Indian Ringneck health concerns

[mandolynn]

Hi, I am new to the forum, but have had birds all my life. My vet recently moved and there aren't very many options in my area for exotic vets. I have a female IRN who has been acting unusual. She just turned 18, so I am always very watchful because of her age. She has been squatting on the bottom of her cage alot. Her feathers aren't flitted, shes eating and pooping fine, just acting not right. She is quieter than normal and spends alot of her time on the bottom of her cage, almost laying flat. I was concerned about her possibly laying eggs although she has only layer them once in her whole life and she is getting old. Does anyone have any advice for me? I may just be a worry wart but shes my baby n i don't want to lose her.
Thanks

 

[MissyMe83]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I don't know much about IRN's or their life expectantcy. I'm sure another member will come along that knows more... I would, however, say that it doesn't sound good.
Anything out of the norm that is catches your attention and makes you worry is most likely something that you should be concerned about.

Regarding the vet...I wouldn't rule out a regular vet that specializes small exotic animals. I just had a really bad experience with an actual Avian Certified Vet (the only one in my city) so I called a reccomended clinic and they took the time to ask the dr who to refer me to that I would be happy with, and this dr is not avian cetified.

I would call around and see who could run some tests on your IRN. Good luck!!

 

[roxynoodle]

Some thoughts are an illness, or arthritis. Usually if they are sitting on the bottom of the cage like that it is because they feel weak. Perching takes a lot of energy. I would really try to have her checked out. If it is an infection, it's easily curable. If it is something else I guess you will need to see what they say about it being treatable. There are non avian vets who are pretty good.

 

[mandolynn]

I have been checking, but we don't even have vets trained in small exotics. I found a new vet willing to try, but if she cant give me any solutions Ill have to drive 3 hrs for a decent vet. Flora doesn't seem to be in pain, she still sleeps on her perch and plays etc, just not as much. She has been acting a little hormonal lately, which is why I thought she might lay eggs, but its been over a week and nothing. I guess I'm just looking for ideas so I can help direct the inexperienced vet in the right direction.

 

[roxynoodle]

I'm just worried if it's an infection she could die if you wait too much longer. Ask the vet if they can do gram stains and look for bacteria. You may also need a complete blood panel done to look for things like liver or kidney disease.

 

[mandolynn]

Thanks. That's kinds what I was looking for. What kinds of tests to run. I've had bad experiences with beets who look at my pet n say they look fine when there's more going on. If you didn't see flora all the time you wouldn't think there's anything wrong. Shes the healthiest looking IRN ive ever seen and still acts fine most of the time.

 

[roxynoodle]

I've had that happen, too. I know I had to argue with one vet about my Blue Crown conure. I knew something hurt her. She would scream and bite herself. She was even making bruises on herself. He first just told me, "Well, parrots scream you know." I had to keep saying, "I've had this bird for years, I know her very well, and I know something is hurting her." Finally he began to look her over, and figured out she needed full spectrum lighting. I thought being in front of a window was good enough, but it really wasn't. With the lighting, she got completely back to normal within a couple of weeks.