Parrot given Prozac after owner dies.

Antaletriangle · 11-28-2008, 05:48 PM

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/news...wner-dies.html
By Charlotte Bailey
Last Updated: 12:17PM GMT 20 Nov 2008

Tropical birds are extremely emotional Photo: DREW GARDNER Fred, an African Grey parrot, was owned by George Dance, who had rasied him from a chick.

After Mr Dance died nine months ago, Fred became depressed and bit off all of his neck feathers. He also began to bob his head up and down all day as a result of his low mood.

The bird has now been prescribed a twice-daily liquid dose of a bird-friendly version of Prozac, called Clomicalm.

George's widow Helen, from Somerset, told The Sun: "He has been in quite a state since my husband died.

"Fred was very close to George and became depressed."

According to experts, tropical birds are extremely emotional and the number who require anti-depressants is growing.

Late last year, a collie-Labrador cross called Winnie was given Clomicalm after it began to cry and pace nervously.

An animal behaviourist diagnosed Winnie with canine separation anxiety, and the mood-altering drug now helps her to cope.

11-28-2008, 05:48 PM	#1
Antaletriangle Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: U.K. Posts: 3,380	Parrot given Prozac after owner dies. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/news...wner-dies.html By Charlotte Bailey Last Updated: 12:17PM GMT 20 Nov 2008 Tropical birds are extremely emotional Photo: DREW GARDNER Fred, an African Grey parrot, was owned by George Dance, who had rasied him from a chick. After Mr Dance died nine months ago, Fred became depressed and bit off all of his neck feathers. He also began to bob his head up and down all day as a result of his low mood. The bird has now been prescribed a twice-daily liquid dose of a bird-friendly version of Prozac, called Clomicalm. George's widow Helen, from Somerset, told The Sun: "He has been in quite a state since my husband died. "Fred was very close to George and became depressed." According to experts, tropical birds are extremely emotional and the number who require anti-depressants is growing. Late last year, a collie-Labrador cross called Winnie was given Clomicalm after it began to cry and pace nervously. An animal behaviourist diagnosed Winnie with canine separation anxiety, and the mood-altering drug now helps her to cope.