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Sunny · by **Sunny** on Mon Dec 11, 2006 7:59 pm

First I am not a breeder, so I hope it is ok to post here! If not, please just let me know.

I have purchased a B&G and it is now 4 months old. It is still being hand fed and just went to 2 feedings a day and seemed to be doing fine. BTW, I am not doing the feeding the breeder is! She is concerned as am I and am just wondering how often this happens?
Blood work was done today and showed nothing. She has also cone back to 3 feedings! However his poop smells terrible, so a decision was made to go ahead and start him on antibiotics.

I am not questioning the breeder as I trust her completely, I am just wondering how often something like this occurs?!

Thanks for any input that you can provide.
~ One very worried B&G mom to be!

Featherkeeper · by **Featherkeeper** on Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:53 am

Your welcome to post here anytime, especially when you have a question such as this.
Foul smelling feces can be the result of a number of health concerns.
You mention that the blood work was normal, so I would have to assume the vet did a thorough exam and sufficient testing.
One thing that comes to mind is zinc toxicity poisoning that can cause feces to smell. It usually is a bright lime green in color with normal urates. Could your bird possibly have some metal items as toys that it has been playing with? Sometimes this is overlooked, but the blood work would have shown signs if this was the case.
Not being a vet, I would only be guessing.
When the baby is finished with the antibiotic, and hopefully cured, make sure that probiotics are given to him to restore the normal gut flora that the antibiotics will destroy. This can be something as simple as plain yogurt, or there are dry supplements that can be added to his food.
To answer you original question, sick babies are not the norm, but it certainly can happen. At least you and the breeder are being proactive and treating this before it becomes a more serious concern.
Good luck and I hope you do find out what is causing this problem.

Sunny · by **Sunny** on Tue Dec 12, 2006 1:01 pm

Thanks so much for the feed back!
The vet did do the check and said to bring him back by Friday if not better.
Actually he pooped on me (LOL) and it was dark and smelly, that is when the decision to go ahead and start an antibiotic just in case something was not showing in the blood test just yet. The other thing that the vet mentioned was if he is back on Friday doing some Xrays to verify how everything is looking!
Again Thank You for you help, anything at this point makes me feel a little better!
Cheryl

Sunny · by **Sunny** on Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:07 pm

Went to check on my boy today and he already seems like a different bird! Now to worry about him getting too much to eat and stretching his crop. How can I keep a watch for that? Is it something that is obvious?
Thanks for all the help you guys!
Breeders are the best!

Featherkeeper · by **Featherkeeper** on Wed Dec 13, 2006 6:01 pm

I guess I'm a little confused...I though you said the bird was at the breeders being hand fed?

Someone who is an experienced hand feeder shouldn't have a problem with over feeding the baby. When they are this young, the crop is usually visible and between the sight and being able to feel the crop, an accurate amount should be given.

Good to hear the bird is doing better.

Sunny · by **Sunny** on Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:09 am

Sorry to mis-state things. I have heard of having a stretched crop and I do trust the breeder. In saying that this happened when she went on vacation for a week... So, I'm am trying to educate myself on what is going on and what I should look for etc.
Thanks, yes, he seemed much better today!

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