Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there everyone, I'm having some problems with my baby boy (normal gray 'tiel, 5 months old, named Yasu)

I took him to the emergency avian vet today here in Halifax and it turns out he has an infected crop. Like any prey bird he acted fine up until I awoke from a nap in the early afternoon, and ever since he's been drinking a lot of water and vomiting it back up, and looking very tired and listless. His droppings are also mucus-like and bright green.

I now have some antibiotics to administer every 12 hours and a space heater next to his cage, but his beak is still like ice and he can barely make a sound.

I just can't lose my little boy, I'm feeling so helpless. If there's any advice anyone can give me about keeping him hydrated or even enticing him to eat, please, let me know. I'll be forever grateful.

Thanks in advance, I'll be watching the board.

sincerely,

B.Campbell

Try placing a sheet or cover around three sides of the cage. It should keep heat in and also make him feel more secure. What types of foods does he like to eat. If he is used to eating only seed it might be hard to find something good to entice him. If he is used to a variety of food you might try some sweet potato mush. Microwave a sweet potato until quite soft. Mash with some orange juice and cinnamon. It makes a good, healthy treat that also should help with the hydration. If he has a favorite food then by all means use it. If he is used to a pellet diet then try softening the pellets in a bit of liquid like water or even fruit juice. You will have to watch these foods closely though as they can attract bugs and bacteria quickly. Also since he is still young he might take to a handfeeding treat. Offering warm (not hot) soft foods by spoon. Do not force into his beak but offer it against his beak even touching he side of his beak with it, it might tempt him in the way handfeeding bird formula does.

Good luck!

at 3:45 am, the moment we stepped into the emergency vet clinic, Yasu's heart stopped beating.

He was a sweet boy, and deserved to live much, much more than 5 months. It's incredible how much joy he brought us in such a short amount of time.

Thanks very much for your swift advice, it was very kind of you to reply at all.

sincerely,

B