Sick Rio...

[busere]

Hi all, we have a Red Lored Amazon that is only 5 months old, and finaly done with baby food!! That was the good news, and now for the bad. We can't bring Rio home for a about a month or two. She has developed an upper-respatory infection. The store avian vet has placed her on medication for the next two weeks, and wants to keep an eye on her for a bit longer after that. I'm worried about her possibly developing bad (self-destructive) habbits during this time as well, due to the stress. I've noticed that some of her chest, tail and wing feathers have been half way bitten off...like she's clipping off part of individual feathers. I'm getting a little worried. Advice? Should we look into a diffrent bird? Should we stick it out with Rio, considering we haven't taken her home yet? How hard will it be to break the feather-chewing habbit if she keeps doing it when she's healthy? Help me please. :unsure:

 

Rodney<br><br>Post edited by: busere, at: 2007/09/07 14:16

[Tari]

Can you visit a lot? Feather chewing can mean a lot of things. Illness can cause that. Boredom. Can you take her toys? Well they let you mist her? Have they done blood test to rule out other illnesses?

A bird that chews feathers even if you never stop it can still be a great pet.

But it can also mean more vet bills. So that is something you'll have to wager out.

Is there not any breeders in your area? If you think of getting a different bird I would strongly recommend you look for a breeder.

Good Luck

[busere]

One of the things that really worries me, is the fact that our other two birds are the perfect picture of health. Piper and Lucky have been a God sent when it comes to hardyness. The only down side to this...not much experiance dealling with sick birds. I'm always afraid that if one of our birds get's sick, I'm going to freak out, which in turn will raise the stress level in the house, which will raise the birds stress, which is going to make them more sick!!!! OH NO!!! WHAT DO I DOOOO!!!!! Just Kidding...but that would be a visious circle to get into.

 

Rodney

 

Post edited by: busere, at: 2007/09/07 17:07

 

Post edited by: busere, at: 2007/09/07 17:08<br><br>Post edited by: busere, at: 2007/09/07 17:09

[Tari]

This is why it is important with ALL new birds to keep it in a separate room for 45 days and take them to the vet ASAP after you get them.

[lovemyGreys]

Sorry to hear Rio has become ill.Fingers crossed the medication will sort her out.

As for looking at another bird that is something only you can decide.Do you feel you have bonded with Rio etc.. ? Personally i wouldn't be able to turn my back on a bird i had been visiting if i found she had an infection.

The feather chewing may well be an issue for the future, as Tari says it may be bordom,stress lack of stimulation.If deat with now & being Rio is a young bird you may be able to stop it.

Lots to think about, i wish you well in your decision.