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Birds--General/parakeet sluggishness / injury

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Expert: - 5/9/2006


Question
My very young and brand new female parakeet recently was attacked by one of my older female parakeets.  Her cere was slightly torn and bleeding a little bit. The bleeding stopped very soon after, and my new bird acted normal again afterward for the most part (eating, pooping, singing, playing) almost as much as before the incident. I figured I would give her a couple of days to get over the shock and she'd be fine.  Now she seems worse.  She is sluggish and keeps her eyes closed most of the time while sitting on a perch.  She doesn't do much unless I take her out of the cage to hold her.  I'll probably call the vet tomorrow unless she improves.  I'm worried about infection or something.  What is your opinion?

Answer
Hi, Nicole.  Thanks for posting.

My opinion is you are doing the right thing by having your keet evaluated by an avian veterinarian ASAP (not a cat/dog vet, but a bird vet).  She may have sustained injury to her respiratory system or other and/or may be feeling the after affects of shock.

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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