I have a 12-14 year old female who has just started showing symptoms of what in humans could be a stroke. She has lost a lot of strength in her right leg and holds her right wing low. The wing trembles slightly and she apparently can only spread it about 30% of the way. Is this a symptom of old age? Up to now the only health concerns we have had for her is her chicken-like production of unfertilized eggs (sometimes 3 or 4 per month)

Rick S.

Dear Rick,

12 to 14 years is getting on up there, but wouldn't it be wonderful if she gave you another three, four, or more? Take her to a vet please. Birds are masters at hiding their ailments, so we wouldn't write it off to age. It could very well be age related but by having her vet checked, you would know you have done the right thing.