Kiwi doesn't seem right

[Ninjette]

I work Monday - Friday from 8am-5pm, but I took Friday off. That morning at around 10am, I lifted up the cover and saw Kiwi with only his right eye opened all the time. I thought he didn't have enough sleep because I slept at 1am the night before, so I didn't pay much attention. I cleaned him by misting him with warm water later that morning, and his left eye was opened. I let him out the whole day until I slept at around 12am. Yesterday morning, I woke up at around 10am, lifted up the cover, he was fine with both eyes opened. When I came back from lunch at around 3pm, his left eye was closed again. He seemed sleepy. So we all took a nap. Woke up at around 6/7pm, his left eye was still closed. He was eating and drinking fine, and he was alert when I called his name or pet him or when he heard sound. I thought he was tired, so I put him back in to his cage at 9pm so he could have more rest. I looked at his droppings, and found out the urate or urine part was yellow/green with little bubbles. This morning, I woke up at 8am, lifted up the cover at 9am, Kiwi was still sleeping. When I talked to him, he would open his right eye, but not left. He seems sleepy today also, but he is still eating, still alert of his surroundings, not weaker on step ups. His urate or urine is also kinda yellow/green today with bubbles. When he eliminates, sounds like squishing or farting.. Also, he's been sleeping with both feet on the perch, sometimes with his head tucked on his wings.

Called the emergency vet hospitals, one is full until next week, others don't have bird specialists there. I will call the avian vet tomorrow, but not sure if they are open tmr cause of the holiday.

Is Kiwi just tired because I slept late for two nights and kept interacting with him for two days? Or does he have liver disease or Chlamidiosis?? I'm so worried right now.. >.<

today

yesterday

 

[Dinosrawr]

Lethargy is generally a tell-tale sign of illness. I couldn't tell you what he does or doesn't have, but I would guess that he's not feeling so hot right now. You were right in trying to contact a vet ASAP. I hope that you can get in to see a vet immediately and that all will be will with you and Kiwi!

 

[Ninjette]

Lethargy is generally a tell-tale sign of illness. I couldn't tell you what he does or doesn't have, but I would guess that he's not feeling so hot right now. You were right in trying to contact a vet ASAP. I hope that you can get in to see a vet immediately and that all will be will with you and Kiwi!

I made him step up, and felt his feet. they weren't cold, but not as warm as before... so I turned on a small heater and put it 6-7' away from his cage.. will call the avian vet first thing in the morning tomorrow. not sure if they can let me squeeze in.. his diet hasn't changed.. don't know what's wrong. so worried..
I remember bringing him to a groomer to trim his nails two weeks ago, but he was trimmed behind the cashier counter, away from the birds they sell on the other side..

 

[Kiwibird]

What has Kiwi been eating lately? Any new parrot foods (especially ones from bulk bins) or perhaps more than usual human foods like bread or pasta? That looks like a fungal or bacterial infection to me. The bubbles and farting especially make me think yeast overgrowth (which causes gas parrots do not normally have).

Definitely a good call to set up an appointment as soon as possible and have the cause identified and treated. Obviously, you need to see a vet but tonight you could put a couple drops of colloidal silver in his water and allow a few licks of plain, unflavored organic yogurt (the probiotics will help IF it's a yeast overgrowth). Star anise (not to be confused with the spice) is also antibacterial by nature, so if he likes those, give him a few extra. Of course, the home remedies may or may not help, but it's better than doing nothing until he can see a vet!

Edit: One other consideration: Was Kiwi on a poor diet before you got him? Has he been eating SIGNIFICANTLY more fruit/veg than before? How about green veg like leafy greens and broccoli? If so, it may be her gut reacting to the extra produce (just like people who were eating lots of junk food would react to a sudden switch to lots of fresh foods, gas and diarrhea until the GI tract adjusts)

 

[Ninjette]

What has Kiwi been eating lately? Any new parrot foods (especially ones from bulk bins) or perhaps more than usual human foods like bread or pasta? That looks like a fungal or bacterial infection to me. The bubbles and farting especially make me think yeast overgrowth (which causes gas parrots do not normally have).

Definitely a good call to set up an appointment as soon as possible and have the cause identified and treated. Obviously, you need to see a vet but tonight you could put a couple drops of colloidal silver in his water and allow a few licks of plain, unflavored organic yogurt (the probiotics will help IF it's a yeast overgrowth). Star anise (not to be confused with the spice) is also antibacterial by nature, so if he likes those, give him a few extra. Of course, the home remedies may or may not help, but it's better than doing nothing until he can see a vet!

