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Birds--General/cocketiel vomit

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Expert: - 12/16/2007


Question
We got 2 baby cockatiel. We feed them with Aviplus for handrearing parakeets for the past week and a half since we got them. The one started to become interested in real food but we still fed them. Since Friday the one looked quite stiff and cold.  We are keeping it warm and force feeding it ever since.  Today it started to vomit.  Somebody recommended cage bird remedy from Daro.  I guess the baby's age is between 3 and 5 weeks old. What can I do to help the bird?

Answer
Hi, Elize,

You need to take this baby tiel, actually take both baby tiels, to a certified avian veterinarian ASAP.  The one baby needs immediate medical assistance.  I'm not familiar with Aviplus for keets, but if this is not a handfeeding formula that you mix with hot water and feed to the baby tiels via a handfeeding syringe, then these babies are not being properly nourished.  Also, these babies need to be kept at about 90 degrees F at all times until they are almost fully feathered (decrease the temp as more feathers appear).  The sick baby is beyond being helped at home in my opinion.  Keep the baby warm, nourished as much as possible until you can get it to the bird vet hopefully first thing tomorrow.  If you don't do this, you may lose this baby.

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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