Signs your bird is sick can include any one of a number of changes in the appearance, activity, or habits of the bird. If you determine your bird is sick, it is best to have him seen by an avian veterinarian. Trying to diagnose your bird yourself can lead to improper treatments or delays that can cause more serious illness or even death.
One sign your bird is sick is a change in her droppings. Although the color and quantity of a bird’s droppings will vary depending on the daily diet, droppings that are yellow, black and tarry, or rusty-looking should be reported to your vet. Likewise, the consistency of your bird’s droppings may change slightly from day to day. A marked change, either much more firm or much runnier than usual, can indicate a health problem.
Cloudy or weepy eyes could be another sign your bird is sick. Even if the discharge or cloudiness does not appear too severe, contact your vet immediately. These symptoms are often indicative of a serious nervous system or respiratory problem and emergency care may be warranted.
Dirty feathers or a marked change in your bird’s grooming habits can be another sign your bird is sick. This may be especially noticeable around the bird’s face or rump. If you notice a decrease in grooming, take note of your bird’s appetite and excretions and relay this information to your vet. Prolonged ruffled feathers can also indicate respiratory problems even without other grooming issues being present.
Key food-related signs that your bird is sick include a lack of appetite or weight loss. If your bird begins eating less, either not finishing the food given to her or leaving more food than usual on the floor, contact your vet. Weight loss may not be readily apparent, since this can sometimes be disguised by ruffled feathers - another sign your bird is sick.
Breathing with her mouth open can be a serious sign your bird is sick. Since this often indicates an advanced respiratory problem, immediate veterinary care is needed. Respiratory problems are not only among the most common but also the most serious of bird illnesses.
Because birds do not have a diaphragm separating the stomach from the chest cavity and lungs, respiratory problems can cause a bird’s tail muscles to contract harder than usual. This, in turn, causes the bird’s tail to bob up and down. As with open-mouthed breathing, this is often the sign of an advanced respiratory infection, and immediate veterinary help is warranted.
Knowing the possible signs your bird is sick and responding to them promptly can help ensure good health for your pet. It is important not to try to diagnose your bird’s potential health problems on your own. If you see signs your bird is sick, contact your avian veterinarian.
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