Early signs of illness in birds are frequently missed by the average pet owner.  In the wild, a sick bird will attempt to maintain a normal appearance as long as possible.  One result of this behavior in companion birds is that by the time signs of illness are obvious, the bird may have been ill for some time.  The bird that dies “suddenly” may be the result of failure of the caretaker to identify changes in the appearance or behavior of the bird.  For this reason, owners should familiarize themselves with early signs of illness in pet birds so that any therapy and care by their avian veterinarian will have a more favorable outcome.

EVALUATION OF DROPPINGS

            Droppings can be an indicator of your bird’s health.  Paper towels, newspaper or other smooth surfaces can be used to line the cage bottom so that the number, volume, color, and consistency of the droppings can be noted.  A bird’s normal droppings will vary in appearance depending on its diet.

 Normal Droppings

            Feces (food waste material from the digestive tract) can differ somewhat in color and consistency.  Diets with a high seed content usually produce homogenous black or dark green feces.  Birds on formulated diets normally exhibit soft, brownish feces.

            Urine is normally a clear liquid.  A diet high in vegetable and fruit matter may increase the urine component.

            Urates (creamy white waste from the kidney) are often suspended in the liquid urine or appear to wrap around the feces.

 Abnormal Droppings:  

•  Decrease in the total number or volume of droppings

•  Color change of the urates/urine to green or yellow

•  Increase in the water content of the feces (diarrhea)

•  Increase in the urine portion (polyuria)

•   Decrease in the feces volume with increased urates (polyurates)

•  Presence of blood

Some normal variations may be seen in the impending egg-laying females, baby birds on hand-feeding formulas, the first void of the morning, conditions of nervousness and stress, or following a large meal of a specific colored food (e.g., blueberries).   Thus, the owner should evaluate several droppings under normal circumstances before becoming alarmed. 

OTHER EARLY SIGNS OF DISEASE

            The following signs may not require emergency treatment but, because they are abnormal, any bird showing these signs should be checked by your avian veterinarian.

• Prolonged molt or continual presence of pinfeathers
• Broken, bent, picked or chewed feathers
• Unusual or dull feather color
• Stained feathers over nares or around the face or vent
• Crusty material in or around the face or vent
• Crusty material in or around the nostrils
• Redness, swelling or loss of feathers around the eyes
• Flakiness on skin or beak
• Baldness or sores on bottom of feet
• Lameness or shifting body weight
• Overgrowth of beak or nails
• Minor changes in talking, biting, or eating habits
• Low reproduction in breeding birds

SIGNS OF SERIOUS ILLNESS

The following signs may indicate a serious heath problem and veterinary assistance should be sought at once!

• Significant changes in number and appearance of droppings
• Decreased or excessive food or water consumption
• Change in attitude, personality, or behavior
• Fluffed posture
• Decreased vocalization
• Change in breathing or abnormal respiratory sounds
• Change in weight or general body condition
• Enlargement or swelling on the body
• Any bleeding injury
• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Discharge from nostrils, eyes, or mouth

EMERGENCY FIRST AID

            Heat and food are the two most important considerations for temporary care of the sick bird until it can be seen by your avian veterinarian.  The bird should be kept quiet and handling should be minimized.

            Heat: A temperature of 85-90⁰F should be maintained for sick birds.  A temporary incubator can be made by placing a heating pad along the side or floor of the cage and draping the entire cage with towels, a blanket or cage cover.  A 60-watt light can be used as an alternate heat source.  Ensure that any cage cover does not touch the light/heat source.  If the bird starts breathing rapidly or holds its wings away from its body, the temperature is too hot.  Certain types of room heaters (e.g., kerosene) should be avoided.

            Food: Every effort must be made to encourage a sick bird to eat.  Cups of food should be placed on the bottom of the cage.  Offer the bird’s favorites, by hand if necessary.  Warm, strong coffee with a high sugar concentration has been credited with temporarily reviving weak birds until they can be seen at the veterinary clinic.  An electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte, may be given orally to help prevent dehydration.  The smaller the bird, the more critical the need for prompt attention.

• Don’t attempt to feed an unconscious bird.
• Don’t give antibiotics, miracle cures, alcohol, or oil
• Don’t wait to see how the bird is tomorrow
• DO call your bird’s veterinarian!

 Adapted from the Association of Avian Veterinarians handout "Signs of Illness in Birds" © 1999 the Association of Avian Veterinarians.