upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Happy news We just came back from the Vet & Buddy's uric acid level has fallen from "above 20"--not sure how far above--to 13. Not normal (below 10) but heading in the right direction. Also, her bacterial infection is cleared up, she is maintaining her weight, and she has some new feathers coming in on her chest! I took your advice & went to Feeding Feathers & got some great pointers on diet changes. I don't know if a day and a half of diet change could have made this much difference, but it sure didn't hurt. Buddy's uric acid had been above 20 for over 3 weeks, even with medication and a week in the hospital getting subcutenious fluids. I also know that diet won't make her young again, but I'm sure it will improve the quality of the time she has left. We go back for another check up in 2 weeks. Again, thanks for the information and hand holding. It means a lot to me

This is very encouraging news, and you're most welcome. That's what chats are for

That's great news... miracles do happen!

Per conversation with my avian vet about 18 months ago, no small bird should have more than 40% pellets in the daily diet. Pellets contain too much nutrition and her practice has seen an increase in the deaths of small birds due to kidney failure. My aviary gets a varied diet, the base of which is seed. I use Layena pellets by Purina, as the protein is plant protein. If I use 20% pellets, that's a lot. They do get a lot of fresh foods and mine will eat just about anything. Canary seed is higher in protein so it would not be good for a bird with kidney problems.

Sounds like your little one is an absolute gem. I've got a 14 year old lovie (who lives with my dad), who is still very active. He's fully flighted, and loves to perch on top of the grey's cage and screech at the top of his lungs. He's on a mostly seed diet (he isn't a big fan of pellets) and is a pretty happy little fellow. He was one of the original clutch that I handraised, which incidentally, was when I was on Upatsix, 14 years ago (my how time flies). After the loss of my little Daisy this week, I've been spending as much time with Icharus as I can. I can't bear to even think about losing another lovie this year. I'm hoping that Ick will continue to live for many more years. But at 14, it's hard to say. Right now he seems like a much younger bird--very happy and sprightly. He's got a little bit of arthritis in his feet, but otherwise he's pretty spry. It sounds like you're doing all you can to help your little one. They really are family, aren't they?

Meagan

triathlonmeg wrote:... Right now he seems like a much younger bird--very happy and sprightly. He's got a little bit of arthritis in his feet, but otherwise he's pretty spry. It sounds like you're doing all you can to help your little one. They really are family, aren't they?

Yes, YES, indeed they are family It's not too late to begin feeding Icharus some things that might help with that arthritis. If you and your dad are interested, glean as much helpful information as you can from the foregoing exchange, and ask questions here and at Yahoo's Feeding Feathers forum. Wishing the boy bird a very long, happy life!