Stressed Out Redbird - Help, please.

[tbitler]

Hi There,

I am new to the group and just posted an intro. I thought I would jump right in to request advice and direction to help our bird...We have had "Red" since 1991. He was a stray flying around an apartment complex dive bombing the residents as they would enter and leave the building.

Between 1991 and 1996 we relocated to different homes three times with Red. We finally settled down and purchased a hobby farm and have been there since 1996. This past weekend we have moved into another temporary home while our home is remodeled. Red isn't very happy.

He is still eating, drinking, and defecating normally, but - he is spending quite a bit of time "puffed up". Almost acting depressed. He is asking for attention a bit more, almost feeling insecure, which is perfectly understandable.

The "bird vet" that we have used for the past 20 years has recently retired, and there are no exotic qualified vets in the area, which is why I am asking for help.

Is there something I can give to him to help him adjust a little more easily. The cats I can give cat nip and have Feliway plugged in, the dogs I give a little rescue remedy and that is helpful - but the poor bird has nothing.

Can anyone offer suggestions? Obviously we are paying more attention to him and giving him special "treats" but it isn't helping as quickly as I would like. Since he is in his 20's I am concerned that at his age the stress level will be too much.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Respectfully,

Traci

[Pajarita]

He's not stressed out by the move, he's sick (stressed out birds don't 'puff up' - only sick or wounded birds do). You need to take him to a vet ASAP and I do mean pronto because, by the time they show any symptoms, they have been sick for a long time and are so bad off they can't hide it any longer.

[Wolf]

Doesn't sound like stress to me, I think that your bird is sick and needs to see a doctor. Perhaps your old vet will consent to see him again and/ or suggest a vet to you.

[Tman007]

I may be going down the wrong path here. But first what is Feliway. And is it plugged in by the bird or can the bird breath it in. I am just asking. To me a plug in is a plug in. Also if Pajarita, and Wolf say to the vets then yes to the vets also. You would rather be safe then sorry. This temp house how old is it who and what lived there before. It might be something in the house. I am just trying to throw some things out there.

[liz]

I agree with all of the above.
And yes, the vet might be able to tell you if he is allergic to something in the house or the house itself.
Please let us know what the Vet tells you. We are all still learning.

[Pajarita]

No, it cannot be an allergy. Off the top of my head, I would say it's some type of infection because, if there is no visual source of pain (a broken wing, a wound, etc), when birds 'fluff up' it's because they are cold as in when you have a fever and feel cold even when it's warm for everybody else.

[marie83]

I may be going down the wrong path here. But first what is Feliway. And is it plugged in by the bird or can the bird breath it in. I am just asking. To me a plug in is a plug in. Also if Pajarita, and Wolf say to the vets then yes to the vets also. You would rather be safe then sorry. This temp house how old is it who and what lived there before. It might be something in the house. I am just trying to throw some things out there.

I believe feliway is a pheromone that calms cats down.

[Pajarita]

Yes, that's exactly what it is - and VERY effective, too!