Why do I HAVE to Talk to EVERY Bird???

[Amanda_Bennett]

Amanda if anyone can do it you can! Follow your gut, if it's a no, go with no..but if it's a yes, then WOOHOO! . Any way you could get zilla over there and she how she reacts to this eckkie?
Personally, I think you're an awesome parront and any bird would be lucky to have you!

If I knew for sure Zilla wasn't contagious anymore I could take her and see how they react to each other. Unfortunately there is a slight possibility she may still be contagious and I can't risk the other birds, he has probly somewhere around 50 or so birds there, all the way from little finches up to big macs. So I will have to wait for that until after Friday.

Thanks! It means a lot to know you all think I'm a good parront! I feel like I'm still a work in progress and learning something new every day!

Friday is so far away! While we wait, please go back and fetch us some photos! I cant wait for this little one to be home safe with you!

This week is going to seem like a month! I tried for an earlier appointment, but I feel lucky to even get in this week. Dr. L is so busy and always booked up, she is awesome!

I will see what I can do about getting some photos of him. He is safe and cared for there, if he wasn't I would have risked it and put him in the back bedroom here. He isn't in some crappy home with some clueless person, he is at the Bird Hut and Brian has been in business since 1977 and does a great job with all the birds there.

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

Amanda, you would be an excellent parront to an ekkie, or any other parrot. I spent eight months with an ekkie, and even more than other species, the ekkies are magical creatures, too beautiful to believe.

I don't think you would have any problem adapting Zilla's diet to an Ekkie's special needs.

He is definitely magical! I think he was glowing he is so bright! And those little eyes, OMG! And his cute little voice! He had me at "HI" then he handed me his sunflower seed, I almost snatched him up for a hug right then and there!

I think after reading up on ekkie diets the biggest change I would have to make is getting the volkmans ekkie seed mix. I think the rest of Zilla's diet is safe since she eats so much fresh and varied foods.

The only part I'm not sure on (internet conflicting information) is if ekkies can have or do they need nuts? Zilla loves her nuts, and would be lost without them! NO peanuts, Zilla can never have peanuts again, but she loves almonds, cashews, walnuts and pecans.

 

[Mango121913]

Well, since I am partial to Ekkies, this may sway you into getting him! Mind you, this is my experience with my Mango.


Ekkies are very loving, forgiving, brilliant, funny, fiesty, playful, inquisitive, curious, sometimes snuggly (but more often then not) gotta be seeing what you are doing ALL the time little.... ,people. That are always going to make a hard day at work, pleasurable!
Now, they will attempt to get into things they know they shouldn't be. This is when they look at you with that dang ol' face, and make it hard to disciapline, but ya gotta follow through!. But at the end of the day, they're never mad enough to set down with you an give little snuggling while letting you whisper to them, while giving beak scrithes of course


You have been selected to be his mom, after the doc clears his future bro, you know what you must do.

Can Mango and I be the 1st to congratulate you?:21:

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

That personality sounds a lot like Zilla's! She is always happiest when she is with me or getting into something she knows is mine! She's always getting into some kind of mischief or another! Loves being on the kitchen counter while I'm trying to make her dinner (easier to steal bites that way) and always ready to snuggle up on my shoulder after dinner (or any other time I let her) for some loves and whispers before bed time!

Mango sounds like a sweetie pie!

 

[getwozzy]

AMANDA!!!!!

(Sorry I'm just now replying)

How exciting!!!! I'm really really hoping Dr L gives Zilla the all-clear!! That would be AMAZING!!

And yes- we need pictures of this sweet boy! How sweet he played that game with you.

I think it's probably a good thing I live so far away from the Bird Hut lol [emoji51]

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

AMANDA!!!!!

(Sorry I'm just now replying)

How exciting!!!! I'm really really hoping Dr L gives Zilla the all-clear!! That would be AMAZING!!

And yes- we need pictures of this sweet boy! How sweet he played that game with you.

I think it's probably a good thing I live so far away from the Bird Hut lol [emoji51]

It's exciting, but I'm nervous! And it just hit me this morning I have no idea what his name is???? How could I leave without asking what his name is???

He seriously had me when I heard his little voice say "HI" I knew there were no powder down birds on that side of the room so I knew whoever had just said that already had my heart!

