AboutRev. Dr. S.August Abbott Expertise Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides.
Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition
I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care.
No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication.
Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.
Experience Certified Avian Specialist.
For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.
Organizations 4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more
Publications Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.
Education/Credentials Doctorate, Ordained Minister
Question QUESTION: I have a Rose Ringed Indian Parrot since more than 10 years. One year back, I have noticed that some white patches have developed under his tounge and in the roof of his mouth & his saliva is slimy. It seemed to me that these were the signs of Vitamin A Deficiency. So, I started to feed him Vitamin A rich food & very small amount of Vitamin A supplement Capsule (which are available for human). His state remained unchaged. I have been regularly washing his mouth with Chlorhexidine. Few days ago,some small extra muscles have grown on his corners of the beak. I am still continuing with the above mentioned diet & Mouth Wash. We do not have a proper Vet in our location. So, please suggest what should I do so that my Parrot becomes healthy again. Please help me as soon as possible.
Thanks & Regards
Priya
ANSWER: Candidiasis (Candida Albicans) is typically present in all birds’ digestive system. When it grows beyond normal limits it causes problems not necessarily limited to the digestive system (including the mouth and crop), but can effect the organs, beak, feathers, reproductive and respiratory systems.
Candidiasis is much more prevalent in non-parrot species, however if your bird has experienced delayed crop emptying, a predominantly seed diet (possible vitamin A deficiency), has had stress or other infections/health problems, or has recently been on antibiotics – chances are increased for an occurrence of Candidiasis.
Sometimes just the mouth will be symptomatic, giving off an odor or showing plaques (white, raised patches), and often a thick (clear or cloudy) material in their mouth.
Some birds will frequently regurgitate, go off their food and not act right overall. There may also be nasal discharge, voice change or breathing changes (labored breathing after activities).
Candidiasis is not uncommon in hand fed chicks, so many breeders are now adding grapefruit seed extract to formulas in order to avoid the problem.
In adult birds I strongly recommend vet intervention rather than taking any chances with home remedies that may only give the yeast time to grow and spread. I recall the story of a cockatiel owner who thought $100 to treat her $50.00 bird was unreasonable, so she tried all sorts of internet and pet store options. A year later she had such a sick bird that repeated emergency intervention was required, a megabacteria developed and after more than $2,000 in vet bills, the bird lost the battle. To this day she’s adamant about advising people to not waste a single day – just see the vet.
QUESTION: Thanks a lot for your help & suggestions. You have really helped me a lot & saved my parrot. By the grace of God, my parrot has recovered from Candidiasis. Now I am very careful of his diet and try to feed him nutritious diet. I also feed him water with a spoon in order to avoid Crop Stiatis since he ignores drinking water himself. I am very thankful to your help and guidance. Please guide me for taking further care of my parrot. Is it safe to feed my parrot Pomegranate Seeds?
Regards.
Priya
Kolkata
India
Answer Thank you for your nice comments. Pomagranate seeds are fine
Don't forget that many birds get a large amount of their hydration from fruits. Be generous with melons, pineapple, oranges, lemons, limes and anything else with good water content (never avocado though). Mangoes, papaya, kiwi - and of course an array of vegetables too, like squash, sweet potatoes, yams, greens, etc..
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