Many common illnesses and deaths in pet birds are caused by poor care, such as being fed a bad diet that leads to nutritional deficiencies, being injured or poisoned by household dangers, or having a dirty cage. You can help prevent these problems by providing proper housing, food, and safety for your bird.
Other illnesses in pet birds are caused by parasites, bacteria, viruses, or fungi. These diseases can spread from sick birds or from dirty living conditions.
It is important to recognize illness in your bird early, so that it can receive proper care. Delays in diagnosing and treating illnesses can decrease the chances that the bird will recover.
Because disease symptoms in birds can be subtle, you must watch for even small changes in appetite, behavior, posture, or activity.
Supportive Care of Sick Birds
Five main factors are important when you're giving supportive care to a sick or injured bird:
Heat: A slightly warmer environment helps a sick bird save energy that it usually uses to keep its body temperature normal. It's important, though, to avoid overheating your bird. If the bird is panting or spreading its wings, it is probably too hot.
Humidity: Higher humidity can help birds with respiratory problems. It makes breathing easier and keeps air passages moist and clear. A vaporizer or humidifier can be used to increase humidity, but if you use one of these machines, be sure to keep it extra clean so that mold does not grow inside it.
Fluids: Sick birds dehydrate easily because they might drink less than normal. Veterinarians often give fluids through an injection under the skin, followed by fluids by mouth. Moist foods like leafy greens and fruit can increase your bird's water intake, but always check with your veterinarian first, to be sure they're safe for your bird’s condition. Adding a small amount of a favorite fruit juice (such as apple or grape) to the drinking water might encourage the bird to drink.
Nutrition: Because birds need essential vitamins and minerals to fight illness, poor nutrition greatly decreases their ability to recover. Sick birds should be given soft foods that are easy to digest. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate foods.
Quiet and rest: Sick or injured birds need to rest and should be kept calm and inactive. Limit their flying, climbing, and out‑of‑cage activity. Allow the bird plenty of quiet time for rest and healing.
Attention to these factors helps birds fight illness but does not cure underlying disease. A veterinarian must be consulted to diagnose the cause of illness and prescribe specific treatment.
For More Information
Also see professional content regarding pet birds.
