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About Rev. 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

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Birds > Parrots > African grey ill

Parrots - African grey ill

Expert: Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott - 11/8/2009

Question
My African grey smokie is 29years old she has developed this weasing and rasping noise when she is breathing please advise.

Answer
There is a type of mite that a wide range of birds may be infected with, called Air Sac Mites. These are not the same mites as skin or feather mites and they are not treated the same way. Without immediate attention, air sac mites progress rather quickly to a life threatening condition. Early intervention is often successful and far easier than dealing with a more extensive complication.

A great deal of discussion occurs over administering Ivermectin vs other options, but most of this discussion will be seen on web pages that happen to supply the ‘other’ options. There’s quite possibly an ulterior motive to their support of anything except a proven control modality, Ivermectin Propylene Glycol.

This is, by the way, not the Ivermectin you’ll see in most farm supply stores. It’s a specially formulated formula for avians. You need to get this from a veterinary supply source or better yet, from your veterinarian. A 1% injectable solution is usually provided at dusk and water sources are suggested removed. In the morning an Ivermectin solution is provided for drinking (1 cc to 16 oz, well mixed). The water is left for 12 hours.

I must note that I and most avian experts will strongly advise against medications in drinking water; however, this is one of the rare exceptions.

It’s very important to never provide Ivermectin undiluted; and again, only the Ivermectin Propylene Glycol specifically for avian use.

After the treatment outlined here, it’s repeated in 12-14 days in order to address the mites that have incubated and hatched in the meantime.

Having a vet involved with your bird and proper diagnosis and treatment provided, as well as follow up, is truly important and will very likely save you a great deal of frustration – and your bird.

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