Bird Hut isn't that far from you! you should really visit, maybe some little bird would pick you to go home with! He still has the baby galah that was hatched in April! Someone put a deposit on her just before Christmas but then backed out.

 

[getwozzy]

Lol!! I love you and I don't even know your name [emoji23] reminds me of a country song...

I have never heard an ekkie voice, but I can imagine it's just as sweet as you say it is!

Don't tempt me, temptress!!! Lol not far?? It takes us like 30-45 minutes of driving to get there!

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

Lol!! I love you and I don't even know your name [emoji23] reminds me of a country song...

I have never heard an ekkie voice, but I can imagine it's just as sweet as you say it is!

Don't tempt me, temptress!!! Lol not far?? It takes us like 30-45 minutes of driving to get there!

LOL! I'm kind of hoping he doesn't know he has a name so I can name him, though I'm HORRIBLE with boy names! I have a cat named Simon and a Beta named Fred! LOL

I do know the town you live in (used to spend lots of time there when I was younger), 30-45 minutes isn't that far to fall in love is it? And I know you want to meet him and Zilla... Tempting aren't I???

 

[getwozzy]

Lol well, when you put it like that- it's a pretty short drive. I don't have any sort of extra money right now but one of these days I'll have to come up and meet Zilla! And Mr Sweetness

 

[henpecked]

The asper isn't contagious. In fact the new bird can handle exposure better than Zilla can. I would however warn you about adding new birds to your flock because of how Zilla might feel?? has she been around other birds before. Do you think she'll "share" you? Do you have other pets or kids, is she the jealous type? You know her best.

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

The asper isn't contagious. In fact the new bird can handle exposure better than Zilla can. I would however warn you about adding new birds to your flock because of how Zilla might feel?? has she been around other birds before. Do you think she'll "share" you? Do you have other pets or kids, is she the jealous type? You know her best.

Really? The vet said it was?

She was with a B&G and 4 Cockatiels before she came to me. I do have 2 cats and she gets a bit jealous of them, but nothing to really worry about. She tries to beat up Fred the Beta fish sometimes too...LOL

She used to love love love trips to the bird hut with me to "talk" to the birds there, but she wasn't really bonded to me back then. I will have to take her in and see how she reacts. I don't want to do anything to break the bond we have!

 

[labell]

Henpecked is correct of course Asper is a mold spore that grows when conditions are bad, moist, dirty, like most mold spores. I would imagine from the sounds of Zilla's previous home that it was a breeding ground for molds and fungus if the paper and cages were taken care of with the same care that Zilla's diet was. Then once the mold spores dry they can become airborne making it easier for birds to inhale the spores. Once a bird is infected they can have reoccurring bouts with it but the birds themselves don't shed the spores they come from an un-kept environment. When you said waiting on recheck I misunderstood I think what you were saying. here is something I found that says it all better than I can.

