I think there's something wrong with Gizmo : (

[Gizmos]

A couple of nights ago he got hold of a measuring tape, my friend had it and he pulled the tape out. When we tried to get it off Gizmo he got a fright when it retracted. Then I'm not sure but he might have picked something up from the rug but by the time I got a look I couldn't see anything. he stepped up for the first time and I put him on the sofa. When I went back to try again I noticed blood on my hand but don't know if it came from his beak as he went to test my fingers or if it came from a scratch on my hand from his sharp claws. So I was really worried and called the vet. They said to keep an eye on him as it would be traumatic to bring him in unneccesarily. So I have been and I'm not happy.

 

He is eating and drinking but not moving around his cage as normal, he won't come out the cage. He is spending most of his time sitting on the one perch. He is being vocal, not as much as usual though. He seems to be eating from one side of his beak, I really can't remember if he's always done that, and he's chewing his claws a lot. He came out of his cage once but went straight to the top and turned his back on me and sat there the whole time. I've been leaving the cage door open but he won't come out. He has played a littile with his toys but not much, not even his favourite paper shredder.

 

I don't know if he got a fright with the tape measure of hurt himself with it, or swallowed something he shouldn't or is just under the weather. My rug is a deep pile one and although I hoover it a lot I might have missed something. I'm going to replace it with something easier to see what might be lurking.

I'm hoping he's just having a couple of off days but I know that he might try to hide if somethings up. I'm quite worried. i've got an appointment tomorrow with an avian vet.

 

Is it normal for african greys to have quiet days? Do they seem to prefer one side for biting food?

[judygram]

He could have cut his tongue or the side of his beak on that tape if it is the kind I am thinking of and it may be a good idea to take him in to see the vet, he shouldn't be that quiet for so long and turning his back to you is another sign something is not right.

[NikB]

Poor Gizmo - I hope he is ok xxx

 

Could he have maybe hurt the inside of his mouth or his tongue on the measuring tape as the edges can be quite sharp? Maybe it hurt him when it retracted? That might cause him to eat funny and not want to put any toys in his mouth.

 

I personally think you should take him to your vet - even if he is fine at least you know for sure. They can have quiet days yes, but if it's something more then at least you will know and he can be treated if necessary.

 

Hope Gizmo is back to his normal self soon xxx

[Luvparrots]

Sounds like Gizmo might have been cut by the tape measure. I'm assuming it is metal. If it is a cut and not bleeding now, I would listen to the avian vet and just watch it and give Gizmo soft foods he likes for now to keep the cut from reopening. Keep everything around him fresh and clean to prevent infection. In the long run, only you know how Gizmo is reacting and what is normal and what is not, so use your "gut" and do what you feel is necessary.

[Butttaxi]

I agree with everyone else about him maybe cutting himself on the tape and probably got a good scare along with it.

 

Rorschach does turn his back to us when he is practicing words but this is normal behavior for him and may not be something other fids do.

[Gizmos]

The vet thinks Gizmo got a scare, he couldn't see anything wrong and Gizmo was being a bit jumpy. That would be quite understandable considering all the changes Gizmo has gone through over the last year. There was nothing visibly wrong with Gizmos mouth or beak. Although the vet couldn't rule out anything more serious he said he was happy with me just keeping an eye on him and taking him back if anything changes.

 

Thanks for your replies. I'm so glad I went as I now feel a lot more confident. That was the first time Gizmo had been to see an avian vet rather than a general vet and it was well worth it. Not only because of the vets reassurance but seeing the way he handled Gizmo has given me more confidence handling him. As soon as I got home I did exactley what the vet did and Gizmo stepped up. I also found out Gizmo is 10yrs old, it was on his foot ring, I wasn't sure if it was his birth year but the vet said it was. I also got lots of good advice and I'm feeling quite positive about looking after Gizmo now

[Butttaxi]

Great news with a little time I think Gizmo will be back to his same old self

[NikB]

That's great!! A bit of reassurance is never a bad thing

[Luvparrots]

Excellent update on Gizmos. Looking forward to hearing more about this sweet grey.

[katana600]

You learned a lot from your vet visit, that is awesome. Also, since it was a relatively uneventful visit for Gizmo, it was a good intro to the avian vet for both of you and gives you a "parenting" resource. I don't know about you, but I felt very reassured after your vet visit. LOL. Glad it went well.