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THE CARETAKER-----------AUGUST
JUST GETTING BACK TO YOU. I HSVE BEEN WORKING ON MY PROBLEM SINCE YOU ASKED ME TO GET BACK TO YOU.
I DID FIND OUT TODAY THAT IT PROBABLY WAS NOT FROM THE DOGS, FLEAS ARE PROMENATE IN THIS AREA AND IM NOT THE ONLY ONE.
I KEEP BATHING MY CATS. I HAVE FINALLY SHAMPOOD THE CARPETS WITH BLEACH AND DAWN DISH SOAP. I GOT SO MANY IN THE WATER IT WAS JUST MIND BOGALING. AND THEY ARE NOT GONE YET,
SHOULD I CALL TERMINEX OR SOME BODY TOMORROW?? I HAVE TO BE CAREFUL OF MY PARROTS. I AM SO BIT UP

                                    DONNA

Submitted: 420 days and 2 hours ago.
Category: Bird
Value: $9
Status: AWAITING EXPERT REPLY
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Posted by S. August Abbott, CAS 420 days and 2 hours ago.

Info Request

Thanks for checking back Donna - it's good to hear you're making some headway.

I really wouldn't use Terminex. I honestly believe you can still do this. Do you have the opportunity to water the area outside of your home with like a sprinkler that will reach all areas of the property? At least 6 to12' radius anyway.

You're pretty close to getting through this from what you mention about the bodies

420 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

 

AUGUST-----THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR RESPONDING SO QUICKLY.

IM JUST GETING READY TO VACUMN-----AGAIN AND AGAIN.

I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT TESE DARNEDE THING ARE REAL TINY AND JUMP LIKE CRAZY. YOU CAN SPRAY SOMETHING ONE THEM IF I SEE ONE AND BEFORE I EVEN EMIT THE SPRAY IT JUMPS.

I HAVE A POWER WASHER WITH 2000PSI THAT I JUST GOT TO DO MY CAGES WITH.

I KNOW IT WOULD TAKE FOREVER BUT YES I COULD STAND OUT AND WATER THE GRASS. AND ONE MORE THING----I LIVE IN A MOBILE HOME. ANY BEARING???

I ITCH SO BAD FROM ALL THE BITES.

 

DONNA

Accepted Answer

As strange as it sounds, since they're biting YOU, it shows they're desperate. Fleas don't care for humans (our body temp is too low and not enough fur). Birds are even less enjoyed because unless the flea has the time to work their way through all those feathers, they're just not going to get anywhere. As you can see from their neurotic jumping, they're not very patient.
Most birds that have any flea problem are wild birds with fleas IN the nest material.

A modular or mobile home shouldn't matter - what counts more is the feeding opportunities, hiding places (which your vacuuming is taking care of) and friendly environment.

A bit of trivia: Nearly all pest fleas we see on our pets, whether dogs, cats or gerbils are called "cat fleas".

Fleas do not thrive in wet conditions, so keeping them curbed outside the home can keep them out of the home itself. I'd much rather you put a sprinkler on the end of your hose rather than standing there yourself. Give yourself a break or you'll pop from all this stress!

Take your time and water one area for about 15 mins - move the sprinkler and do another area, etc..

If you have grass - keep it mowed and remove any dead vegetation . It's not that fleas eat this - but it gives them a protective cover from the water and we don't want that.

These measures keep them out of your yard and less apt to be carried in on a pant leg or shoe.

I know the vacuuming is tedious, but it's the best tool! Washing bedding regularly (once, twice a week) and vacuuming any cloth furniture is also helpful.

Another good tool is regular Borax. No need to buy expensive carpet treatments - borax will shrivel up the eggs and larvae that might be in the carpet.

Sprinkle it on, rub it in . If you use your hands, be sure to wear gloves - it can be irritating. You can also use a broom to 'sweep' it into the fibers of the carpet.

After a day, vacuum.

If you have any other pets that might walk on the carpet - wipe their paws regularly. It's not the best thing for them to ingest borax by cleaning it off themselves.

You're doing good Donna. Don't freak out!

Picture
Expert: S. August Abbott, CAS
Pos. Feedback: 99.6 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/28/2008

Certified Avian Specialist

Cert. Avian Specialist; Int. Assoc.Animal Behavior Consult; Pet Ind. Joint Advisory Council; author

419 days and 20 hours ago.

Reply

 

AUGUST--------THE CARETAKER

 

I HAVE BEEN VACUMNING EVER SINCE YOUR REPLY A FEW HRS AGO.

BATHING ONE OF THE CATS------AGAIN.

I WILL GET BORAX TOMORROW--OR SHOULD I SAY LATER ON THIS AM. IT IS NOW 235 AM HERE. I AM IN IOWA. WHAT STATE ARE YOU LOCATED??

