How do I care for my lovebird who has had a stroke?

by Diana
(Oak Harbor, WA)

My lovebird that I have had for 10 years, we do not know exactly how old she is, was falling off her perch and unable to fly back up. I took her to our vet, who is not an avian specialist. He said that she had had a stroke and gave her a 10% chance of survival. He said to take her home with hope that she might get better. She does act okay, other than she cannot fly and her left leg is very weak. Is there anything special I should be doing to care for her?

Comments for How do I care for my lovebird who has had a stroke?

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 10, 2016
 possible stroke sysptoms
by: Louie

I have a 24 year old lovebird named Kiwi. Kiwi is active except today he has his head tilted to the right and running in circle to the right.He eats a varied diet of fresh veggies fruits grains and zupreem pellets, eggs and seeds.Also he has been vetted lots of blood work everything good. No environmental changes, fresh food, water and clean cage every day.He is eating but wants to be held.
Apr 07, 2015
 my love bird
by: Anonymous

Im pretty sure my 20 year old love bird had a stoke 8 months ago. I havent taking her to the vet in fear of that trauma. She can not fly and her head is bent over her shoulder. Her sight is questionable. She seems to manage getting to the floor and back up to her house. Thankfully there was a house also on the floor before this happened. She has a mate who seems to help her. Some nights she cant make it up and those night she sleeps in the floor house. I put food and water in the regular mid cage level bowls and also on the floor. I make sure she drinks water.can they make a leg brace for your bird. lots of love will keep your bird alive. Also its possible your bird has lead poisoning. my bird nearly died from it 15years ago. i had stain glass near the cage.big no no! I wish you the best!!
Apr 13, 2013
 Thanks for the comments
by: Diana

Thank you both for your comments. Unfortunately, an avian vet is out of the question, as I live on an island the nearest is over 100 miles away. My lovey is still with me, but her left side remains very weak. She stays on the bottom of her cage. I have arranged food, water, a toy and her hut near the bottom, so she doesn't struggle. What else might help?
Apr 12, 2013
 How do I care for my lovebird who has had a stroke?
by: Linda

Get her to an Avian Vet ONLY quickly. You cannot rely on the opinion from a dog and cat vet. They are not licensed or trained in bird care and know absolutely NOTHING about what they are talking about. Your bird may need some type of medication, and at the very least, an avian vet can render a more comprehensive treatment plan for her. As Tracie said, it may be she is getting old, and I would not give up on the old girl just yet. Get another opinion from someone licensed and trained to give opinions concerning birds.

Thanks for writing and thanks for caring about your little friend so much!
Linda
Apr 11, 2013
 Caring for lovebird that had a stroke
by: Tracie

Besides taking the bird to an avian vet for another opinion and possible treatment, I don't know there is anything to be done if the bird actually had a stroke.

The bird has lived a long happy life with you, I suspect. It is very difficult when we lose our sweet feathered companions. Hopefully someone that has had this experience will write in if they have suggestions on caring for your bird.

I don't know if you have heard about pellets, but just in case you don't know about them I would like to suggest that you feed your next bird 80% high quality pellets and only 20% seeds and healthy treats. This diet insures your bird is getting a balanced amount of vitamins and minerals and will prevent fatty liver disease and other health issues.

If you have another bird already eating a seed diet, this like to our avian vet's Switching Birds To Pellets article will help you convert the bird(s) to a healthier diet.

Not all pellets are healthy, some are full of sugar and chemicals, so avoid those.

Click here to add your own comments

Check out One Day Miracles bird training!

©Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.