Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    When my birds get sick I put them in a separate cage (yours is probably
    in a separate cage, right?), put plastic saran wrap on all sides
    and top of the cage (except for door opening area) and then keep
    a heating pad on the top of the cage over the saran wrap (some people
    put the heating pad under the cage since heat rises) and keep it
    on low or medium all day and night.  The saran wrap keeps the heat
    in and drafts out.  You can also keep a light bulb near the cage
    (though not glaring in the bird's eyes) to further heat the area.
     The inside of the cage should be about 80-85 degrees.  You probably
    also should go to a vet and get some antibiotic medicine for her,
    which you'll probably have to give her twice a day for 10-14 days.
     I've also used the antibiotics you can buy in a pet store - mixes
    with water - and have had success (though Bird Talk says you shouldn't
    use antibiotics from a store because you don't exactly know which
    one is best for your bird's problem).  I've also had success from
    medicine given by vet.
    
    A bird can definitely recover from a cold but heat is the most
    important ingredient.  Don't decrease the heat until she's looking
    better for at least a few days.  And some sort of medicine is also
    important.  Without the heat, especially, a bird could die of a
    cold.  
    
    By the way, cover the heating pad and the cage with some towels
    or blankets (over the saran wrap), and just let enough open space in front for the light
    to get into the cage (don't want him in darkness) and for you to
    open the door for water and food and loving touches.
                                     
    Good luck!
    
    Sandy

        We've had both our cockatiels sick at some point. As stated, heat is
    one of the most important things. However, more important is speed - do
    something about a sick bird immediately. Insulation and constant heat
    are about as much as you can do. When our Grey had a cold (same
    symptoms as a human), he took warm milk. From the day he recovered (it
    was quite obvious from his behaviour), he never looked at milk again. 

    (Don't know if this is of any use)

        Jim Burke
    

    What an excellent idea.  I will try the saran wrap and heating pad.
    
    The birds are NOT in separate cages; they're in one big parrot cage.
    She looks much better.  In fact, she was acting okay all along.
    She was screeching [as usual] and seems fine.
    
    The only difference in behaviour, which I've noticed in both of
    them, is that they won't whistle to or at me, at all.  This used
    to be our most common form of chit/chat!  They'd use it to get my
    attention in the morning.  I think they're just being quiet because
    they might be going through adjustment crises.  Also, it's been
    pretty yucky weather for the past week, rain, rain rain... and they
    tend to be more talkative on sunny days.  I've been keeping a little
    lamp near their cage, so it won't be too depressing in their new
    home.
    
    Now, since they're both in the same cage, is the male at risk of
    catching a cold?
    
    It's terrible to admit, but I've had the male bird for 4 years,
    the female for 1 year; and I'm just not good at handling them, and
    I don't know alot about them.  **But I try to take good care of
    them.  I give them good diet, clean cage, let them out, talk to
    them, etc.  I truly appreciate this notesfile.  I've learned alot
    and it's very helpful.
    
    Thank you for the help!
          
    B-T-W:  There's no chance the saran will melt under the heating
    pad, is there???  If it goes in the microwave and withstands that
    heat, it could probably withstand the heat of the pad on low...
    
    regards,
    marcia

    Marcia,
    
    No, the saran wrap does not melt.  Make sure your heating pad, though,
    has a cloth cover around it.  Most do.  I've never had a problem.
     Just don't keep the heating pad on the high setting.
    
    Yes, your male bird could catch the cold from the female if she's
    really sick.  That's why I separate a sick bird and put it in a
    separate cage.  However, you're right, it could just be adjustment
    that's needed.  Birds hate change.  My parakeet was extremely upset
    when we moved from our apartment to a house.  It could take a week
    or several weeks for them to accept the change and cheer up.  But
    make sure she's not really sick.  The heat will help but if she
    continues to look sick (fluffed up, closing eyes a lot, sneezing
    or wheezing or tearing, very lethargic) I'd take her to a vet for
    medicine as well.  And then you should definitely separate her from
    the male since he will likely catch it.  Just keep your eye on her
    for noticable health changes.  I hope it's just the change she's
    stressed about.  The heat will help that and so will time.
    
    Sandy

    I read in a previous notesfile that a visit to the vet could cost
    as much as $70 or $80.  I don't mean to sound cheap, but we have
    to make that first mortgage payment next month... and we've got
    the "oh my god, can we afford this ? " jitters.  Under the circum-
    stances, if I spent that much money on the vet, I think my husband
    would get sick, too!  But, if she DOES GET SICK, I WILL take her.
    Fortunately, the drama seems to be lightening up, though.
    
    This morning the male chatted with me.  He was his old self.  She
    is acting "normal," eating, having occasional spats with the male,
    etc., and I didn't hear her sneeze as much this morning.  I wish
    we'd get more sunshine this weekend, so I could put their cage right
    in the sun pouring in the window.  If that doesn't cheer them up,
    nothing will!  They're usually full of vim 'n vigor in the sunshine!
    
    Thanks, Sandi.

    I moved the birds' cage from darker room with a western exposure,
    to a bright, BRIGHT room with an eastern exposure.  The birds are
    their old selves again.  
    
    One in awhile, like this past Saturday, the birds will just sit
    in the cage, fluff up real fat, pull a leg in, and shake.  That
    R*E*A*L*L*Y concerns me.  The female acted that way all day Saturday.
    And the male just puffed up and got quiet (out of sympathy?).
    
    Okay.  That lasted just one day.  Now, they're fine, their old selves
    again.  
    
    This sounds awful, but I'm not sure how I like them!  When they
    are "fine," all they do is SCREAM, SCREACH, SCREACH!  I am considering
    trading them in for GOLDFISH!
    
    -marcia