DaffyToons

I'm back from the avian vet. He didn't really know what the pouch hanging down was, but felt it to be residual from some sort of trauma, such as Poppy's nail scratching that area or something. I don't really know if I agree with it, but, oh well. The pouch seems to have subsided a bit. It is still there, but not nearly as large as it was last night. The vet did feel that Poppy is a little underweight. Any thoughts on getting my baby fattened up a bit?

I would have LOVED to have taken Poppy to an avian vet last night, but there simply was not one available at 11:00 p.m. I do have an appointment this morning, however, with an avian certified vet (not my usual one, he's off for the weekend). What is hanging down from Poppy's interremal space is not his tongue. Normally, I cannot even see this tissue. I will let you all know what the vet says when I get back. Thanks, all!!

Hi, all! I just got back from bringing one of my African Grey's to the emergency vet. They had no clue what is wrong with Poppy. Here's the deal: You know that weird space behind their lower beak where it looks like there is a piece missing? It's called the interramal region or space. Well, on Poppy, this space seems to be filled with fluid. When I gently take his beak and lift his head up high, the pouch kind of goes back up, but when he puts his head normal, the pouch/fluid comes back. He is not acting sick at all. He was asking the vet techs at the clinic if they wanted a kissy, chatting to everyone. He seemed his normal active self today. After we got back home he immediately went to his food dish and started eating. Nothing seems amiss, except for this soft pouch behind/underneath his lower beak. Does anyone have any thoughts? My avain vet closed at 8:00 p.m. tonight, that's why I took him to the E-vet. Lots of money spent and I still know nothing. They did fax his info to my avain vet whom I will be on the phone with FIRST THING tomorrow morning. I would just like a little peace of mind during the night hours that my little guy will be o.k. until morning when we can get him in to see a vet who knows at least something about birds. Thanks!!

I agree with FairY. These guys do not like to be forced, and may react negatively (i.e. biting or running around their cage to avoid you). Slow things down, spend lots of time conversing with them, offer a treat from your hand. As smart as they are, they will figure out that you're not there to hurt them and will gain confidence in you as a friend. Please let us know how things go!

Welcome, Bertsmom!! My greys are rescues as well, and pure joy!! I'm sure I speak for everyone on this forum that we look forward to your questions as well as your contributions!

I've been thinking about your situation, Falconeer, and the only thing I can come up with is time and lots of patience. These guys can be so sensitive. Keep things on a schedule that your bird doesn't have any surprises. His/her world has been turned upside down since he/she came home. Give him/her time. By the way, what is your bird's name? Do not rush things, take it very slowly, and I'm certain he/she will warm up to you. Please keep us posted on your progress!

My African Greys are not screamers, but my blue-headed Pionus is. If Azul cannot see me, he starts up. I DO NOT respond to his noise. As soon as he quiets down for a minute or two, THEN I enter the room, but I still do not let him out of his cage to be with me nor do I give him a treat. It is important not to react to their squawking because they will learn that if they squawk, you will come a-running on their cue. This method has helped with Azul, but he still makes occasional noise to let me know that he misses me. Hope this helps, and please keep us posted!

I would go into the situation with a positive outlook. I think that if you move her with her established cage and take things slowly, she is bound to bond to you once again. Find out what her favorite treats are from your niece's son and go from there! Hope it all works out well, and please keep us posted!

No, I don't use it on any of my birds, but none of mine are feather pluckers/pickers. I definitely would try it if one of mine started for one reason or another, though, besides determining what the stress factor was. I wouldn't want it to escalate into a bad habit.

I have heard and read that sometimes once a grey starts picking or plucking its feathers, it can just turn into a habit. Kinda like biting your nails. Maybe it started when you were stressed, but just developed into a habit that is hard to break. I would try the Pluck No More. Nothing to lose! Good luck and keep us posted!

Hi, LittleWings! I'm in Michigan, too, but not the sticks. I'm south of Grand Rapids. I've got two little kids as well as my birdies (see list below!). I also have two greyhounds, a lab mix, and four horses. I'm not bored!!! Tell us more about your grey!

Lots of patience and time! Find out what his favorite treat is and have him see you put it in a treat cup. After a while, see if he will take it from your hand. Spend lots of time near his cage and talk to him frequently. What does he do if you tried to have him step up onto your hand? Does he bite or run away? If he bites, DO NOT REACT! Have him step up, and then let him go immediately back to his perch. This will teach him that nothing bad happens when he steps up onto you. But I think this whole thing about stepping up should only be addressed after he will at least take a treat from you and not scream when approached. Good luck and keep us posted!

Be patient, and be sure to apply with several bird rescue organizations. I just adopted one from a rescue in Ohio. I had to drive all day (vehicle broke down on the Ohio turnpike on my way there), but after 14 hours on the road, Poppy was home safe and sound. And what a joy! He is 10 years old and you can practically have conversations with him. Amazing! Anyway, while you're waiting, take some time to read as much as you can about these wonderful birds. Knowledge is power! Good luck, and keep us posted!

So the liver disease is reversible? What caused it in the first place? Continued wishes for a full recovery!

Aww, poor Watson! Do you still have the old cage? If you do, bring it back in and let him settle back down in it. Keep the new cage right next to Watson's cage and allow him to look at it for a few days to get used to it. After a while, he should warm up to it and want to explore a bit. Take things very slowly with these guys, they are fearful of change and new things. If you don't have the old cage anymore, just give Watson some time. He may be a little stressed over the ordeal, but he should come around after a while. Keep us posted!!