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
I have two cockatiels. One was a gift (from a pet shop) was supposed to be a male turned out to be a female after laying eggs. The other is a female from a "breeder".
They are both laying eggs regularly now and so I give them calcium orally, daily.There is man in the household but he does not talk to them nor touch them. I removed all toys and try to distract them.Its seems that one of them lays eggs as soon as I don't spend enough time with her.
They eat pellets by Harrison's, hard boiled eggs, greens, carrots, broccoli, tuna fish, boiled chicken.
One of them is SEVERELY puffed up and ALWAYS SHIVERING and eats little. The other is PUFFED UP but eats more. Both are small and skinny. They do feel a lot better ever since I changed their diet to pellets.
I have taken both of them to an avian vet. Both birds tested negative for chlamydia however were given an antibiotic Tresaderm for a period of a month. The vet has given them injections of various vitamins. Nothing helps.
Answer I'm sorry you're going through such a difficult time. You're doing a very good job with their care and feeding by the way.
To screen for several genetic diseases or other problems it’s just a matter of a couple drops of blood that you might get by clipping a toenail just close enough to produce it (you need to be experienced with clipping and sure not to hurt your bird or cause severe bleeding).
I’d use a groomer or vet to get it if you’re even slightly unsure.
They are pretty reasonable; however, again, I strongly recommend that your vet do the sampling, so figure in an office fee accessed along with the testing cost.
Never – not ever – consider using a blood feather to send in as a sample. This can cause uncontrolled blood loss and in some cases may actually lead to feather plucking. I don’t understand why these labs still encourage it and strongly feel they shouldn’t.
For things to screen for: Avian Polyomavirus; PBFD/Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease; Pacheco’s Disease
Ask your vet to look for megabacteria
Avian Cholera (Pasteurellosis) is transmitted via inhalation or ingestion of infected material (food, water, discharge, dirt/droppings/dust). DNA testing can detect chronic or early infection, especially when samples are submitted from blood, choanal and cloacal swabs.
Other than this, honestly you're doing everything right