I WILL SOAK THE LAWN AND PRAY FOR LOTS OF RAIN. I AM SO WEARY OF SPENDING MY VACATION ON ALL OF THIS BUT IF I SUCCEED--------WITH YOUR HELP IT WILL BE WELL WORTH IT. I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED.

 

THANK YOU AGAIN-------------- DONNA

404 days and 20 hours ago.

Reply

 

CARETAKER AUGUST

 

I JUST WANT TO UPDATE YOU ON WHAT HAS GONE ON SINCE I LAST WROTE TO YOU. I HAD JUST A TERRIBLE TIME. COULDN'T KEEP'EM OFF THE CATS AND I WAS STILL TERRIFIED THAT THEY WOULD GET OF MY BIRDS EVEN THO YOU SAID NOT TO STRESS. I TRIED WHAT YOU TOLD ME TO DO BUT I STILL COULDNT RID THE PLACE. I USED FLEA POWDER ON THE CARPET AND SPRAYED WITH A ZODIAC PRODUCT AND THEY WERE GETTING LESS. I GAVE THE CATS 4 BATHS AND SPRAYED THEM WITH HORSE AND STABLE SPRAY BUT--------

SO I FINALLY WENT TO THE PET HOSPITAL AND THEY SOLD ME MYCODEX SPRAY FOR THE CARPET ETC AND A TINY PILL FOR EACH CAT WHICH KILLED THOSE ON THEM IN ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND PUT FRONTLINE ON THEIR SHOULDERS----AND BY THE WAY IN BETWEEN ALL OF THIS I EVEN SHAVED OFF THEIR HAIR!!!

I THINK THAT NOW I AM ALMOST AND I SAY ALMOST RID OF THEM. I VACUMN CONSTANTLY AND TONITE I COUNTED PROBABLY 5-6 IN MY CLEAR VACUMN CONTAINER. I HAVE A HIGH INTENSITY LIGHT I USE TO SEE THEM.

HONESTLY, THE MYCODEX HELPED THE FASTEST AND THE BEST. I AM NOT DONE SPRAYING THE LIVING ROOM. WILL DO IT ONE MORE TIME TOMORROW.

IM SORRY I CARRIED ON HERE BUT YOU GAVE ME HOPE FOR MY BIRDS WHEN I WAS SO TERRIFIED THAT THEY WOULD INVADE THEM TOO.

I HAVE TALKED TO SO MANY PEOPLE HERE IN THE QUAD CITIES WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM.

ANYHOW THANK YOU SO MUCH AND I WILL TALK TO YOU ABOUT ONE OF MY COCKATOO'S ONE OF THESE NITES.

 

DONNA

Posted by S. August Abbott, CAS 404 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer


Don't worry about it Donna, sometimes we just have to do what modern chemistry is put there for.

Keep the air well circulated , windows open when weather permits and watch the birds for any telltale signs of respiratory problems, which can be runny eyes, nare discharge, excessive fluffing, consistently runny/watery droppings (one or two here and there are usually nothing) - you know the usual.

I still support you all the way - it's a hard decision, but I did say to trust your own instincts and that's what you did, so I'm sure you did the right thing.

***** Don't press accept on this question -- it's a follow up ******

404 days and 9 hours ago.

Reply

AUGUST---------I WANT TO THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP. HONESTLY, I COULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN THRU THIS WITHOUT YOU KNOWLEDGE.

IT HAS BEEN A NIGHT MARE. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A DUCORPS COCKATOO. IT CAME FROM CHICAGO AND THIS YOUNG COUPLE WHO ARE BREEDERS OF COCKATIELS WANTED A BLUE QUAKER AND I HAD ONE SO WE MAD A DEAL.THEY WENT ON VACATION FOR 3 WEEKS AND THE MOTHER WAS AFRAID TO HANDLE HIM SO HE STAYED IN THE CAGE AND PICKED UNDER HIS WING LIKE A 50 CENT PIECE WHEN I GOT HIM. I HAVE HAD HIM ABOUT 21/2 YRS. HE KEPT ON PICKING AND IS CLEAN AS A WHISTLE ALL OVER EXCEPT HIS HEAD. PINNEYS STILL KEEP COMING AND HE IS PARAOID AND WHEN HE SEES ONE OUT IT GOES. REALLY SWEET BIRD. HIS NAME IS XXXXXXX XXX XXX WHISTLE AND SAY HIS NAME. HE EATS A GOOD DIET AND IS HAPPY BUT REAL HYPER/NERVOUS.

ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO DO??? I HAVE NEVER TAKEN HIM ANYPLACE TO BE CHECKED. PLUCK NO MORE PRODUCT IS USELESS. JUST A MONEY MAKER FOR THE MANUFACTURER.

