As you know, I recently put Echo and Harley on pellets. Unfortunatly, Echo hasn't quite reacted like I thought. She has been depressed acting and I'm wondering if there's something about them. They are Roudybush Mantinence pellets. I was told they are excellent, but unfortunatly, she hasn't done too well. I'm taking her to a new vet who is supposed to be really good to see if there's a deeper problem. If there is, I'm staying home and if not, we'll have to see...

But my question is, have your birds ever had a bad reaction to pellets?

Dominique - I was sent an email and was asked to relay a post for you regarding your question here. Someone alerted Lisa to your post. She is concerned about Echo. Here is what she asked me to post for her:

Since there is no one experinced with health behavior or diseases of Greys on here, I was sent a link and thought I would offer my advice. If Echo is not herself, and not vocalizing, and is not as dusty as she used to be, a vet visit is in order. Vocalizations will not change with diet changes. Voice changes or lack of use in a normally active bird is cause for consern with a grey.
Talk the signs over with a Board Certified Avian Vet, and they can tell you the correct tests that should be run. (asper titer and CBC will indicate if any other tests need to be done)
Younger greys do not produce as much dust as the older ones, so not to worry if babies dont have alot. Tags are less dusty then Cags, tho both right up there in the most dusty catagory with too's and teils.

The uropygial gland is raised and somewhat heart-shaped in the African grey parrot,and in comparison to that of other species, such as an Ekkie, it may appear enlarged by comparison. However, the uropygial gland is just a larger gland in the grey, which is a normal species variation. There can be complications with the gland from blockage, but you should be able to observe the tuft of feathers on the gland, (called the uropygial wick) and the gland itself to see if there is a problem.
Good luck
Lisa

Thank you so much! Yes, Echo has an appiontment with a board certified vet this Friday. I've beent aking videos to show the vet of the strange noises and odd behavior that has been going on latly with her. I also have some of er normal, perky self.

Kathie, could you PM or email me Lisa's email? I would really like to talk to her and learn a little more if I can. Thank you again!

I have no advice on this but just wanted to let you know I am saying some prayers for Echo. I hope the vet can help her out on Friday!

You bet. I am sure Lisa will not care, but let me just get the okay from her first to release her email.

I think a trip to the vet is definitely in order. You mentioned before that you switched to pellets immediately, correct? That really isn't a good idea. One should always gradually add what they're wanting to incorporate into the diet, so that the bird is able to get used to the new food before you completely remove what their system is used to. This may or may not have anything to do with her behavior, but as it did happen at exactly the same time it is a possibility.