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Recognizing Illness in
Birds
How
can I tell if my bird is sick?
In the wild, a bird will endeavor to uphold a strong appearance
when sick. This is called, "survival of the fittest".
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
• poor general appearance (feathers "ratty")
• 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
• fluffed feathers
• drooping wing(s)
• listlessness, inactivity, depression
• sleeping more
• lumps, bumps, swellings or bulges on the body
• lameness or swollen joints
• not perching, sitting on bottom of cage
• wet feathers around face and head
• vomiting or excessive regurgitation
• changes in the texture of the beak
• feather changes, color, chewed, plucked, damaged
• protrusions from the vent (prolapse)
• change in the color of the droppings
• staining of the feathers around the vent (anus)
• seizures
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• swelling around eyes
• cloudy eyes
• eye discharge
• irritability, agitation
• unusually tame behavior
• paralysis
• weakness
• redness or visible irritation
• wet droppings
• diarrhea
• nasal discharge
• blocked nostrils
• decreased droppings
• sore feet
• balance problems
• unconsciousness
• flaky or crusty skin
• excessive scratching
• overgrown beak or nails
• baldness
• prolonged molt
• abnormality of beak growth
• bleeding
• weight gain
• weight loss |
Do not try to play doctor. If you are concerned about anything,
consult your veterinarian immediately.
Do not wait until tomorrow!
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