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) dont 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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