Hello to the forum

[Neohistory]

Hi, I sought out a forum on owning birds since I have just become the new owner of a lutino parakeet I named Artemis. When I got him (1/1/13), I quickly discovered abnormal breathing behavior (tail bobbing, lethargy, sounds of bubbles popping near the cere. I took him immediately the next day to the vet who specialized in birds and is a bird owner as well, so I felt comfortable with her deciding to give him a shot.

I could have taken Artemis back due to his illness and the breeder would have replaced him...but I didn't want that. This individual had quite an impressive collection of birds, but the condition, IMHO, were not suitable for the amount he was working with. I knew what would happen, the breeder probably might have just put him down, not wanting to mess with it. I decided to be responsible for Artemis, and give him the love he deserves. I'm revisiting the vet next week, but I'm on here to find out more information and make sure I'm in the know about these things. Thank you for reading this and any welcomes that come about.

[marie83]

Hiya welcome to the forums.

It sounds like your new family member is in good hands with you and I wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.

I don't wish to preach but I hope if you will reconsider getting a bird from a breeder that is anything less than as near damn perfect as they can be ever again, tbh, I don't agree with breeders full stop but I'm not going to get into that debate right now. Rescues and rehomes are much more in need of support than breeders and petshops, particuarly the bad ones.

Anyway welcome and enjoy your stay here. If you need any help with anything there are friendly people willing to share what they know here. Please keep us updated with how your new family member is doing

[Neohistory]

Now that you mentioned it, I completely agree with your thoughts on bird breeders. I feel bad for all those birds in that enclosure (it basically amounts to a long chicken coop, with the same condition you'd expect from said setup.) I will try my best to get this little guy back to full health, but in the future, I will check out rescues and rehomes. Thank you.

[Neohistory]

Marie:

I actually tried to locate some rescues around in this state. They all pretty much deal with the bigger birds (more challenging) than with Budgies. I suppose the other option would be rehoming (looking on craigslist, etc.) I am happy to say I am seeing improvement in Artemis, he has finally been chirping!

[marie83]

Excellent, glad to hear he is improving. What did they say it was, a respiritory infection?

[Neohistory]

It would appear so. At first I was afraid it was Psittacosis due to all those birds being around him. Going this next Tuesday for a follow up, and possibly another shot.