Edit: One other consideration: Was Kiwi on a poor diet before you got him? Has he been eating SIGNIFICANTLY more fruit/veg than before? How about green veg like leafy greens and broccoli? If so, it may be her gut reacting to the extra produce (just like people who were eating lots of junk food would react to a sudden switch to lots of fresh foods, gas and diarrhea until the GI tract adjusts)

Thanks!

I got him on 09/14/14, and I was told he was 8 months old. I think he was mainly on seed diet before I got him. Since I got him, I have been feeding him a mixture of Kaytee Exact Rainbow and seeds, added Zupreem Natural recently, trying to replace the rainbow because I don't think colored food is healthy. For treats, I feed him Lafaber Avi-Cakes, dried papaya, dried mango & cantaloupe and walnut. He likes the dried papaya and mango & cantaloupe the most. For veggie and fruits, I give him a small cup of apple almost everyday. Have tried broccoli, blueberry, banana, strawberry, but he didn't like those. Going to try parrots and other veggies.

Since I'm not sure if the problem is yeast overgrowth, but I do think it's some kinda bacterial infection. I will get the star anise and unflavored organic yogurt tonight. How do I feed star anise? chop it to small pieces and mix it with his food?

He just ate his pellets and seeds plus the apple I gave him, now he's back to sleep... as long as he's eating and drinking, I think he can wait until tomorrow morning to see a vet. Praying....

do you guys get bird insurance? I can't afford to pay big vet bills, but I think it's too late to get bird insurance because they must have the waiting period thingy.. >.< hopefully they can let me make payments if the treatment is expensive...

 

[Kiwibird]

My Kiwi LOVES star anise and eats it daily. I just give him the whole star and he takes the seeds out. This is what I'm referring to, it's like a star shaped seed pod and smells vaguely of licorice-

Where do you get the dried fruit from? Is it unsulfered?

I hope Kiwi feels better soon!

 

[RavensGryf]

I think Kiwi definitely needs to go in for a FULL work up complete with fecal, bloodwork, and blood tests for the more common avian viruses as well as bacterial Chlamidiosis. Not saying he has these, but I say this because I know you got Kiwi at a bird fair. It is always a risky place to buy a bird, as illness and disease is common there. Good luck!

 

[Ninjette]

My Kiwi LOVES star anise and eats it daily. I just give him the whole star and he takes the seeds out. This is what I'm referring to, it's like a star shaped seed pod and smells vaguely of licorice-

Where do you get the dried fruit from? Is it unsulfered?

I hope Kiwi feels better soon!

the whole star? ok I will give him the whole star. will be cute to look at when he's eating it

the dried mango & cantaloupe is of the brand All Living Things, from petco or petsmart or local pet stores. don't remember as I buy something each time when going to a pet store @.@

the dried papaya and dried banana are of the brand Sweet Harvest, bought these from the local pet store.

not sure if they are unsulfered.. if these are bad, i will stop giving these to my birds..

I think Kiwi definitely needs to go in for a FULL work up complete with fecal, bloodwork, and blood tests for the more common avian viruses as well as bacterial Chlamidiosis. Not saying he has these, but I say this because I know you got Kiwi at a bird fair. It is always a risky place to buy a bird, as illness and disease is common there. Good luck!

he had a basic exam the first week I got him, and he was fine.. didn't do a fecal or blood test at that time... I've read horrible stories regarding too much blood loss from a blood test... so I was scared and held back on that.. but I will ask the doc about these tests tmr..

 

[Scott]

I would agree Kiwi needs a full lab workup from an avian vet. The quantity of blood required should not be a factor with an Amazon.

Most vets have slots available for urgent cases; his lethargy and droppings ought IMHO to qualify. Hope all will be well!

 

[Kiwibird]

If it's intended for pets, it should be unsulfered and fine to feed him. Many grocery stores sell dried fruit that is sulfured, so I thought I would check where you're getting it. I always give my Kiwi the whole star. He likes extracting the seeds himself and wouldn't have it any other way! It is indeed very adorable to watch too. And FYI for the future when he's feeling better- parrot beaks are made for cracking seeds and nuts, so long as it's within their capabilities, it should be offered whole. Zons, with practice, are capable of cracking up to about an almond or filbert sized nut! Bigger ones can be half-cracked with a nutcracker (like a walnut) so they have a head start, but cracking nuts open helps keep the beak trim and is a natural "to-be-encouraged" foraging behavior.

