Posted by SHAMFUL7 on Sat, 02/02/2008 - 00:49 :: Cockatiels
I NEED HELP PLEASE, I HAVE A YEAR OLD FEMALE COCKATIEL NAMED BIRDY.NOW FOR THE LAST WEEK SHES BEEN HAVING DIARRHEA.
IVE ASKED SOME PEOPLE AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE NEW BRAND OF FOOD IVE BEEN FEEDING HER SO I SWITHCHED BACK TO THE OLD ONE.BUT SHE WAS STILL SICK, SO IVE BEEN CLEANING OUT HER CAGE EVERY DAY AND GIVING HER BOTTLED WATER WITH VITAMIN DROPS.BUT NOTHINGS CHANGED AND JUST NOW AS I WAS CLEANING HER CAGE AGAIN I FOUND HER SWAYING SIDE TO SIDE AND THAT REALLY SCARED ME.MY FATHER DOESNT REALLY CARE FOR BIRDY AT ALL AND WILL NOT TAKE ME TO A AVIAN VET UNLESS I CAN ASSURE HIM THAT SHES SICK AND THAT THE CARE WILL NOT COST MORE THAN BIRDY DID.HE SAYS TO LET HER BE AND IF SHE GETS BETTER GREAT AND IF NOT BUY A NEW ONE.BUT I REALLY LOVE BIRDY AND SHE CANT BE REPLACED BY ANY OTHER BIRD SO EASILY SO CAN SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE ADVICE AND INFORMATION ON VET COST SO I CAN PROOF TO MY FATHER ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN BEFORE ITS TO LATE.
Posted by Ultragames on Mon, 02/04/2008 - 12:43.
Call the local vet and tell them your situation. They may have payment plans, or may even lower the price or do it for free. I can't promise anything, but it is worth the phone call. Call right away!
Posted by karen on Mon, 02/04/2008 - 22:49.
How is Birdy doing? Diarrhea is a sign of usually serious illness; sometimes watery droppings are mistaken for diarrhea but watery droppings can be from stress or diet.
Is she acting differently, resting or sitting fluffed more, or eating or pooping less? Keep in mind that in the wild a sick bird would attract predators and is driven from the flock, so they will hide signs of illness.
I would say take her to the vet if she shows any sign of illness, but be aware a vet visit will likely cost a bit. Around here, a basic checkup is $50 plus more for tests and treatments. If you live near a parrot rescue or adoption center, they may also be able to help with vet care.
Until you can get her to a vet, keep her warm and make sure she's eating well. Spray millet is a good food for sick birds, easy to digest.

Karen
Chico (conure) and Pippin (budgie)
WI