What is Aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis is considered one of, if not the most common, causes of respiratory disease in pet birds. It is caused by infection with a fungus of the genus Aspergillus. The species of this organism that most frequently causes respiratory disease in pet birds is Aspergillus fumigatus. This organism is found commonly in the natural environment and in fact may be found in the respiratory tract of many healthy wild and pet birds. Aspergillus makes its way into the lungs and air sacs of birds when fungal spores are inhaled from the environment. This does not normally cause a problem in fit, healthy birds, but several underlying problems and/or a massive exposure to these spores may predispose a bird to the development of aspergillosis.Immune suppression (possibly due to concurrent diseases), stress, malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency (common with all-seed diets), confinement, and prolonged antibiotic use are all possible reasons for the development of opportunistic Aspergillus infections. Additionally, poor housing, hygiene and husbandry practices may predispose pet and aviary birds to develop this disease. Damp bedding and food, long-term food storage, humidity, poor ventilation, and inadequate cage cleaning are all factors that can increase the amount of fungal spores that are inhaled from the environment. Some kinds of bedding such as corn cob and walnut shells may also favor the growth of Aspergillus. Even in healthy individuals, inhalation or ingestion of abnormally large numbers of spores can cause severe disease. Less frequent routes of exposure include through skin lacerations or infections, or through eggshell contamination during incubation. All pet birds can develop disease, but the most commonly affected pet species are the African gray, Amazon and pionus parrots.
What are the Signs of Aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis usually develops gradually within the lungs and air sacs (thin extensions of the avian lungs). Early signs are often subtle, including reduced energy levels, decreased appetite, lethargy, progressive weight loss, or exercise intolerance (easily out of breath). This chronic form usually is a result of long-term stress or illness and often goes on undetected for some time. Respiratory signs, such as increased respiratory rate and effort, open-mouthed breathing and respiratory noises are signs of increasing severity and are not normally detected until late in the development of disease.
How is Aspergillosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of aspergillosis can be difficult and usually involves the use of several different tests. Clinical signs and physical exam findings, as well as changes on routine blood work may be suggestive of a problem, but are non-specific and not sufficient on their own for a definitive diagnosis to be reached. Radiographs are the next most common test and may show signs of changes in the lungs, air sacs, or other parts of the body. Something that may be even more useful for visualizing fungal infection in birds is endoscopy, which can be used to directly observe the airways.
All of these diagnostic methods can support a diagnosis of aspergillosis, but the disease cannot be definitively diagnosed without actually identifying the organism. Currently, the best method for arriving at a diagnosis of aspergillosis appears to be use of the above tests combined with a fungal culture of the respiratory tract. Birds with a positive culture for Aspergillus are more likely to have a significant amount of fungal growth. Cultures are, however, not incredibly sensitive and some infections may not be detected.
Can Aspergillosis be Treated?
Yes. Aspergillosis can be treated with a combination of anti-fungal medication and supportive care with variable success depending on the severity and extent of disease. When considering prognosis it should be kept in mind that by the time many birds show clinical signs they likely have been sick for several weeks.
Anti-fungal medication is the first line of defense against aspergillosis, and of these medications, itraconazole is probably the most widely accepted anti-fungal drug. This medication is given by mouth and is relatively safe for use in birds. Another anti-fungal, amphotericin B, has been commonly used as a primary treatment for aspergillosis in birds when they are hospitalized, but it has been known to cause toxicity, damaging the kidneys when used for long periods. Nebulization (aerosolization) of certain drugs may also be a reasonable way to treat fungal infection by allowing the drug to gain access to the airways. Anti-fungal therapy may need to be continued for at least 6 weeks and in some cases as long as 6 months in order to be fully effective.
Some birds may need supplemental nutrition if they are not eating. Other problems such as dehydration or hypothermia may also need to be addressed. Lastly, it is extremely important to remember that development of aspergillosis is often an indication of an underlying disease or husbandry problem. The cause of immune suppression must be addressed in order to increase the likelihood that your bird will return to health.
What is the Prognosis for a Bird Affected by Aspergillus?
The prognosis for aspergillosis varies significantly depending on the severity of the disease and when it is detected. With the dedicated care of an experienced avian veterinarian and with several days of hospitalization, a case that is diagnosed early may carry a fairly good to excellent prognosis. Unfortunately, by the time more obvious clinical signs ‒ such as respiratory effort ‒ are detected, the disease has progressed significantly. Aspergillosis is a serious disease and as it becomes more severe, prognosis becomes progressively worse, especially in birds that have significant immune compromise.
What is the Best Way to Protect against Aspergillosis?
Because Aspergillus is such a common inhabitant of the normal respiratory tract, it is impossible to entirely eliminate it. Vaccines do exist, but their effectiveness is questionable. The best prevention is based on limiting exposure to spores and keeping your bird healthy overall. Make sure your bird is in a clean environment that is not too humid or crowded. Do not leave moist bedding or food in the cage for long periods of time as these are ideal sites for fungal proliferation. Most importantly, make sure your bird is healthy and happy. Limit stress as much as possible and try to maintain routine veterinary care for your bird so that any problems that may predispose to more serious disease are detected early.
Can Aspergillosis be Transmitted to Humans?
Aspergillosis is not considered to be a contagious disease and a healthy person does not need to worry about becoming infected. Aspergillus spores are in the environment and will likely be breathed in at some point, but they rarely cause disease. One exception may be in people who have severe immune compromise. As with birds, the best way to decrease exposure to Aspergillus spores is to keep a clean home in order to limit the inhalation of fungal spores.
Reviewed by Dr. Simon Starkey D.ABVP (Avian)
Date Published: 4/25/2011 11:25:00 AM
Date Reviewed/Revised: 04/25/2011

 

[Birdman666]

Cuz you're one of "US."

To those that aren't "US," you're one of "THEM."