 

 

DONNA

Posted by S. August Abbott, CAS 404 days and 5 hours ago.

Info Request


I agree that those sprays and plucking products are useless and you're right about it being nothing but profitable for the sellers.

Do you clip his nails yourself? If you do, would you be comfortable clipping enough to draw a couple drops of blood? You can get the DNA/genetic screening done yourself .

For this degree of plucking I'd like to have a profile done before starting with the behavior modifications.

Tell me more about how is day is? What's the routine?

What's his food?

404 days and 1 hours ago.

Reply

 

AUGUST------

 

I DO ALL MY OWN BEAKS, NAILS AND WING FEATHERS. BLOOD----- SURE. AND WHERE CAN YOU GET DNA DONE EXCEPT AT BIOTECH LAB. IN FL.

IT COSTS $25.00

BONKERS AND MY OTHER BIRDS ARE TOGETHER IN MY BIRD ROOM. AND BY THE WAY, I HAVE ALSO HAD HIM IN MY BEDROOM MORE ALONE---QUIET BUT IT STILL STAYS THE SAME. HIS IS A HAPPY BIRD AND LIKES ALL OF THE OTHER BIRDS.

HIS DAY IS LOTS OF SUNSHINE AND LIGHT. GOOD SEED DIET. I BUY THE BEST AND MIX MORE VARIETY IN TOO. APPLES, BREAD, ONCE IN A WHILE

A CHIP ONCE IN A WHILE. HE HAS FEATHERS ON HIS TAIL AND WINGS BU IS CONSTANTLY OVER PREENING THEM LIKE A NERVOUS FANATIC NUT.

OOPS--THERE IS ONE I DIDNT GET SO PICK IT OUT.

 

I ALSO HAVE A 38 YR. OLD UMBRELLA TOO AND SHE IS JUST A LOVER. HER HUMAN MOMMY DIED IN CHICAGO AND SHE FELT SO BAD SHE PICKED AND SCREAMED FOR 4 MONTHS THERE UNTIL I GOT HER.

SHE SLEEPS BY MY BED AND IN THE MORNING SHE COMES IN UNDER THE COVERS AND GOES TO SLEEP. SHE KEEPING OVER PREENING AND IF I LET THE PIN FEATHERS GROW OUT, SHE PREENING THE ENDS AND RUINS THEM SO SHE IS MOSTLY COVERED WITH DOWN BECAUSE I REMOVE THE PINNYS NOW BEFORE WE HAVE TOO MANY PROBLEMS.

ALL MY BIRDS ARE NOT PELLET EATERS SO------------

 

DONNA

Posted by S. August Abbott, CAS 404 days ago.

Answer


None of this surprises me Donna. I wish you were somewhere nearby so I could use for a foster home when a bird needs some real focused care. You're well informed and confident enough to ask questions to fill in the blanks or double check what you already know.


If you haven't had the screening done on this one, it's time.


And you know I've got to try to convince you to get them on pellets. You also know you can do it once you set your mind to it. I know how you went for the fleas!


I’ll try every type of pellet out there, whether fruity or plain, spicy or a combination – just be sure to get the size & type appropriate for your individual bird.


Offer a pellet from your fingers as a treat (if your bird is used to taking treats from your fingers that is) and go ahead and try one yourself so the bird can see. I’m serious – try it yourself. Your bird shouldn’t be expected to eat anything that you wouldn’t eat yourself.


I’ve mixed pellets in with cereal too, especially a good, healthy, low sugar type. Try crushing them into an all natural yogurt or baby food of mixed vegetables, sweet potatoes, squash or the like. One of our macaws started to love them when she found them in with her blueberries and other cut up fruit.


I’ve found it’s not a good idea to mix the pellets in with the seeds, but be creative otherwise.


One warning is that if you mix the pellets in with anything wet or even make a ‘mush’ out of the pellets using plain water, a natural, low sugar fruit juice – you must remove the dish (must!) after an hour or two, tops. There’s too much chance for bacterial growth in wet foods and this only makes a problem worse.


While making the conversion you need to monitor your bird very carefully. I strongly suggest getting regular weights.


A gram scale is one of the best investments a bird owner can make since many illnesses are not noticed until pretty far along. With a regular weight monitoring, you’ll know when a weight loss (or gain) trend occurs and may be able to stave off serious problems by catching them early.


I weigh everyone every Saturday morning, right after a dropping. They’ve come to expect it and happily step up on the scale when it’s their turn.


For more ideas and options at conversion, take a look at these links. There are as many ‘right ways’ as there are individuals.


http://www.avi-sci.com/converting.htm


http://www.cockatiels.org/articles/nutrition/convert.html


http://birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww44eiii.htm


http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/birdinformation/convertingdiet.php



Other than this, I can only tell you that it's just as easy to love these plucked chickens as a full feathered friend. Of course you know that.







