Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Comparison of selected diagnostic parameters in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) with normal plumage and those exhibiting feather damaging behavior.
- Journal:
- Journal of avian medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2007
- Authors:
- Clubb, Susan L et al.
- Affiliation:
- Rain Forest Clinic for Birds · United States
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
In a study of African grey parrots, researchers looked at 51 birds to see if those with feather damaging behavior (FDB) showed different health test results compared to those without this issue. They found that parrots with FDB had lower levels of certain white blood cells and a different balance of immune cells after a specific hormone was given, indicating a stress response. While the overall thyroid hormone levels were similar between the two groups, the increase in thyroid hormone after the hormone injection was smaller in the FDB birds. Additionally, the FDB parrots had higher levels of certain proteins in their blood and more antibodies against a common fungus, but no significant differences were found in other tested substances. The importance of these findings for the health of the birds is still unclear.
Abstract
Feather damaging behavior is a common problem in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). To determine if differences in clinical test results could be detected in parrots with feather damaging behavior (FDB), we studied 51 parrots, including 24 with FDB, with a variety of diagnostic tests. A predictable stress hemogram was found after administration of thyroid-stimulating hormone in both normal birds and birds with FDB. Birds with FDB had significantly lower lymphocyte counts and higher heterophil: lymphocyte ratios after thyroid-stimulating hormone injection than did normal birds. Although resting thyroxine (T4) levels were not different between the 2 groups, the magnitude of the post-thyroid-stimulating-hormone increase in T4 was significantly less in the FDB group. Alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulin fractions were significantly higher and gamma globulin fractions were significantly lower in birds with FDB. Birds with FDB also had higher Aspergillus antibody titers. No significant differences were found in Aspergillus antigen levels, Candida antibody titers, or blood concentrations of histamine, serotonin, or corticosterone. The clinical significance of these differences is not known.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18351004/