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Birds--General/Lovebird walking in circless

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Expert: - 12/1/2006


Question
Hi there, we have a 6 month old lovebird that was living in our outside aviary until we noticed it was not flying much and was actually walking round in circles with its head turned to one side. We have had a recent cold snap but our birds are generally outdoors all winter as it does not snow where we live. We had a similar incident with a bird in New Zealand and the vet said it was either an ear infection or it had a stroke. Antibiotics worked that time.Any more insite would be appreciated. We have not gone to the vet but have started on antibiotics.

Answer
Hi, Siobhan.  Thanks for posting!

When a bird does this, it could be several things, all health related.  Only an avian veterinarian can pinpoint exactly what the problem might be.  I don't like the idea of providing antibiotics before you know what the exact problem is because you could make matters worse if it's not a bacterial problem.  I'd recommend a visit to the bird vet.

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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