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Recognizing illness in avian species can be next to impossible with some birds. Most
birds are flock species and will mask signs of illness so as to not attract predators
to the flock and to avoid hostility from flock members. Birds will even go so far
as to crack seed but not ingest it in an effort to appear healthy. The result with
cage birds is that many will be debilitated long before their caretakers will realize
the bird is sick.
Initial Signs of Disease
- Fluffed plumage demonstrates
that the bird is trying to maintain warmth
- Lack of preening may indicate
the bird is conserving energy
- This may manifest as unopened
pinfeathers, prolonged molt, dull or dirty plumage, dusty and flaky plumage or skin
(not cockatoos)
- Watery droppings occur as
illness progresses
- Quiet or docile nature suggests
a change in behavior for many birds
- Eating less is often consistent
with illness
Advanced Signs of Disease (Requiring prompt attention)
- Lesions on the bottom of
the feet may be associated with chronic obesity, vitamin and mineral deficiency,
poor perching substrate, etc.
- A change in fecal consistency
or color is consistent with gastrointestinal illness, infection, liver or kidney
disease and many other illnesses
- Innactivity, sleeping head-tucked
and resting on the cage floor may all be signs of serious or advanced illness
- Prolonged, audible or labored
respiratory efforts are indicators of respiratory, heart; and in some cases, liver
and reproductive diseases
- Masses, abdominal distention
or other changes in body appearance; even weight loss, may correspond to many serious
problems
- Any discharge from the nostrils,
eyes, wounds or mouth; including regurgitation, suggests infections or damage to
those organ systems
First Aid
First aid for birds requires two main actions:
1) keep the bird warm (around 90iF) and quiet
2) don’t mess with it. Constant handling to encourage water consumption, eating,
over-the-counter medicating, petting and comfort do little to benefit an ill bird.
Keeping it warm with indirect heat sources, increased humidity, calm lighting, quiet
location and availability of favorite food items are the best approaches. Some birds
will benefit from a small degree of handling to administer water but many are best
left alone until an avian veterinarian can see them. An ideal setup is to place the
bird with its favorite foods and a bowl of water in a pet carrier. The carrier is
placed on a heating pad (set on low) in a bathroom, with a nightlight on, and the
humidity is increased by periodically steaming the bathroom with the shower.
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