So we moved out appointment to today beause I wanted to be sure that they were able to do tests, etcand we'de be able to hear back soon. Here's how it went:

The vet and I were talking and I said how Echo was fed Roudybush. He said he doesn't recommend these, especially for greys, because the balances in the pellets are really off, especailly calcium. He suggested we buy Harrison's High Potency (which we did) and to very slowly transition.

I would like to take this part of the post to bring something to you attention. I never really though about this, but it makes a lot of sense. Being on a pelleted diet doesn't mean we should abandon seed forever. Pellets are there to support, not be the main source of food. All things in equal. You should feed pellets more than seeds, but feeding small amounts of seed in moderation helps for a much more healthy bird. Pellets have fats, but unfortunatly, there isn't as much as we think. Feeding seeds in moderation gives the bird the healthy amoutns of fat they need.

Now, back to the vet: So, they took blood and stool samples and should get back to me about the blood tomorrow. One of the things that immediatly allerted the vet was the fact that Echo kept falling asleep while we were talking. Echo, in a strange environment, with strange people leaning over her cage fell asleep. This made him very worried as even deathly ill birds that they have seen have comein bouncing off the walls. So, hopefully everything will come back normal. I asked about the dust and he said that more bathing will help, but she's still young, so I shouldn't worry.

So, I'll give you an update tomorrow!

I really do hope the test come back negative. I do not feed pellets at all except for the entertainment value. I actually increase the seeds and peanuts in winter to help give them more fat. The rest of the year they don't get a lot of seed. I hope you have good news tomorrow.

I'm glad you moved the appointment up to today, Dominique. You'll find plenty of debate about the pellet/seed/fresh diet variations, so I won't go there just now. Interesting about the balance difference with Roudybush v. Harrisons. I believe someone makes a pellet that is supposed to be balanced specifically for "African" birds, but can't recall much about it.

Try to rest easy, you know we will all have you and Echo in our thoughts, with prayers of strength and healing to help speed her back to her usual self. Yes, please keep us updated when you hear anything.

We're with ya Dominique, keep us posted., and hugs to you & Echo.

Thank you! Yes, Pretty Bird makes pellets for African Greys, but I went through a terrible phase with artifical stuff in them with ekkies and havn't used any of their products since. I'm going to try Harrison's, and hopefully stick to it. All I could think on the way over there was "I'm going to be leaving with some sort of news..." Of course, we'll find out tomorrow. The office offers boarding, which I'll probably keep Echo there and keep Harley at the other place, which happens to be really close friends with the vet. So all in all, it greatly depends upon the blood work tomorrow. We won't know the stool culture results till next week...

I forgot to mention: It was actually a funny visit because right when we got there, Ech ostarted whistling and talking like normal. Then, she bit the crap out of the vet. When the restrained her, she wouldn't stop grunting, which made me nearly cry/laugh. Let's just say, Echo doesn't like vets... I can only imagine what Harley would do... She's going in if they find anything with Echo. I would have today, but that was the only appointment and I didn't have another $500...

Thankyou for taking her in early. I hope all turns out for the best !!

I am so glad you got to take her in earlier! And I am praying that everything is fine with Miss Echo. Regardless of what the tests say I am sure that the vets can help her get back to normal. I know this has been stressful on you so I hope you get some answers soon! *hugs*

Dominique - prayers that all is okay with Echo. Were you able to speak to Lisa?

BTW, on the "species specific" brands, compare, let's say, the Grey to the Eclectus pellets. You will see the ingredients are the same. Try to stay with a natural, non-colored pellet. But for now, let's get Echo back to good health!

I remember hearing something about vets reccomending Harrisons over other brands purely because they are what vets sell in their surgeries? Anyone remember the thread on that?
Keeping fingers and toes crossed that everything comes back fine, waiting for results sucks big time.