When you're just starting out with parakeets, you may not really recognize the symptoms of a sick bird. If not treated immediately, the bird's condition may deteriorate rapidly. Therefore, it is important for you to recognize the symptoms of a sick parakeet. This way, you can respond and treat your bird responsively.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Ruining His Own Fur
Step 1. Be aware that there are several factors that cause parakeet feather damage
Depending on the cause, damage to the parakeet's feathers may occur periodically or after a few hours. Some of the factors that cause damage to bird feathers are:
- Bored. If the bird is not mentally stimulated, it will get bored. Birds pluck their own feathers to distract themselves, much like humans bite their own nails out of boredom or frustration.
- Dietary habit. If the bird does not get food intake with balanced nutrition, it will pluck its own feathers.
- Stress. Humans, other pets, or the environment around the bird can be stressful. A lack of exercise, a perch that is too big or small, an environment that is too noisy, a lack of toys to bite into, etc., can all stress the bird. Move the bird to a quiet, quiet, and less crowded room.
- Disease. Certain medical conditions or illnesses (such as French Moult) can cause hair loss or encourage birds to pluck their own feathers.
Step 2. Observe the symptoms of the presence of mites in birds
If your parakeet's coat looks tacky and thin, this may be a sign of mites. Also watch for signs of mites or other parasites. Some of the characteristics of the presence of mites or parasites in birds are:
- Scaly or crusty skin around the beak, feet, and eyes.
- Red sores on the skin.
- Restlessness, especially at night.
- Click sound.
- Black or red spots that move in the cage or behind the bird's feathers.
Step 3. Consult a veterinarian
It is important to examine the bird's illness before assuming that it is plucking its own feathers due to boredom, poor diet, or stress. In addition, if you are not an expert, it is difficult to diagnose a parakeet.
Part 2 of 5: Behavior Change
Step 1. Observe changes in the parakeet's behavior when it eats or drinks
If the bird is difficult to eat and drink, this is a worrying symptom. Birds should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Step 2. Watch for a parakeet that is lethargic and doesn't respond to your calls and food
This is one of the symptoms of a sick parakeet. Generally, a sick parakeet will bend over when perched, puff out its chest, or gasp for air. In addition, parakeets may also show the following symptoms:
- No power
- Stay in the corner or the bottom of the cage
- Falls when perched
- Constantly ruffling his fur
- Can't clean his own fur
- Lack of activity or change in posture
- Walk in circles
- Seizures or shaking
- Often fall asleep
- The whistle changes, or rarely whistles
- Uses its beak to hang instead of perch.
Step 3. Observe for aggression
The normally friendly and happy parakeet will suddenly attack you and become aggressive when sick or unwell.
Part 3 of 5: Birds Are Too Hot or Cold
Step 1. Observe the parakeet overheating in hot weather or room temperature
Birds cannot produce sweat. Therefore, birds need other ways to cool their bodies. Some of the characteristics of a parakeet that is overheated are:
- Panting (breathing faster than usual)––this is one of the signs that indicates that the bird is overheating. Birds should be treated by a veterinarian immediately. Call the nearest veterinary clinic, then have your parakeet checked.
- Its wings spread more often
- Her feet are hot
- His nostrils expand and turn red
- His beak is heating up
- Remember, these symptoms can also be found in birds that have a fever or have respiratory problems. Therefore, birds should be treated by a veterinarian immediately.
Step 2. Observe the parakeet chilling in cold weather or room temperature
The characteristics of a cold parakeet are:
- Growing her fur
- His body bent down and covered his legs (so as not to get cold)
- Stay in the corner of the cage or find a place to hide (usually to escape the cold wind)
Part 4 of 5: Other Symptoms
Step 1. Observe the bird droppings
Bird droppings generally consist of feces, white droppings, and clear urine. Generally, normal bird droppings are odorless. If the color, consistency, or smell of bird droppings changes, this may be a symptom of a disease the bird is suffering from.
- If the birdcage smells bad, either from urine, feces, or other sources, assume that the bird is unwell.
- If bird droppings turn green or yellow, the bird's liver may be in trouble. Black or red stools may indicate bleeding in the bird's internal organs.
- Watery stools are generally a symptom of diarrhea. Wet feathers around the bird's anus are also a symptom of diarrhea.
Step 2. Observe the liquid that comes out
If there is discharge from the nose, or crusts on the skin, the bird may be sick.
Step 3. Immediately check the bird if there is a lump or swelling on its body
Step 4. Watch for birds that are vomiting or spitting out their food
This is one of the symptoms of disease in birds. When bringing back its food, the bird will shake its head. When vomiting food, the bird's head will appear wet. In addition, mucus and bird food may stick to it.
Step 5. Examine the bird's eye
If the parakeet's eyes appear sunken, droopy, cloudy, or discolored, this indicates that the bird is unwell or sick. A healthy parakeet has clear, alert eyes.
Part 5 of 5: Caring for a Sick Parakeet at Home
Step 1. Check the bird to the vet first
Ask your vet to diagnose and treat your parakeet. You can visit the Association of Avian Veterinarians database to find the nearest vet if you are in the US. Or, please check on the animal's website or other sites to find the closest veterinarian to your home in Indonesia.
Step 2. Follow your veterinarian's instructions for caring for your parakeet at home
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you are confused or do not understand the changes in your bird.
Step 3. Place the bird in a warm and not too hot place
Do not place birds near air vents, noise, or bright light. Keep parakeets away from people and other pets.
- Remove objects such as toys, mirrors, or bells from the cage.
- Make sure the bird gets 10 to 12 hours of sleep. Keep the bird's resting area away from other people or pets.
- You may be able to increase the humidity in your home. Consult your veterinarian first. More humid air can help birds breathe. However, make sure your vet allows you to do this.
Step 4. Make sure the bird is getting enough fluids
You can give your bird food with a high fluid content, such as green vegetables and fruits. Consult your veterinarian first.
If the bird is allowed to eat fruit, add grapes or apples to the bird's drinking water. This can encourage birds to drink, as well as eat the fruit
Step 5. Ask your veterinarian for a good diet for birds
Sick parakeets need food with a high carbohydrate content. These foods are generally easier for birds to digest. Ask your veterinarian for advice on a good bird diet.
Tips
- Feel free to take the bird to the vet. The condition of the bird will deteriorate quickly if it is not treated immediately.
- Loss of weight is one of the symptoms of a sick bird.
- Try placing a toy bird in a parakeet's cage so it doesn't get bored.
- Birds are very good at hiding pain. Immediately take the bird to the vet if something is wrong, even if the symptoms are not very clear.