Fingers crossed the vet says he just has a bit of an upset tummy and nothing major! Not every parrot illness is a life or death situation, and believe it or not, they do get mild bugs every so often that would probably resolve by themselves (just like us). [BIG] HOWEVER, they are SO good at masking major illnesses, they should always see a vet to be safe rather than sorry when something is off. Better to hear it's nothing to worry about or just needs some antibiotics/dietary changes than for him have something dire in need of immediate treatment. Also, after many years with Kiwi, you'll better be able to tell a likely fairly minor illness vs. major and significant health changes.

 

[RavensGryf]

I think Kiwi definitely needs to go in for a FULL work up complete with fecal, bloodwork, and blood tests for the more common avian viruses as well as bacterial Chlamidiosis. Not saying he has these, but I say this because I know you got Kiwi at a bird fair. It is always a risky place to buy a bird, as illness and disease is common there. Good luck!

he had a basic exam the first week I got him, and he was fine.. didn't do a fecal or blood test at that time... I've read horrible stories regarding too much blood loss from a blood test... so I was scared and held back on that.. but I will ask the doc about these tests tmr..

You can never tell a sick bird by looking at them. Many times they are beautiful and perfect on the outside.

Enough people on this forum, myself included, plus people I know, have had gorgeous birds die of PDD, and other infectious deadly viruses.

Now I'm extremely careful where I buy my birds. It's standard practice to AT LEAST quarantine for 30-60 days, and blood test ESPECIALLY if your bird is from a pretty much "unknown" origin, or an environment where they are exposed to lots of birds and lots of backyard breeders who don't yet understand avian disease and it's transmission. That's why it's so important.

Horror stories regarding blood loss from getting blood drawn at thre vet?! No. It would be a rare freak accident. Not even enough to worry about. On the other hand disease IS common. Please understand I'm not trying to be a downer or say your bird has something, it's just fact, and I appologize if I come across too direct on this subject. I'm sure your vet can assure you he can draw the safe and correct amount of blood for Kiwi's body weight . Good luck.

 

[Ninjette]

I would agree Kiwi needs a full lab workup from an avian vet. The quantity of blood required should not be a factor with an Amazon.

Most vets have slots available for urgent cases; his lethargy and droppings ought IMHO to qualify. Hope all will be well!

If it's intended for pets, it should be unsulfered and fine to feed him. Many grocery stores sell dried fruit that is sulfured, so I thought I would check where you're getting it. I always give my Kiwi the whole star. He likes extracting the seeds himself and wouldn't have it any other way! It is indeed very adorable to watch too. And FYI for the future when he's feeling better- parrot beaks are made for cracking seeds and nuts, so long as it's within their capabilities, it should be offered whole. Zons, with practice, are capable of cracking up to about an almond or filbert sized nut! Bigger ones can be half-cracked with a nutcracker (like a walnut) so they have a head start, but cracking nuts open helps keep the beak trim and is a natural "to-be-encouraged" foraging behavior.

Fingers crossed the vet says he just has a bit of an upset tummy and nothing major! Not every parrot illness is a life or death situation, and believe it or not, they do get mild bugs every so often that would probably resolve by themselves (just like us). [BIG] HOWEVER, they are SO good at masking major illnesses, they should always see a vet to be safe rather than sorry when something is off. Better to hear it's nothing to worry about or just needs some antibiotics/dietary changes than for him have something dire in need of immediate treatment. Also, after many years with Kiwi, you'll better be able to tell a likely fairly minor illness vs. major and significant health changes.

the dried fruits are made for birds and small animals; I guess they are safe? I know they are sweet, so I try not give them to my bird kids a lot..

just got home from Safeway with the star anise and yogurt.. Kiwi's droppings look better now, but I can still see the yellow urates...

 

[Ninjette]

I think Kiwi definitely needs to go in for a FULL work up complete with fecal, bloodwork, and blood tests for the more common avian viruses as well as bacterial Chlamidiosis. Not saying he has these, but I say this because I know you got Kiwi at a bird fair. It is always a risky place to buy a bird, as illness and disease is common there. Good luck!

he had a basic exam the first week I got him, and he was fine.. didn't do a fecal or blood test at that time... I've read horrible stories regarding too much blood loss from a blood test... so I was scared and held back on that.. but I will ask the doc about these tests tmr..

You can never tell a sick bird by looking at them. Many times they are beautiful and perfect on the outside.

Enough people on this forum, myself included, plus people I know, have had gorgeous birds die of PDD, and other infectious deadly viruses.

