Ask Lafeber

Question:

May 11, 2020

Older Senegal physical signs


What can you tell me about a physical shaking motion that my bird has developed? (Please see description below.) Is this common in aging birds? What insights can you give me about causes and ways to make him more comfortable? DESCRIPTION: There is a sudden shaking, sometimes of just the head, sometimes the whole body that is considered normal (for both birds and humans – we usually describe it by saying, “Oh! I just got a chill.) but it generally happens only occasionally and usually just once. It lasts a split second then is gone. ISSUE: Just a few months ago my 27-year-old Senegal began doing this in episodes of repeated shakes lasting 10 – 20 seconds. He has had a full veterinary exam, blood work, etc. The Vet tells me everything is fine. He is active and feisty and eats well. But the episodes of shaking are becoming longer and more frequent . Some days minutes at a time for several hours. I would like to understand what is happening if there is anything I can do to help him.


Answer:

Hi Tara,

This is not something I have encountered. It’s hard to say if this is a medical issue or a behavior. Has your Vet observed this? If not, I would recommend recording some of these episodes and show it to the Vet. The Vet may be able to determine if this is some type of involuntary seizure or possibly a reaction to something. I’m sorry I can’t be more help.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda

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