[stella.maymyatthu]

Hi, I'm a novice pet owner from Myanmar. We have no avian vets in the country and I'm doing everything I can searching for resources online to keep my bird healthy.

I had 2 cockatiels and was told by the breeder to hand feed with a syringe. One recently died from what I believe was a lung infection because he couldn’t breathe in his last moments. I researched and saw that it could’ve been aspiration pneumonia. He was totally fine and suddenly showed signs of sickness and it all escalated and he passed away within THREE days. The vet gave me antibiotics but he couldn’t make it. I am extremely heartbroken because I really didn’t know what I was supposed to do.

I have 1 cockatiel left now. I am so scared the same thing is gonna happen to her. I have stopped using the syringe and now use a spoon to feed her. I let her eat at her own pace but at times she would still sneeze/cough a bit after eating. Today, she seems sleepier than usual with fluffed feathers. She is still eating and drinking and preening herself, but she is definitely less active than usual. I've put her under a warm light. She still responds and calls out to me whenever I'm near the cage.

I really don’t know what to do anymore. A local bird owner told me to put diluted apple cider vinegar into her water. I’m so scared to feed her now but also worried that she’s gonna be have malnutrition from not eating herself.

I would appreciate and value any and all advice from you guys!

 

[tielbob]

First, the light concerns me. Make sure only a portion of the cage is covered by the light. Light that feels warm to you can cook a little bird if she can't escape its intensity. You can search the archives in this forum for suggestions. Next, someone needs to show you how to hand feed formula to a bird. It's not something you could be expected to figure out yourself. Can you have the breeder show you how to do it? Can you return the bird temporarily to have them finish the handfeeding stage? You can search the forums here for 'handfeeding', and perhaps youtube if you can't get to the breeder.

 

[stella.maymyatthu]

can search the archives in this forum for suggestions. Next, someone needs to show you how to hand feed formula to

I will put the light further away and have some areas of shade in the cage. I sent some videos of me handfeeding to many bird groups on facebook and they said my tiel seems to be eating normally off the spoon. I'm trying to wean her and would love it if you have any tips on that too!

 

[tielbob]

How is your bird doing?

edit: I see your bird was diagnosed with parrot fever as mentioned in another thread, and you are treating her. I hope she gets better soon!

 

[Brightshen]

If anyone doesn't have an avian vet call all local vets. Many do have bird experience and can help, try to find one who has treated many birds. Look for exotic animal vets, they often have avian experience. In many areas an avian specialist can be hard to find but other vets often do have experience treating birds.