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Parrots/live bug found in African Grey poo?!

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Expert: Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott - 11/7/2009


Question
This morning, I took our 6 month old male BnG and 11 month old female Grey out of their cage, put the Grey "Jeannie" on the kitchen spout (it's easy for her to "go" there and easy to wash down the garbage disposal).  As is the norm, I told her "Go potty" and after a couple seconds of squatting & such, she went - and what I found in the sink looked like healthy green & white poo, except for this little brown thing that started to MOVE in the poo!  I'm not sure what kind of bug it is, possibly some sort of beetle. But it is ALIVE.  Did she eat this thing whole and just not digest it?  This is freaky.

Answer
Where are the birds kept?  Indoors only or allowed outside?  How old are they and how long have they been with you?

 Are you 100% positive that this 'bug' wasn't already in the sink ?

What do the birds typically eat?

---- No, it is not likely that the bird ate this and passed it through their digestive system intact and alive  

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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

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