sick bird question...worms?

[Jodi]

I went to the avian vet today and she came back with some results telling me my baby has worms/parasites. He is on meds now and if not improved by friday I bring him back for blood work. respiratory system sounds perfect she said.
My question is, (because I'm a huge worry wart) can worms / parasites really make your bird that sick? He isnt talking, very lethargic among some other things. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[greycloud]

Definitely! They can run the entire system down. Thank goodness the vet found it and medicated. Hope you birdie is feeling better soon. Keep him warm.

 

[CrypticDelirium]

SOOO good for you for taking him to the vet! Like greycoud said it can definitely throw them off a great deal, thank goodness you got him treated before it got worse! Just keep a good eye on him just in case and I'm sure she'll perk up before you know it! = )

 

[Jodi]

thank you! I had no clue. He has been acting weird for a month or so now, but he's been eating, drinking and maintaining his weight so I chalked it up to him turning two soon. He's just been more clingy. Then we finally introduced the new bird and everything went so well (new bird had a well check before I got him and had blood drawn for testing and tests came back negative).
two days ago when he became super lethargic, sleeping out of the cage and fluffed, I panicked and made a vet appt right away. I also clipped him two nights ago when my friends (who I got him from as a baby) were over. So after that night I just thought...well maybe he's mad because I clipped him.
Worms! I know theyre bad, I just had no clue they could do that much damage...He hasnt talked (big talker for a green cheek) if he does make any noises, the tone is off, I dont know how to explain it, but he sounds different. But he is still eating and drinking. I dont believe I will sleep well until I see a difference with the meds hes on.

thank you for replying so quickly!

 

[Ratzy]

I worm my birds every three months. In future, please quarantine all new birds. Tests sometimes take sevral to come back with a positive and I know of no avian vet that tests for everything. Hope your bird makes a full recovery. ( I hope that didn't sound rude, it wasn't meant to be, I care about your bird ).

 

[Beilana]

I hope your lil one is feeling better soon!!!!!!!!!!! It's so sad when their characteristics change

Ratzy, I believe the term is diligent not rude

 

[Jodi]

No, not at all Ratzy but thank you! I just now read some people quarantine for up to 90 days!! I was told much less than this! I can only now keep my fingers crossed and pray for the best. Do you just take them to the vet every three months or call in a script from them for a wormer? sorry, I dont know much about worming birds dont mean to sound so novice.

 

[Ratzy]

It is common practice over here to worm budgies and parrots every three months. It is pretty easy, just add some stuff into their water or, if you and your bird are comfortable with it, a syringe. Quarantine is for at least 30 days, 60, 90 days is safer though. I personally quarantine for 30/45 days. I think most diseases have a 3 week (?) incubation period. The point of the quarantine is that during it the disease will probably have shown itself by then and you won't a) pay more at the vets and b) possibly lose your bird. Even testing by a vet isn't 100% accurate, a lot of tests come back falsely negative.

 

[annette]

This has been a good thread for me never even thought of birds getting worms how stupid of me. Will look into getting some wormer for Sid.

 

[wildheart]

Hi Jodi. I am glad that you found out what was wrong and I wish your baby a speedy recovery.

 

[Von1983]

I'm glad you found out what was wrong Jodi! Well done on a speedy vet trip!

Not well known in the UK Annette - this country as a general unit (not everyone, obviously) seems to be a bit backward in parrot care. Very much the breed of "a bowl of seed will do" frame of minds

I read to worm Cal in my book which was written by an American lady.

Other countries are so much more advanced in bird keeping and luckily for us, some of their residents come onto this forum!!!