Now I'm extremely careful where I buy my birds. It's standard practice to AT LEAST quarantine for 30-60 days, and blood test ESPECIALLY if your bird is from a pretty much "unknown" origin, or an environment where they are exposed to lots of birds and lots of backyard breeders who don't yet understand avian disease and it's transmission. That's why it's so important.

Horror stories regarding blood loss from getting blood drawn at thre vet?! No. It would be a rare freak accident. Not even enough to worry about. On the other hand disease IS common. Please understand I'm not trying to be a downer or say your bird has something, it's just fact, and I appologize if I come across too direct on this subject. I'm sure your vet can assure you he can draw the safe and correct amount of blood for Kiwi's body weight . Good luck.

I understand it's important. but stories about other people's birds died cuz of the blood loss scared me a lot... I will ask the vet tmr and will make sure they won't have that kinda problem before doing the test.. I'm not so familiar with the vet, so I am still concerned..

 

[RavensGryf]

he had a basic exam the first week I got him, and he was fine.. didn't do a fecal or blood test at that time... I've read horrible stories regarding too much blood loss from a blood test... so I was scared and held back on that.. but I will ask the doc about these tests tmr..

You can never tell a sick bird by looking at them. Many times they are beautiful and perfect on the outside.

Enough people on this forum, myself included, plus people I know, have had gorgeous birds die of PDD, and other infectious deadly viruses.

Now I'm extremely careful where I buy my birds. It's standard practice to AT LEAST quarantine for 30-60 days, and blood test ESPECIALLY if your bird is from a pretty much "unknown" origin, or an environment where they are exposed to lots of birds and lots of backyard breeders who don't yet understand avian disease and it's transmission. That's why it's so important.

Horror stories regarding blood loss from getting blood drawn at thre vet?! No. It would be a rare freak accident. Not even enough to worry about. On the other hand disease IS common. Please understand I'm not trying to be a downer or say your bird has something, it's just fact, and I appologize if I come across too direct on this subject. I'm sure your vet can assure you he can draw the safe and correct amount of blood for Kiwi's body weight . Good luck.

I understand it's important. but stories about other people's birds died cuz of the blood loss scared me a lot... I will ask the vet tmr and will make sure they won't have that kinda problem before doing the test.. I'm not so familiar with the vet, so I am still concerned..

Trust me, the vet drawing too much blood in a standard health visit will not happen. They have a protocol for how much blood is drawn for each test.
I know it scares you, but it will just NOT happen believe me! Like I said there are other things that really scare me. A blood test is just a normal procedure. Ask the vet If he'd mind doing it in the room in front of you. Ask him about your fear and I'm sure he'll put your mind to rest.

 

[Ninjette]

Earliest appt today is 11am. Hope he's fine. He still eats and drinks. Will post update later.

 

[Kiwibird]

Finger crosses he's ok. How are his droppings this morning? Is he more active today? I would feed him a little extra if he's got a good appetite, in case the vet stresses him out and he doesn't want to eat much when he gets home Not sure the temps where you live, but if it's chilly out, be sure to warm the car up for him and wrap his cage/carrier in a blanket while bringing him in/out so he doesn't catch a chill.

 

[SoCalWendy]

For his diet. Try chopping up some kale and shred some carrots (in to small bits)., you can add the apple too. Most birds love kale and the sweetness of the carrots. It would be good for him. I get a kale mix from trader Joe's. Then I soak some Volkmann's soak n serve Birdee Buffet. Make a mix with the kale and the Birdee buffet. Then I sprinkle some chia seeds on top. Both my birds love this. Making a chop and is a good way to add new things into thier diets. Hope the Vet appt goes well.

 

[Ninjette]

he was really weak after the car ride.. but responsive.. but the vet called, told me he had two seizures, and stopped breathing.. they gave him something, and now he's stable. but they weren't able to take blood or give antibiotics injection due to the seizures.. my heart hurts.. I don't know what to do. he might not make it...

 

[Sunset_Chaser]

he was really weak after the car ride.. but responsive.. but the vet called, told me he had two seizures, and stopped breathing.. they gave him something, and now he's stable. but they weren't able to take blood or give antibiotics injection due to the seizures.. my heart hurts.. I don't know what to do. he might not make it...

Oh my goodness! That has to be hard! Sending prayers for you and Kiwi!

 

[Kiwibird]

My heart just sunk reading that I so so hope Kiwi is ok and was just stressed from the car ride. Parrots are a lot tougher than many people give them credit for and I bet Kiwi will be a fighter. Please keep us posted!