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hi everyoone! It has been a long time since I have been here, so I figured it was about time for an update! Sorry it has been so long, but I have been moving cross state and attending classes. Last time I posted, the birds were suffering from an ongoing yeast problem, which I believe is due to the moldly windows in my old apartment. Since we have moved, the birds have been back to the vet, and are hopefully on their last treatment for this yeast problem now we are out of that enviornment. Casey and Annabelle are being horribly hormonal, and trying to keep Annabelle from getting stressed out, so she can get better, I have put them together, and they are mating like crazy, but she gets so upset when they are separated, that I think it is better to keep them together for now anyway.

Welcome back!
Are your birds still on metacam and milk thistle? or are they on yeast medication still?

Hi Jackie,

Yes, it's been quite a while since we've heard from you. Glad to have you back, and nice to hear the kids are doing better. You mention your move, so the question begs, where do you live now ? Still on OH?

Sam

Boston Budgie: they are now on ketokonisole, and will hopefully be the last time. Bubba is still on milk thistle, dandilion root, and cardiac formula

Sam: Moving back to Cleveland area from Toledo--still in law school, just trasferring back closer to home

I am assuming the ketokonisole is for yeast/fungus. what is the dosage and for how long? Is this a different meds from the last time?
Button couldn't tolerate itraconozole. Her liver was suffering.The yeast in her feces is gone but she is still tearing at her skin so the next mode of attack is the skin biopsy to see what is going on.

yep, for yeast. Dosage: I grind up one pill in 1 qt of water for use over 5 days... they have been on it about 10 days, and there is improvement. Our birds have yeast in different places--mine are in their sinuses, yours in the digestive tract. is it possible that she has intensinal parasites? that could also cause the tearing at the feathers. Best of luck with little Button!

Three vets ruled out intestinal parasites. What she rips out is incoming feathers with the flesh attached. She looks fully feathered but she is bald under her wings, on her back and "bikini" area. She rips out the feather stalk leaving bloody wound.It is awful. She stopped breifly while on yeast/fungal meds but she was pooping black tarry poops and sleeping alot.
You can see a "dent' on her waist where she is missing some feathers in the photo.

BB,

Did you happen to try the mupirocin ointment on Button? It did wonders for Chibi when he was plucking feathers and had an exposed raw spot on his shoulder. The ointment stopped the itch and as an anesthetic, helped the wound heal. I'd sure give it a try if you haven't.

Sam

did you get the ointment from the vet? or is it OTC? I am just worried if it is OTC she will eat the ointment?
She seems happy and healthy other than the tearing but it is painful to watch & hear her do it

It is a prescription drug, and I got it from the vet's office. Not expensive at all, and most likely would be safe if she happened to eat it. I know it sure helped Chibi get through his raw shoulder and made him stop picking / gnawing at it.

Sam