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View Full Version : I need advice please


Patty, Linus and Co.
01-19-2008, 02:50 PM
When I came home from work last night, I saw that Linus had gotten out of his cage. I put him back in and went around assessing the damage starting with my small birds. They were okay. Last time he got out one of my teils wasn't so lucky. He tore a hole in my bed, demolished the sheets on it, did a little more damage to the woodworking, the power in the bedroom was out because it must've blown when he chewed through the cord to the tv, he also chewed on the power strip that was still plugged into the wall. This could've been really bad. However, the worst damage was to the cable cords. The ones in the living room are in pvc piping, but in the bedroom they not and are the first thing he'll see when he walks in. He chewed several of the cable down to the thin copper wire in the middle - there was 6 inches of that type of damage to the worst chewed cable.
While I was cleaning it up I was looking at the little wires and filaments he could've ingested, not to mention toxic plastic. His behavior is very normal, active and chatty, eating etc. But there is one thing that is troubling me. A while later, he was on the floor by the bedroom door, he wants in in the worst way which is typical. He knows the other birds are there and he spends alot of time with his head upside down trying to look under the door. I noticed him stretching his neck out and pumping his head in a regurgitative way. He did this a couple of times, and then not again. The first thing I thought was that he was trying to bring something up. I felt his crop and felt what I think was a pellet, not chewed plastic because of its thickness and shape. I was thinking what if a piece of wire was stuck in his crop?
I called my vet this morning about getting him xrayed, there was an emergency that involved several birds and I couldn't talk to the doctor. They said I should observe him, and that symptoms would be evident (like not eating or strange behavior etc). He really does seem fine. But this is nagging at me. Should I take him in for an xray just to put me at peace?

Diane, Clouds assignment
01-19-2008, 03:57 PM
Patty, I, by no means, am an expert or even experienced in situations like this. I would want to get the bird seen by an avian vet asap. If he did ingest some of the materials you found damaged, I would be concerned about them causing a blockage. Also I would want to know if there is any wire pieces in his system. I believe a birds digestive system may start breaking down some of the compounds and can lead to other problems. I would also be worried about any of the sharp fragments he may have swallowed becoming embedded in his flesh which may lead to infection. I tend to error on the safe side and want know up front what I am dealing with or may be dealing with down the road, rather than take the wait and see route. It seems these little feathered critters do this kind of stuff to us on a weekend when vets are either busy or off the weekend.

Also, if you did not get to talk to the vet that takes care of your birds, I would at least want to talk to her/him. Sometimes a simple question like, "I know you're busy, but I'm really concerned and if you can't see him today, is there anyone else you can refer me to?"

TikiTalks
01-19-2008, 04:03 PM
I agree with Diane. If it were me.. I'd take him to the vet just to make me sleep better.

Patty, Linus and Co.
01-19-2008, 04:42 PM
Thanks you guys.
I decided shortly after I posted that I wanted to get him xrayed regardless. I can't stand the uncertainty. I called to tell them I was coming in and got the clinic is closed now recording. I could take him to an emergency vet, but I want him to see HIS avian vet or one of the three there. I can't imagine what was going on there this morning that I couldn't talk to the doctor. I guess I'll find out Monday.
.

michelle
01-20-2008, 10:46 PM
How was he this evening?
I know you'll keep us posted on how things go tomorrow!

FoxersArtist
01-20-2008, 11:38 PM
Patty,
I think you are making a wise choice to have Linus seen, just incase. It can take up to 5 days for a bird, especially his size, to start showing symptoms of poisoning, depending on the type of poisoning so it would be better to catch it quick so that Linus can be given the right kind of medication to help break down possible objects. I'll keep him in my parayers that all he did was damage to those items and not himself. Looks like it may be time for some padlocks if you don't already have them.
-Anna

Anne-Samantha's Mom
01-21-2008, 07:31 AM
let us know how it goes with Linus..that is soooooooo worrying.. and yes, looks like time for some more heavy duty locking devices

too&me
01-21-2008, 09:39 AM
Patty we all hope it is something easier to fix than it is to keep him in the cage and out of trouble.