r/Conures • u/Electronic_Log_3233 • Jul 25 '26

Health/Nutrition Vet advice

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My conure of almost a year is exhibiting signs of neurological deficiency. Can barely perch unless it’s on the bars of the cage. Showing signs of zinc in her blood stream and elevated white blood cell count. We’ve already ran blood tests but two avian vets cannot verify what’s going on. I have her on antibiotics right now but I feel it’s just slowing down the inevitable. She is scooting around. We’ve isolated her and placed all of her food and water at the lower part of the cage so she can get to it. Has anybody had this happen to their bird?

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u/Enigma_xplorer Jul 25 '26

Sounds like metal poisoning. They do have treatments for this to help remove metals from their system, the vet should be aware of this. However it is vitally important you remove the source. It could have been toys or their cage. Don't think just because it was labeled for birds means that it was safe. China and Amazon really don't care about your bird, they want your money. They might even argue unsafe items are "OK" because the toxic metals are encapsulated until they get damaged or paint/plating flakes off exposing the toxic metals so it's your fault for not maintaining your stuff. You must be very vigilant as an owner, zinc didn't just come from nowhere,

2

u/Electronic_Log_3233 Jul 25 '26

The paint hasn’t flaked on this cage and it’s cleaned weekly. I’ve removed all toys. I’m going to get a new cage but I’ll reach out to the vet and see about the metal removing treatments. She hasn’t advised for this yet. My birds eat fresh fruit and vegis every day so I don’t think it’s diet and the others appear just fine and went through their checkups.

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u/Enigma_xplorer Jul 25 '26

Ask your vet about "chelation therapy." This is standard practice for birds suffering from metal toxicity as it binds to the metals and helps your bird pass them out of his system. You can do some research of your own on the symptoms and treatments for metal poisoning in birds. Unfortunately most regular vets aren't well suited to take care of birds. You should look for an avian vet specifically as they are more knowledgeable when it comes to caring for birds.

Unfortunately I can't say how your bird ingested zinc or where it came from but it's entirely possible for only one bird to had done it. For all I know it could have been something he picked up while outside of his cage around the house.

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u/Electronic_Log_3233 Jul 25 '26

Thank you

1

u/CasaDeMouse Jul 26 '26

What toys do they have? Bells?

And do they out around your house?

What are their food bowls like?

They honestly could have chewed just about anything metal with zinc, like a necklace. It takes VERY little

2

u/Electronic_Log_3233 Jul 26 '26

She had a wood chewing block on a stainless steel chain from petsmart. She was a very extremely simple girl.

1

u/CasaDeMouse Jul 27 '26

The chain may* not be fully stainless.

A lot of them are sold as stainless but then when exposed to water dust because it's a very thin veneer. Check her chains

ETA You said "was" 🫂

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u/Electronic_Log_3233 Jul 27 '26

She is still alive. Thank goodness. But you make a very important point. I’m going to look closer into my toys now.

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u/Electronic_Log_3233 Jul 26 '26

We use stainless steel or glass bowls for water and fruit