The Problem with Dirt

Last Wednesday it was a beautiful sunny morning, and as usual the lovebirds where sunning themselves on the laundry rack in our bedroom. Every now, and again, they would jump onto the window sill to drink from their water dish, bite a few leaves off the little eatible plants (peppermint, basil, celery, and lettuce), play with their toys, or climb the curtains -- mornings in the bedroom are much enjoyed by the birds.

Now, as it happened 'Zeus decided to join in the fun. He too was interested in the little peppermint plant and I thought he was merely munching on a leaf or two... but as it turned out he was more interested in munching on the DIRT -- although I would not learn this until later.

That afternoon 'Zeus seemed a bit lethargic/sleepy and not as energetic as usual... also he was very puffed up! He was still eating and drinking, but I was concerned as the former are "red-flag" signs that a bird is sick. As the evening progressed, all 'Zeus wanted to do was sleep, and I noticed that his droppings were very loose.

Thursday morning, he still had all of the same symptoms, so I decided to make an appointment at the vet. (Night Owl Hospital in Vancouver, Dr. Anne MacDonald). The doctor took one look at Zeus and knew right away he had stomach problems -- first of all, he spit up water as soon as she held him, and second his crop was swollen with water. Apparently birds with stomach problems drink excessive amounts of water. Take note! She also noted that he was overly puffed, and wanting to sleep. Because I was uncertain as to what had made him sick (Was it the peppermint? Or perhaps the stick or basket he had chewed earlier? Maybe dirt? Zeus likes to chew lots of things... ) she decided it best to x-ray him and keep him for a day or two to treat him with fluids and a nice warm box. Later that afternoon, Dr. MacDonald confirmed that the x-ray showed "particular" matter in 'Zeus' digestive tract. Furthermore, it was in his stomach, so he had eaten it recently -- the doctor figured it was probably dirt that had upset his "tummy".

The next day, when I went to visit 'Zeus at the hospital, I was pleased to notice he was looking quite a bit better. Still a little puffed, but less sleepy and more energetic. By Saturday, 'Zeus was his feisty little self, and one of the vetenary staff confided that little 'Zeus had escaped from his cage in the back room!! Teehee, I was excited to know that I was not the only one he pulls that trick on. I was allowed to bring 'Zeus back home with a strict medicine regime. Three medicines: anti-lead (as a precaution against lead poisoning), antibiotics, and a laxitive (to get that dirt out!). Also, 'Zeus was to be kept nice and warm, and be given a millet stick and his favorite treats while he recovered. I was certainly ready to comply.

Upon arriving home, I expected to put 'Zeus in his cage for the afternoon -- but 'Zeus had other plans! I supposed he did not appreciate his confinement at the hospital, so as soon as I opened the carrying cage he slipped pass my hand and started flying circles around the house. First to visit "little bird in the mirror" in the living room, then to the laundry rack in the back bedroom. Back and forth, back and forth -- the lovies must have thought he was behaving a little loopy. Finally he settled in on the mirror perch, and I didn't have the heart to move him into his cage right away. I set up his heat lamp, and placed a millet in his cage for later per doctors orders. I was yet to discover how many "warwounds" I would receive trying to administer all of 'Zeus' medicines -- my goodness can he CHOMP down on a finger when being forced to suffer the indiginity of being held in a hand. Finally, I resorted to catching him in a dish cloth and being very careful to avoid putting my fingers near his beak. My dish cloth is now filled with lots of tiny holes.

Lesson learned: birds should not eat dirt!