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Birds--General/Parakeet Illness
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Question
My parakeet may be sick. What can I do? He shakes his head alot if he eats or drinks and had some watery discharge from eyes,mouth of nose-couldn't tell where it is coming from. Or maybe he vomited? I have another bird in the same cage. I'm keeping an eye on him. Don't have a vet.
Hi, Debbie. Thanks for posting!
You may not have a bird vet, but you'll need to find one to take your keet to (not a cat/dog vet, but an exotic animal vet certified in treating aves). All of the symptoms you've described need to be evaluated by an avian veterinarian and properly treated with medication. You don't want to waste any time either as your keet's health can go downhill very quickly (as in hours).
This website might help you locate an avian vet in your area: www.aav.org. If not, call the closest one and ask for a reference in your area. You can also check your local phone book, call a local parrot breeder for a reference (check in phone book for listings or classified ads in local newspapers), a local dog/cat vet for a reference, humane society might be able to provide references.
It's impossible to accurately diagnose and subsequently treat bird illness over a website. The best I or any other expert can do is provide possibilities of what might be ailing a bird based on their knowledge/experience, but only an avian vet can positively diagnose an ailment and provide the correct medicine for the specific problem(s) affecting our birds.
Chrys
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you very much for the wise and prompt advice. I did decide to take the keet to a vet and he is getting the proper treatment. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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