With regular veterinary care, proper nutrition and a caretaker who maintains a clean, safe environment, your fine feathered friend should remain in fine form for his lifetime. But companion avians are sensitive, often fragile animals, and can be susceptible to illness. As birds often mask their symptoms until an illness is advanced, it's important to note any unusual signs and behaviors exhibited by your pet.
Symptoms of a Sick Bird & Common Bird Illnesses
Birds can catch colds, and the symptoms are a lot like those experienced by humans-sneezing, coughing, runny nose and eyes. If you think your bird has a cold, keep him warm and contact your vet if symptoms worsen after a day or two. If these symptoms are very severe and are accompanied by labored breathing and lethargy, a bird may have pneumonia, a bacterial disease that's potentially fatal if untreated.
Another bacterial disease seen in birds-cockatiels, cockatoos and budgies in particular-is avian chlamydiosis, also known as psittacosis or parrot fever. Especially serious because it can be passed to humans, chlamydiosis is spread through contaminated food, water and respiration. Pneumonia-like symptoms, loose stools and labored breathing are seen in affected birds. A vet can properly diagnose this illness through blood tests and radiographs; treatment includes antibiotics. This disease kills many birds but can be cured if caught early.
Parasites, both internal and external, can plague birds. Parakeets in particular are vulnerable to scaly face mites, which produce encrustations around the beak and eyes. A vet can prescribe a medication that's absorbed through the skin. Mites are readily spread from bird to bird, so it's important to separate infected individuals from healthy ones. Internal parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms and protozoa, also cause problems. Weight and appetite loss and runny stools can signal a parasitic infestation.
Plumage problems can also indicate illness. French molt, for example, is a viral disease that causes extreme feather loss in young birds, especially around the tail area. The more serious, usually fatal psittacine beak and feather disease is a threat to all types of parrots. Transmitted by a virus, the disease results in thin, sparse plumage and abnormal growth of the beak and claws.
Causes of Some Bird Illnesses
Mold and fungus can also cause avian illness. Aspergillosis and candidiasis cause the greatest concern to birdkeepers. They are especially problematic for those living in warm, humid climates and tend to affect avian respiratory systems. While anti-fungal medications exist, they do take a considerable amount of time to work. Cleanliness can help prevent problems from occurring in the first place.
Companion avians are very sensitive to their environments, and there are a few simple precautions you can take to keep your bird healthy. Inhalant fumes from hair spray, cigarettes, perfume and spray room deodorizers can make your pet sick, so it's best to avoid their use. Note that the fumes from Teflon-coated cookware, if overheated, can be fatal to birds. For more on protecting your bird from accidental poisoning, see our topic on "Household Dangers."
Injured or Sick Birds Mask Their Symptoms
If you suspect that your bird is sick consult your vet. Symptoms of illness include dark, runny feces; dull or watery eyes; difficulty breathing; loss of appetite and weight loss. A sick bird will also fluff out his feathers in an effort to keep warm, or sit listlessly on his perch or cage floor.
It's also important to bring your new bird for a first veterinary check-up soon after you bring him home. The doctor will have a chance to screen the droppings for parasites and ensure that he's healthy. If there are other birds in your household, quarantine the newcomer until your avian veterinarian gives you the go-ahead to make introductions. Ask your vet for details on how to properly quarantine before bringing another bird home. |
