How can I tell if my bird is sick?

A wild bird cannot stop and rest for long when it is ill or injured. They must continue to forage and maintain themselves.  Also, birds that behave oddly will be more visible to predators.  This instinct is still present in many pet birds such that illness and injury may not be obvious to you. Annual health evaluations by your avian veterinarian help to detect subtle trends of illness but cannot substitute for a daily evaluation by the owner at home. Take note of the droppings, the appetite, how the bird is breathing at rest, and how

they respond to you. If something is off from the normal routine, carefully examine the cage, food, water, and environment. Sometimes there may be simple solutions that prevent big problems.  If it still doesn’t add up, call your veterinarian. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one—especially if you are a new bird owner and still learning what is normal for your bird.

 

The following is a list of signs by general category that should alert you that your bird is sick:

 

 

General

Poor General appearance (feathers “ratty”)

Fluffed feathers Lack of appetite

Drinking more or less than usual Weakness

Drooping wings

 

 

Listlessness Reluctance to move Sleeping more

Lumps, bumps, swellings or bulges on the body Trauma

Bleeding

 

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Respiratory

Breathing louder or quicker than usual Changes in the voice

Sneezing

Getting out of breathe easily

Tail bobbing while breathing (greater effort)

 

 

Obstructed nares (nostrils) Staining of feathers around nares Breathing with beak open

Nasal discharge

 

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Behavior

Slower responses Unusual tameness Aggression

 

 

Screaming Repeated behaviors Frantic behavior

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Eyes

Closed eye Eye discharge Red eye

Cloudy eyes or other visible lesions

 

 

Swelling around the eyes Nasal discharge

Quieter than usual (going blind)

 

 

Skin and feathers

Abnormal color, texture, shape, or growth of feathers

Bleeding blood or pin feathers (new feathers) Prolonged molt

Baldness or feather loss

Feather damaging behavior (picking, chewing) Flaky or crusty skin

Excessive scratching

 

 

Overgrown beak Abnormality of beak growth

Abnormal beak texture, color, Overgrown nails

Abnormal color or texture of nails Sores on skin

Trauma, cuts, bruises

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Musculoskeletal

Sore feet Sore wing

Lameness or shifting of body weight Swollen joints

 

 

Paralysis Weakness Drooping wings

Not perching, sitting on bottom of cage

 

 

Digestive and urinary Diarrhea (watery feces) Wet droppings

Change in the color of the droppings (i.e. Red,

yellow, tarry, pale)

Staining of the feathers around the vent (anus)

 

 

Decreased droppings Straining to defecate

Wet feathers around face and head Vomiting or excessive regurgitation Protrusions from the vent (prolapse)

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Neurological Balance problems Head tilt

Falling Seizures

 

 

Unconsciousness Paralysis

Not perching, sitting on bottom of cage Weakness

 

 

If you are concerned about anything, consult your veterinarian immediately.

 

Do not wait until tomorrow