RECOGNIZING A SICK BIRD
How can I tell if my bird is sick?
In the wild, a bird will endeavor to uphold a strong appearance when sick.
We might call this "survival of the fittest" although its not quite
what Darwin meant by the term! By the time a bird actually shows an owner that
it is unwell, it has likely been sick for some time. It is because of this that
bird owners must learn to recognize the subtle signs a bird presents when unhealthy
before it is too late. Many things contribute to ill health. Improper diet is
the most common cause of ill health. Trauma, poor upkeep, inferior hygiene,
stress and genetics may lead to ill health. Just because the bird's outward
appearance is normal does not mean the bird is healthy. Any deviation from normal
should be taken as a sign of ill health.
The following is a list of signs that should alert you that your bird is
sick.
- Any change in regular behavior or personality
- unusually tame behavior
- irritability, agitation
- poor general appearance (feathers "ratty")
- eye discharge
- cloudy eyes
- swelling around eyes
- nasal discharge
- blocked nostrils
- sneezing (excessive)
- wheezing or "wet" breathing
- cere (the skin around the nostrils) irregularity
- labored breathing or open mouth breathing
- tail "bobbing" with each breath
- change in voice or no voice
- anorexia (not eating or reduced eating)
- changes in amount of drinking
- weight gain
- weight loss
- fluffed feathers
- drooping wings
- listlessness, inactivity, depression
- sleeping more
- lumps, bumps, swellings or bulges on the body
- lameness or swollen joints
- paralysis
- weakness
- redness or visible irritation
- not perching, sitting on bottom of cage
- wet droppings
- diarrhea
- change in the color of the droppings
- staining of the feathers around the vent (anus)
- decreased droppings
- wet feathers around face and head
- vomiting or excessive regurgitation
- sore feet
- balance problems
- seizures
- unconsciousness
- flaky or crusty skin
- excessive scratching
- changes in the texture of the beak
- overgrown beak or nails
- feather changes, color, chewed, plucked, damaged
- baldness
- prolonged molt
- abnormality of beak growth
- protrusions from the vent (prolapse)
- bleeding
Do not try to 'play vet'. If you are concerned about anything, consult your
veterinary surgeon
immediately.
Do not wait until tomorrow!
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