My lovies health and behavior issues.

[Underscorrr]

I'm curious about the behavior of my lovebird. I bought him Monday from a disgusting pet store. They had three lovebirds; one was all fluffed up with major breathing struggles, while the other two were undeniably healthier. I watched them for maybe 15 minutes, and picked out the brightest eyed one there. I take him home and thoroughly observe his behavior; he has a minor tail bob, but heavy-ish breathing. He is not a quiet bird by any means, and he seems to be happy and active, albeit skiddish. I have been able to count him sneezing which numbers up to 9 (even though I know he does it in the night as well.), and I have checked for mucus, but I have not seen any. I read that they might breathe harder when stressed out, but I highly doubt he would still be breathing this hard after 4 days. My last bird was almost the same way, and it turned out he had a congenital heart defect, so perhaps you can understand my concern.

As for his behavior, he doesn't play with any of his toys yet. He mainly stays on his swing and sings while occasionally flying around his cage and chirping. I have started the taming process by just softly speaking to him. He is a very scared bird, and gets very nervous when I talk to him. He is very attentive to me and everything I am doing, so I have my fingers crossed that he'll open up a bit more very soon. I have a vet visit scheduled for the 11th. I'm stressing myself out about his condition, and if it'll be too late by the time we get to the vet.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Good for you for heading to the vet!
Your bird is so new... a few days is like a nano-second to a poor darling who's coming from a situation like that. I have a good feeling about your future, based on what you said.
I'd like to punch people who run stores like that. Or put them in a cage and let them see what poor care and abuse feels like. Not really. Kidding. Sorta. Kidding! Sorta.

 

[LordTriggs]

everything you're doing is right. A vet visit is a must as another bird was clearly ill.

I would report that store to local authorities, they clearly are causing unnecessary suffering for the birds there and should have their license taken away if not face prosecution. I'd inform your national animal rescue service about this. Depending on where you're from there's very strict rules about conditions of pets in stores