I live we are on the great flyway for the migratory birds as well. Free flight is a scary thought when you have Hawks, Falcons, Cara Cara's and Eagles all hanging around. Too many chances to have my heart broken couldn't face having one eaten in front of my eyes.
Pookie has figured out how to make most of her toys swing just right to rub her head-so funny when she swings it too hard or misjudges the angle and gets bonked instead. Makes her so angry at the toy she beats it up. Feel bad wanting to laugh it destroys her Grey dignity.
I am thinking with all the wonderful advice you are getting here and you being smart enough to care about her that this will be a success further down the road you chose to journey down. A good diet, spray misting and gentle trust building interactions will go a long way to making her happy and more comfortable, I think helping her to bloom as a bird will be very rewarding for you both. Congratulations{Love-0002011E} on taking this girl into your heart and home.
A few questions to narrow the choices.
Does it grow in the full sun or the shade?
Does it have an odor?
What part of the world are you in?
Does it prefer wet or dry growing conditions?
Pookie comes down off the top of her kingdom to check on what is for dinner then selects items for her enjoyment. Loves squash, chicken, potato, pasta and eggs. Some how food is so much tastier if meant for some one else.
I have a friend who is working with two footless Greys that are a year old and one more adult with a little bit of foot that just joined her. They play more on their backs like a kitten but still get around and even balance on a perch. Don't tell the that they are missing anything.
That might be a solution-it does look like a violent murder took place! My Too's are much tidier than Pookie the Grey. More destructive but tidier.:lol:
It is just the beginning of a long journey together-give her some space and win her over with sweet talk and small rewards. Spend time near her with out pushing her to interact or be touched, read to her sing to her greet her on the way by. Let her choose to reach out to you I think she is just showing a little stress from all the changes in her life right now. Patience will win the day for you.
For birds in general biting seems to be addictive. Once they find that they can manipulate you so they can accomplish their goal it can be difficult to unlearn. They get a great reaction when they bite an OW! or a physical reaction and they like the drama. These birds are masters of Drama. I would suggest following the let him out on his own routine then put a special treat he loves inside the cage when you want him back inside, failing that Mr. Towel works I would prefer not having to use the towel if you can just wait him out. When you have family and children some times you may have to use the towel due to leaving for school or grocery store ect. to keep him safe.
You are the silver lining for several families and birds, that you can feel good about. I will add my wishes and prayers for Athenas return to your home.