403 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

 

AUGUST-------I FEEL I ALREADY KNOW YOU. I AM IN DAVENPORT IA. ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.

I AM 70 YRS OLD-------GOING ON 30YRS. TRY TO NEVER BE OLD!!!

I WORK FOR THE QUAD CITY TIMES NEWPAPER IN RETENTION AND COLLECTIONS AND CREDITCARDS. HAVE THE 3 CATS AND 20 BIRDS.

 

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?? AND WHAT AGE ARE YOU? YOU ARE SO KNOWLEDGEABLE. ARE YOU A VETERNARIAN OR MORE??

I WOULD JUST LOVE TO TAKE IN FOSTER BIRDS. I HAVE BEEN TO A RESCUE UP IN MILWAUKEE WISC. AND IT IS SO SAD. TO SEE ALL THESE BIRDS THAT HAVE BEEN ABUSED. NOTHING THAT I WOULD LIKE BETTER THAN TO SPEND MY LIFE DOING WORK WITH BIRDS.

 

WHAT CAN I DO TO REPAY YOU?? SEND MONEY THRU JUST ASK???

 

 

DONNA

Posted by S. August Abbott, CAS 403 days and 22 hours ago.

Answer


Wow - you are pretty vibrant and active aren't you? I'm in California and that's me in the photo with two of my permanent resident rescues.

I've been working with avians since starting with raptors with state preserves as a volunteer. Several years ago I concentrated my efforts on my own rescue org for all animals - though I deal mostly with pet birds, I still oversee the volunteers who take care of cats, dogs, wild birds and other critters.

I'm not a vet, but I am a certified avian specialist and I work closely with our area vets, even assisting with in office treatments and minor surgeries.

It's not easy to see the sad stories, but Donna, there's nothing more rewarding than seeing the good ones. Every single time I meet a human that goes the extra mile for their animal, it can take away the pain of seeing a day full of animals not so lucky.

So believe me, knowing you is a very uplifting thing.

I believe you've already hit your 'accept' button so I'm happy to follow up with you .

Keep up your good work and your own tireless efforts. You have to stay around long enough to see your birds into their golden years (which might mean living to be about 120 years old right?).

God bless,

403 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

 

THANK YOU ALL THE INFO ABOUT YOUSELF. YOU ARE REALLY KNOWLEDGABLE AND VERY EDUCATED-------- AND GOOD LOOKING. I'D SAY YOU ARE ABOUT 30-COMPARED TO MY 70. WISH I WAS CLOSER TO YOUR AREA. I.

I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL YOUR HELP. I'LL KEEP YOU ON MY COMPUTER IF I NEED TO ASK YOU AMYTHING ELSE.

 

DONNA

Posted by S. August Abbott, CAS 403 days and 22 hours ago.

Answer


What a nice thing to say! My son is 35, so I'm just a tad older Wink


If you ever need anything you can count on me (and all of us at JA) to be here.

I'm very happy to have met you and know you're out there making a difference in these animal's lives.

God bless,

403 days and 8 hours ago.

Reply

 

YOU STILL LOOK 30 SOMETHING!!!

 

AND IT MAKES ME SMILE TO SEE YOUR PICTURE.

 

AUGUST------ WELL I HAD YOU PICTUED IN MY MIND A MIDDLE AGED BACHELOR LIVING ALONE WITH SOME BIRDS, GIVING ADVICE.

 

NOW AUGUST MIGHT BE YOU LAST NAME BUT NOT YOUR FIRST!!

 

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR SHARING SOME OF YOUR LIFE WITH ME. I

 

IM OFF TO WORK NOW.

 

DONNA KILBURG

 

WISH I COULD SEND YOU A PIC OF ME BUT NO DIGITAL CAMERA.

WOULD LOVE TO SEND YOU PICTURES OF ALL MY BIRDS IF YOU WOULD TRUST ME WITH AN ADDRESS.

 

Posted by S. August Abbott, CAS 402 days and 23 hours ago.

Answer


August is my first name and again I'm sincerely flattered by your kind comments.

Just Answer doesn't allow us to exchange personal information. I expect they have their reasons. I can't see anything you've entered into your account information except for the questions posted here.

Though we're a bit restrained that way, it's still very rewarding to meet good people like you.

If you ever need anything else, feel free to contact me directly here by requesting me or if you have any other comments, needs to be addressed or help in working the site, drop a line to info@justanswer.com

They will certainly let me know Wink

God bless you and all of your menagerie Donna!

(Do not press 'accept' again on this question, I'm happy to follow up)

402 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

 

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY COMPUTER SO IF I NEED TO CONTACT YOU I CAN.

SADIE THE TOO IS ON MY LAP WAITING TO GO NITE NITE IN THE COVERS.

 

DONNA

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