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Post by lisamarie on Nov 13, 2013 21:55:17 GMT
One last suggestion is that you probably should get to the root of her problem and find out if she does indeed have parasites before bringing another bird into the mix. Or worse - a new bird could be carrying an illness which could even kill her! It's best to find the root of the problem first, Sarah know what she's talking about with parasites, etc
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 22:01:11 GMT
Hello Pammy, thanks for responding about Miss Beasley's problem....
Yes, I understand the positive attitude thing...I've cried in front of my birds on another occasion and it TOTALLY DOES affect them just as you've suggested. So...upon learning that about 2 years ago (when my Dad died, and I cried out loud), I've never done it again. My birds DO feel whatever I feel....
I just confirmed her blindness last night....came racing onto the Internet for answers, help and support. I've cried many times over the past 24 hours....but make sure to walk outside, on my 20 acre lot when I do so. I am trying to act as normal as possible while in the presence of my birds. Still talking "bird talk" to them....(high pitched voice)....I'm doing all I can do to "act" composed even though I'm crying on the inside.
You out mentioned her being able to understand when it's daytime, and nighttime. Thankfully, that is handled. I've ran a fan in the room they are in since the day they came home with me 3 1/2 years ago. So she knows when the TV goes off, and the fan comes on, it's night-night time. I cover their cages with a thin sheet, turn on the fan an go to bed. The fan doesn't blow on them, just circulates the air.
Anyways...thanks Pammy for responding. And for worrying about my babies delicate psyche. I couldn't agree more about that. They do feel, what I feel...and I will continue to be steely eyed, happy voiced, and love my babies.
See ya soon Pammy, Kathi, Beasley and Greenley.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 22:04:01 GMT
One last suggestion is that you probably should get to the root of her problem and find out if she does indeed have parasites before bringing another bird into the mix. Or worse - a new bird could be carrying an illness which could even kill her! It's best to find the root of the problem first, Sarah know what she's talking about with parasites, etc Lisa Marie, don't you worry girl. I didn't mention I was gonna wait to see if the parasite meds work for the diarrhea first. I don't want anyone else to die.... No worries!
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Post by lisamarie on Nov 13, 2013 22:11:35 GMT
I also have a Parakeet book I just read to see the causes of diarrhea, it says take a sample to be tested by a vet. Questions to ask yourself: (from the book) Could a cooler than usual bath, a draft, or a sudden drop in temperature have caused a cold? Is the bird getting too little grit, which is needed both as an acid in digestion and for the calcium it contains? (the other questions were ones Sarah already asked you about rust, dirt, etc)
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Post by Pammy on Nov 13, 2013 22:31:42 GMT
I'm in complete agreement with everyone else about not taking Miss Beasley in for observation. I cannot believe your vet would have the audacity to let you know that would cost $250, when she should be wiping Beasley's debt as paid in full in this particularly instance. Off course if she did that, she would have to admit that her treatment caused the blindness....
I do feel some concern about putting any bird (Greenley or a new one) in with your darling until you can get her diarrhea cleared up. Also, a brand new, unknown bird may terrify her right now, in her unaccustomed state of complete darkness.
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Post by Emily on Nov 13, 2013 22:48:18 GMT
Parrots do not need grit, they shell their seeds so I recommend not giving them grit at all. I do however recommend putting in the cuttle bone and mineral block still.
I second the idea of bringing a stool sample to be tested by your vet.
We will work this out together, Kathi! There are so many caring people on here for support and advice.
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Post by Pammy on Nov 14, 2013 0:19:32 GMT
Kathi, I didn't mean that you should never cry in front of your birds. It's okay for them to know there are different emotions. I just meant that it probably wouldn't be good for them to know how very sad you are right now about Beasley's blindness. It might scare them or depress them or make them think they did something wrong. I know you want to make her as comfy and happy as you possibly can right now. We really do care about her, and you. Hang in there, and keep us posted about the diarrhea and the plan for stopping it.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2013 1:10:01 GMT
I also have a Parakeet book I just read to see the causes of diarrhea, it says take a sample to be tested by a vet. Questions to ask yourself: (from the book) Could a cooler than usual bath, a draft, or a sudden drop in temperature have caused a cold? Is the bird getting too little grit, which is needed both as an acid in digestion and for the calcium it contains? (the other questions were ones Sarah already asked you about rust, dirt, etc) Hey Lisa Marie, The "draft" issue, or if my bird might have gotten cold is something I've entertained. Her diarrhea started in the hot days od summer while the air conditioning was on. Her cage was near a vent that blew right toward her. Greenley's cage didn't get a direct hit from it. So, yes, I've wondered if she caught a cold, when she got cold from the air conditioner. Her illness literally began within a month of firing up the air for the summer. I keep a full bowl of grit in the cage at all times. I've never seen either of them eat it....but they do enjoy climbing into the bowl and kicking it all over their cage floor. Lol. That's about it. I can can admit that I am exhausted tonight. I barely slept last night after confirming to myself she was blind. And I'm SUPER worried that she's not drinking water. I've witnessed her leaving the perch she rests in all day since going blind, only twice today. She barely ate anything...and didn't drink either time. I tried giving her water via a syringe. She got probably 3 drops, and a nice "water boarding" experience. Good grief!!!! I think I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. I feel horrible for her, and do not think its a "good" quality of life. I need to sleep on it, get more used to the idea I guess. So, THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE who took time out of your day to assist me, school me, make great suggestions, show such concern to me and my baby, I truly appreciate it. You're an awesome bunch, to be SURE! I'm going to try to sleep tonight, and come to terms with Beasley's blindness. I think I may be forced to modify her cage tomorrow so she can more easily access her water and food supplies. I hate seeing her staggering around, falling down her stairs, and searching for her food and water. Ugh! We we will be in touch tomorrow fellow birdie lovers. Kathi, Beasley and Greenley.
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Post by Pammy on Nov 14, 2013 1:45:44 GMT
Sleep well, Kathi. Things almost always look brighter in the morning.
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Post by Sarah on Nov 14, 2013 1:46:15 GMT
Good luck Kathi, but please do get Beasley tested for Giardia. It puts you and all your other animals at risk.
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Post by Pammy on Nov 14, 2013 1:53:56 GMT
What can Giardia do to humans, Sarah?
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Post by Sarah on Nov 14, 2013 2:02:38 GMT
Giardia produces the same effects in all life: diarrhea that won't go away, painful gas, abdominal cramping and weight loss. The parasites don't so much do damage to the body directly beyond minor irritation to the intestines, but they do leach away the vitamins and nutrients from our food that we need, and this can result in deficiencies particularly vitamin b12. Its easily identified and treated in humans because humans can communicate their symptoms, but it also effects cats, dogs, and birds. There are many reliable medications for it, and it usually doesn't get out of hand in people who have access to basic medical care.
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Post by Pammy on Nov 14, 2013 3:22:07 GMT
Eew. Thanks for explaining. I hope none of us get that.
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Post by lisamarie on Nov 14, 2013 16:28:13 GMT
Hope they get to the bottom of her issue!
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