Prayers for Mario....

[poohbear]

I brought one of my cock birds in today...caged now with a hen that was under the weather a few weeks back.He's not like Mario...but was puffed up and sleeping for the last couple of days.He's strangely alert and active now he's in a cage.
With an increase in temperature in the house I think he'll soon be back to normal.
I'll give it a couple of weeks and if they both stay active will return them to the flight.
Hope yours comes on ok when he's got his new 'hairdo'

[dfcauley]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone!! So... do you all think that I should stop the antibiotics? He has seem to respond some, but not sure if it is the antibiotics or the cage. I have seen him molt before, but not like this.!

He isn't puffy right now and he doesn't sleep with his head tucked like a sick bird. NOt sure what to do about the antibiotics....

[lovemyfinch]

Was he feeling better yesterday as well Donna?
If not, I would almost assume that the antibiotics are doing their work. Same as for us, after 24 hours we start feeling better, but if we don`t finish the entire course the bacteria we just gain its strength again.

In the end it would have to be your decision, I just wanted to throw the question out there. Still praying for his speedy recovery, he is an amazing boy.

[CandoAviary]

Poor Mario. Hate to hear he is feeling so puny.
Heat and extra protein in his diet can't hurt. Many times moulting coupled with other stresses (breeding, moving, aggression, seperation anxiety) can cause much distress on the birds immune system.

The antibiotics probably won't hurt as long as he doesn't have a yeast infection. What are you using? Amoxitec? If it is a bacterial infection the antibiotics will help muchly. If it is just stressed molt, heat , calm enviroment, and good diet should see him through.
for Mario to get to feeling better soon.

[dfcauley]

Yes... I am just using Amoxitex. I was going to use TriMeth , but decided on this other one. I think I will keep going for five days(as Misty has suggested also) and if necessary follow up with some yeast medication. I was able to get some from the vet to keep on hand
He is just a little trooper! I have him in the house and I think he is lonely... also I had seperated him from his mate (thus the molt) which I am sure he wasn't happy about. He had two clutches for me of beautiful babies that are growing out now. I feel better about him. Goodness.... he is one I don't want to loose. I would give up a dozen of my gouldians for him!

[GOULDYGIRL]

I think between the stress of being separated from his mate and starting a molt is all it is. I'm sure he's going to be just fine Jinx is doing much better as well, he just had me worried for a few days.

Please keep us posted!

[dfcauley]

I think between the stress of being separated from his mate and starting a molt is all it is. I'm sure he's going to be just fine Jinx is doing much better as well, he just had me worried for a few days.

Please keep us posted!

Thanks Renee! I will...... it makes me feel better and I am so happy to hear that Jinx is doing well.

[okiebirds]

prayer for your beautiful baby, amen

[monotwine]

I really hope Mario gets well soon. I too would finish the antibiotic now that you have started him on it.

[Queen_Bee]

I think it is always best to finish a course of antibiotics, especially when you are not 100% sure of the cause of poor Mario being under the weather. Fingers crossed that he continues to improve!

[MLaRue]

Gosh Donna he does look rough I'm happy to hear he is doing much better though

[gina]

I do hope Mario is responding to the TLC. I am relatively new to the forum and have enjoyed looking at all the avatars. Yours is the one that blew me away. He is a beauty! As a human doctor, I have to be on the side of completing a full course of antibiotics. Using too low a dose or stopping the regimen too soon are the main causes of antibiotic resistance. After the treatment is over, what about some probiotics to replenish his beneficial gut flora?

[Ursula]

How's Mario today??

[dfcauley]

Thanks for asking.....
My plan is today when I get home to put Mario back into the small section of the aviary with all the hens and babies. I do not think that whatever was wrong with him was anything infectious...
I believe he hurt himself in the aviary and perhaps ran into something. And then on top of that there is the molting. He is tight feathers although he still looks very pitiful. He seems to be eating well but he looks so sad all alone in that cage in my computer room.
So I am going to try and put him back today. Pictures coming soon!

[atarasi]

I hope everything turns out for Mario. A lot of us remember when you got him and how special he is to you. You're a good mom Donna.