While a Bird’s Weight can’t tell you all you need to know about its health, it can certainly be the first indictor that something is wrong with your pet bird. Here are a couple of reasons why your bird’s weight may fluctuate and some tips on how to manage it.
Sickness
If your pet bird is feeling under the weather, one of the indicators of this would be a loss of its weight. Regularly weighing your bird once a week can help keep tabs on its overall health - if a drop occurs, naturally you should watch it and consider taking it to the veterinarian. If you do not have a scale, feel the muscle around the chest of the bird. If the bird is too thin, it will feel bony and emaciated. However, investing in an inexpensive scale would be the more accurate and preferable option.
Over-Eating
Obesity in birds is caused by taking in more calories than are being used. Birds that do not get enough exercise and receive a menu high in calories run the risk of becoming overweight. Also, birds that suffer from boredom have been known to sit in front of their feeders and eat all day. To combat this problem, make sure to cut down on any high-fat food products you give your bird and do not feed it "people" food. Also, spend quality time with your pet and make sure that it receives plenty of playtime and exercise. Contact your veterinarian for a suggested menu for your bird based on its breed and weight if you have any doubts.
