Problems with new baby gcc. Need to go to the vet?

[Mariellek]

I had just gotten my new baby green cheek conure from the pet store a couple weeks ago. She is my first parrot and was about two months old when I brought her home. I am concerned because she seem to me to be a bit underweight. I feed her a mix of pellets and a conure mix with some seeds in it, we are working on fruts and vegetables. She eats some but doesn't really seem to like them that much. She weighs 59 grams and I can feel her keel bone it feels pretty prominent. This morning I had her on my lap and I noticed she started bobbing her head up and down, she threw up 3 or 4 whole seeds. I am not sure if she is regurgitating or vommiting. I am not sure if she needs to go to the vet or not. But I am a nervous mommy right now. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Brittany741]

Definitely a vet visit if her keel bone is prominent.

She is potentially regurgitating for you, which can be a bonding behavior.

My concern is her weight and getting her to gain it and keep it. They don't typically fill out completely until 1-2 years. It sounds like she weaned pretty early for you to have her this young. Do you have her hatch certificate just to be sure of dates?

 

[Mariellek]

No I don't. I'm going off of what the pet store said for her age.

 

[Mariellek]

The store had 3 conures. 2 adults and her. She seemed much smaller then the other two.

 

[BIRDIGIRL]

She might be younger than you think...perhaps try her on some weaning food ...your vet will help you and explain what to do and how to feed him...how much and how often etc...it also could be that your Conure may have internal parasites and need to be treated. Again your vet will take care of that for you with medication . I would imagine that the regurgitation of the seeds is very possibly just bonding and her way of saying you are mine and I love you ...let us know what the Avian vet says and make sure it is an Avian Vet you go to as not all vets are experts on Parrot ailments and how to treat them .

 

[Sucre]

Vet check, just to be safe, but your baby may be younger than you think. It seems that some breeders are notorious for NOT keeping up with the age of the birds they sell. I wanted all of mine when they were down to two hand feedings a day, but I don't know the hatch date of any of them.

I would get some Kaytee Exact (formula) and Missing Link, and watch some videos on syringe or spoon feeding the little one, or better yet, get your vet to show you how. You can mix these two together with very warm water (102 degrees) to a gravy like consistency. The Missing Link will help with extra nutrients, you can also sprinkle it on his food until he starts to gain weight. Organic baby food in fruits and veggies mixed in with formula will also help them put on weight, and get them ready for the real fruits and veggies you will be offering.

 

[Mariellek]

Where would I buy the new food? Will pet stores offer it?

 

[Mariellek]

Just wanted to give everyone an update we did some diet changes she gained some weight. She now weighs 65 grams.

 

[WilliamKenyon]

Awesome result. So good to hear that she is gaining weight. I hope you guys are well. Good luck. :41: