Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    Hi Louisa!
    
    As long as Reggie is in good shape, don't take him out.  Rather,
    take a stool sample to the vet for a fecal smear/floatation and
    gram stain.  That is a good idea to do annually.
    
    I think you should try to alter his diet though.  Try to get him
    to eat the rice and veggie recipe in the feeding notes...and if
    you can, try to cut down drastically on the sunflower seeds.  Peanuts
    are alright, but I'd hold out, and only use up to 5 a day.  If Reggie
    eats things you eat, like cheese, meats, fresh veggies and all,
    then don't run to the vet!  Gee Wiz, consider yourselves lucky!
     8^}
    
    The average bird owner never sees a vet, and the folks that have
    smaller birds never do...and when it dies or looks sick, well, it
    dies and they just replace it.  Personally,  this kills me...but
    I'm an obsessive paranoid bleeding heart!
    
    Are Reggies feathers nice and tight and shiny?  Is he friendly with
    you?  Are his droppings alright?  Lets just relax, and dont' let
    us panic you!!  8^}
    
    I do recommend annual fecal checks though...I'm sure we'll be hearing
    from Karen and Mark and Laura & Mad Max on this too!  Mark lives
    in your area and can recommend a vet!
    
    I'd recommend Dr. Brian Holub in chelmsford or Dr. Kilgore in
    Littleton...
    
    
    Jean Hutchins

    Yes, as long as the bird is healthy, I see no reason to take him
    to a vet.  After three years you should have a pretty good idea
    of what is normal behaviour for him, so as long as he is behaving
    and looking normal, don't worry.  However, when birds get sick they
    get sick fast, so I do think it would be a good idea to try and
    find a good *avian* vet in your area, so that you know where to
    call should a problem arise.  I emphasize avian, because most of
    your primarily dog/cat and/or horse vets don't know that much about
    birds.  My dog's vet when asked readily admitted to me that although
    he could probably handle a blood feather or bleeding toe in an
    emergency, that he would not feel qualified to treat anything
    more involved.
    
    I agree 100% with Jean about the food.  If you don't feel ambitious
    enough to cook for your bird, try to find a good nutritionally complete
    mix which is not sunflower based.  I highly recommend Topper Bird
    Ranch Diet for Large Hookbills, but I know some of you out East
    have had trouble finding it.  Plus you should be giving him as much
    fresh fruits and veggies and other people foods as he wants.  But
    remember, if it's something high in calories and fat, it should
    be limited just as we people can't eat too much of that stuff. 
    And absolutely no chocolate.
    
    My bird eats the Topper, scraps from my plate when I remember to
    offer it, and a thawed batch of Jean's recipe when I remember it
    too.
    
    Laura and Mad Max
    
    P.S. for Jean
    
    Twice now your recipe has gotten me out of a bind.  I didn't realize
    until after the stores closed that Max didn't have enough Topper
    left for a full meal.  So I just thawed up a batch of "The Recipe"
    and gave him that and whatever seed was left.  He's getting so he
    really likes it.  And Sunny (the dog) like it even better.  Whenever
    I give it to Max, Sunny stands beneath the cage and waits for Max
    to drop some.

    OOOooo the ultimate flattery!  The dogs love the bird food, and
    the birds like the dog food!  (What a wonderful world this *could*
    be...)
    
    Thanks Laura!  I've done the same thing too!  Space the seed!  and
    that's tough when you use 50# a month!  I've been a real goat since
    Christmas and have not make any of my own food up yet!!  Shame on
    me!  And you know, I can see the difference of the quality of the
    appearance of the birds now!  I really think it's the berries of
    bird foods!
    
    Thanks again!!
    
    Jean

    I am a believer in vets (and my checkbook proves it), however
    sometimes, paranoia on the part of the owner adds to the general
    financial demise of our house.  I have good friend who raised birds for
    many years, and was convinced I was being taken for a ride when I had
    my African Grey.  Nevertheless, I spent a fortune on tests, and so
    forth.  Besides the feather plucking problem, she ate well.  
    When I "traded" her for my hand-fed Hahn's, the breeder commented on
    how wonderful she looked (feather condition - besides plucking),
    weight, general alertness, etc.  Turns out she was in breeding
    condition, so it was probably frustration on her part. (Mine too - I
    might add).
    
    I took my baby to the vet in the beginning, but unless we notice a REAL
    change in behaviour/looks/appearance, he seems to be of the opinion,
    why spend lots of money?
    
    She is fat and sassy, and fine.
    
    Ed
    

    
    Laura,Jean THANK-YOU VERY MUCH!
    
    I am much calmer now.  Reggie is still *VERY,VERY* active he has
    not changed in that way, and he still *HATES* me so I know he is
    fine (he is my husbands bird and you can tell) his feathers are
    shinny and nice (alittle stubby on the heard, not falling off or
    anything just hard and they hurt,,kinda like "pin-feathers").
    
    I have cut donw on the sunflower seed.  In the moring on my way
    to work I have been cutting up apples,carrots,grapes,furit cocktail
    and giving him that.  at night I've been giving him NO-salt crakers
    (his personal favorite) and a few times aweek the sunflowe..but
    I dont fill the dish like before,,and I will put cherrys on top
    instead of peanuts (his other favorite) *boy* the farm stand loves
    me now! dont worry he is not starving,,even thow he could stand
    to loss a few pounds.
    
    I was nervous..that day I printed out all the notes and I took them
    home to hubby and was upset that we have not been caring enought
    for Reggie..but I'm fine now THANK-YOU
    
    Dont ask me way I'm so concerned,.,,that bird hates me..and I do
    all the feending and talking ot him..but he perfers my Hubby..figure
    that one out..If I talk the bird talks if I shut-up the bird shuts
    up..he kicks me off the couch to be w/ hubby..he wont get on my
    hand for all the peanuts in the world..but Hubby comes home and
    it's "HELLO RICK" "WHAT-CHA DOIN'" jumps on his hand and kisses
    him..the other day Reggie flew in the bed room (forgot to lock his
    cage) and bit me until I got out of the bed so he could play w/
    Rick..I dont know! :-)
    
    THANKS AGAIN
    
    Louisa