Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 1/2/2008

Question
Hello Tara,

I recently purchased a 2-5 week old baby lovebird. He has been hand fed (i say he, but who knows. could be a she) We named him Sava.

Anyways, since I've had him at my house (about 3 days now), he is VERY VERY hand tame.  He loves to be picked up and held.  At first if he got too far from his cage he would try to fly back as the first chance he got. But now he likes to hang out a little more. I let him wander around the whole room where his cage is.

He has not eaten much at all, and when he is in his cage he just sits there with his feathers fluffed.  He doesn't seem to be drinking any water either.  He also has not bathed since he's been here.  

I tried spraying him, but he didn't like that. Gave him a bowl of water, but doesn't even acknowledge it. He only eats spray millet.  I tried putting the spray millet in the food bowl mixed with the other seeds, but he pics out the spray millet and only eats it.  But still, no drinking.  He's poop has green, but not much of the white anymore.  

Should i take him in? or is this classic New Lovebird Syndrome?

Answer
Hi, Teddy,

I'm not Tara.  I found your question in the question pool this morning.  I don't know why it was not answered when you submitted it.  

Your young lovie may be ill.  You've given several indications of this in your post (sitting fluffed up, not eating, droppings change).  I recommend you get your lovie to a certified avian vet for a checkup ASAP.  I hope it is not too late.

Chrys