Why is my African Grey having seizures?

Your bird should have a thorough physical exam and X-rays to help determine an underlying cause of the seizures. There are many causes of birds’ seizures, including brain tumors, infection, head trauma, liver disease, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia and toxicities from lead, zinc, aflatoxins and certain insecticides.

How do I know if my African Grey is healthy?

Happy and healthy signs from your bird

  • Eyes should be bright and alert.
  • Nostrils should be clear and dry.
  • Beak should be strong with no overgrowth, fractures or asymmetry.
  • Cere colour should be bright and there should be no overgrowth.
  • Inside mouth should look clean, with no noxious smell.

Why is my parrot on the bottom of the cage?

Lethargy. Birds are normally highly active, so any sign of lethargy, depression, or fatigue should be taken as potentially serious. 1 Birds that are found lying on the bottom of the cage or who refuse to leave their nests or perches are often very sick and in need of immediate veterinary care.

Do African Grey parrots have seizures?

Seizures are reasonably common in birds and often observed in Amazon parrots, African grey parrots, budgies, canaries, finches and lovebirds. A seizure may result from any disorder in the brain that causes spontaneous electrical discharge in the nervous system.

What is the mental age of an African Grey?

Summary: A Brandeis Univesity researcher has shown that an African grey parrot with a walnut-sized brain understands a zero-like concept — an abstract notion that humans don’t typically understand until age 3 or 4, and that can significantly challenge learning-disabled children.

Can pet birds have a stroke?

In birds cereblral apoplexy in general is quite rare. In most cases older budgies, cockatiels or lovebirds are affected by this health problem. It is fairly unlikely that a young bird gets hit by a stroke.

Can African GREY parrots have a stroke?

… 16 Suspected ischemic stroke in an African grey parrot was associated with ataxia, pronation of the feet, and asymmetric leg weakness and hypertonicity.

Who is the woman with the African grey parrot?

I had a long conversation about 6 months ago with a woman that I had known for years from bird forums I was active on. I always looked forward to her posts because her perspective on life was so unique. She has an african grey parrot that we’ll call “Margo” that provided her with endless stories to share.

How old does an African grey parrot get?

When you compare the lifespan of other pets with these parrots you will realize the true significance of African gray parrots and if they are kept healthy and happy some of these birds may go beyond 70 years as well. On an average level, the size of these birds will be around 35 cm or 13.5 inches and as the name suggests, they are gray in color.

What’s the difference between a Timneh and an African grey parrot?

The Congo African gray parrot can be described as a slightly bigger bird in comparison with the Timneh and they also have bright red tail feathers. The tail feathers of Timneh parrots are a bit darker and their natural overall color is also a bit darker than the Congo (it is not always the case).

What kind of disease does an African grey have?

One condition common to African Greys is hypocalcaemia, a syndrome associated with low calcium levels. It is the commonest cause of seizures and central nervous disease in the breed so it is important to be aware of it.

How long has my African grey parrot been with Me?

During our 20 years together, my African grey has taught me many things about life and living, and she has brought immense joy to my life. In turn, I have learned a lot, not only as an owner but as an avian veterinarian, on the care and housing these great parrots need.

Why does my African grey parrot flip its wings?

Or, sit your grey on your lap or your upper leg while you are seated. Many African greys seem to experience anxiety; they chew their nails frequently, flip their wings, move their heads back and forth like they are looking for a place to go, seeming to be unable to sit still.

What kind of anxiety does an African grey parrot have?

Many African greys seem to experience anxiety; they chew their nails frequently, flip their wings, move their heads back and forth like they are looking for a place to go, seeming to be unable to sit still. Videos of wild African greys show wary birds with a very strong escape instincts.

Why is my African GREY having seizures?

Your bird should have a thorough physical exam and X-rays to help determine an underlying cause of the seizures. There are many causes of birds’ seizures, including brain tumors, infection, head trauma, liver disease, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia and toxicities from lead, zinc, aflatoxins and certain insecticides.

Did my bird just have a seizure?

Seizures are frightening to see. The bird may be unable to stand, fall off its perch, lose consciousness, and exhibit violent muscle spasms such as twitching legs and flapping wings. Alternatively, the bird may just stand and stare blankly with an “out of it” demeanor.

Do seizures come out of nowhere?

A seizure is abnormal electrical activity in the brain that happens quickly. It may go nearly unnoticed. Or, in serious cases, it may cause unconsciousness and convulsions, when your body shakes uncontrollably. Seizures usually come on suddenly.

Why do birds flap when they die?

Birds will open their mouth or gasp a few times, and by stretching the wings it helps open the lungs and airsacs to move more oxygen. Unfortunately, without the heart beating the oxygen can’t move through the blood to the tissues. Without oxygen or blood pumping, death happens fairly quickly.

How do you know when a seizure is coming on?

Some warning signs of possible seizures may include:

  • Odd feelings, often indescribable.
  • Unusual smells, tastes, or feelings.
  • Unusual experiences – “out-of-body” sensations; feeling detached; body looks or feels different; situations or people look unexpectedly familiar or strange.
  • Feeling spacey, fuzzy, or confused.

Why do birds have their mouths open?

The bird will open its mouth and “flutter” its neck muscles, promoting heat loss (think of it as the avian version of panting). “Birds are much more efficient about water and water loss.” Even so, birds still need to replenish fluids on a hot day.

What happens when a bird dies in front of you?

Traditionally, the death of a bird is a sign of new beginnings, an omen of renewal. If a bird flies into your window it might mean that you are about to encounter an obstacle in your life. But again, because it is a sign of renewal, that obstacle, once removed will reveal something newer and better in your life.