Parrotlet with PDD

Hi,

I have read The Parrotlet Handbook and I thank you for writing it. I have a 2 and 1/2 year old male Parrotlet, named Pepper, just diagnosed with PDD. Do you have any suggestions as to any changes that should be made in his handling?

He was misdiagnosed by a local avian vet who told me it was behavioral but then I was able to find a more expert avian veternarian as his problems seemed more neurological to me. Now I am being more careful with the information I receive. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Denise

Dear Denise:

Thank you for your email. Sorry for the delay in responding but I was out of town since the 27th.

PDD is not a disease that is very commonly found in parrotlets. In fact, I have only known of one other proven case of it in parrotlets. Obviously, the birds are not immune but it is something that is known as a disease of parrotlets. I have never had it in my aviary in almost 30 years so I have no direct knowledge with which to help you. I strongly recommend you check with University of GA and Texas A & M to see what they recommend for treatment. I know that a lot of promise was shown with Celebrex in larger birds but other than that, I only have anecdotal information no direct or first-hand experience with it. I do know that under no circumstances should he ever come into contact with other birds but other than that, I have no idea about how to handle or treat him.

Best of luck to you and your bird.

Sincerely yours,

Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com
Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org
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