Peanut is sick... what should I do?

[LadySaphine]

This morning when I went to feed the birds, I noticed something was wrong with Peanut. She seemed to be a bit un-coordinated, stumbling and unable to hop. Her flight was weird. She was fluffed up when I took her out of her cage, but I had hoped it was because she was happy to see me (she fluffs up when she's happy) or maybe just warming up. Her voice was definitely odd, and she kept making these low noises. I gave her some millet, which she loves, and right now I'm at school.

I plan on calling the vet when I get home, but I doubt we'll be able to go today, as my mom works late. I'm really worried about her- I've never dealt with a sick bird before and I'm really worried I'll find her...

What can I do for her while she's at home? And what could have caused the sickness? As far as the other birds go, Steve and PJ are fine. Should I quarantine Peanut?

I'm just so worried that I'll find her dead. I'm hoping that we can get her to the vet today, but I doubt it. And what I'm also a bit worried about is the price- we are a bit tight on money and I'm worried it will be super expensive.

Thank you in advance!

[Cedardave]

I know its not what you want to hear but you should get her to the vet.As for quarantineing... I would suggest if Peanut has something, then they all do.Quarentine may just add stress to them all.These are only my opinions...i am not a vet.Always better safe than sorry.Best of luck.

[LadySaphine]

I know to take her to a vet, but I wanted to know what I could do while we wait. Any foods you suggest? I will probably move Peanut away from the other two, in case. And I'll be scrubbing down her cage, too. But thank you for posting, I only have an hour of school left...really hoping she's okay!

[GreenWing]

Oh no, I hope she's not sick LadySaphine... glad to know you're taking her in to a vet.

Meanwhile, I'd turn up the heat in the room to keep it warmer. Is Peanut eating? How does her poop look? Is she at the bottom of the cage? Also, if you can, give an avian vet a call -- the avian vet in my area is nice enough to call back when worried. Sometimes the Avian vet can help calm some worries but it is good that you're taking Peanut in nonetheless.

Please let us know how it goes. Peanut is in my thoughts and I'm sending out loving, positive energy to you and her.

[Harpmaker]

I am so sorry to hear Peanut isn't feeling well.

Everyone says by the time birds show any symptoms they are pretty sick, but you already know Peanut needs to see a vet.

As far as what caused it, you might not ever find out. Corsair stopped eating(except treats) for a day or so and flew into a wall a few months back. She was also making low sounds like moans in the vet's office. The vet put her on three different medications(antibiotics and anti-inflammation) and she is fine, but all the tests were negative, and we still don't know what caused it.

I'm sending hugs for you and prayers for Peanut.

[Pajarita]

Put a heating pad at the bottom of the cage (cover it with paper) and place a towel or some other sort of material on the top and all sides except for the front that should be exposed to light. Put her cage in a very quiet place and away from traffic (parrots hide when they are sick). Give her soft foods that she might like (I always give them birdy bread because everybody loves it). And, please, take her to the vet asap. I don't like the uncoordination...

[LadySaphine]

Thank you guys! I'm home now, and she's the same as this morning. She's lethargic, fluffed up, and although she makes an attempt to stay above the cage, she keeps falling down from her perch, thus staying on the bottom of her cage. She is 'using' her wings to balance herself, and she is sitting vertical. She kept closing her eyes and cuddling with me, but she doesn't close her eyes like that.

I called the vet; they have someone in tomorrow who will see her. Now It's the parent's turn to get her there.

But, there is some good(?) news- she's been eating, and has shown interest in eating. She ate a bit of her millet and her seed (okay, okay, I gave her seed today, because I was worried she couldn't eat the pellets) and flown to the floor trying to eat some spilled seed. I am still worried for her, but at least she's been eating, or else I'd be really worried.

Should I keep some heat for her? Like the rice-in-sock method? I know heat is important.

Thank you guys again, I think she'll pull through!

Edit: Pajarita, thanks! We do have a heating pad, but I am not sure it works anymore, as we last used it when we had frogs (4~ years ago). Like I asked, is rice in a sock (microwaved) good?

[Pajarita]

Use whatever you have, sweetie. I like my heating pad because it's a big one that covers the entire floor of a medium size cage and heats up the entire cage very evenly (heat rises so the most efficient way is always to put the heat source at the bottom) but anything that heats up the cage will work.

[Cedardave]

I dont know where you live, but if you have a childs vapourizer(medication free)you can add some humidity...that may also help until you get to the vet.

[Cedardave]

How is Peanut doing?