Parrot Health Care

What if my bird...?

Please note - your local Vet may be able to carry out minor routine treatments such as claw clipping, but we would recommend you are registered with a qualified Avian specialist for more comprehensive bird care advice.

Is having breathing difficulties

If a bird is wheezing, gasping or has an open beak, consult a vet straight away. These symptoms may be a sign of a serious infection. A normal breathing pattern can be picked up each time the tail falls and raises with every breath.

Beak needs trimming

If a birds beak needs a trim it could be because there is nothing for it to gnaw in the cage. Do not attempt to trim the beak yourself, this needs to be carried out by your local vet.

Claws need trimming

If the perching arrangements are correct a bird will not need its claws trimmed. If the claws do need trimming take your bird to a vet.

Has runny eyes

Discharge coming from a birds eyes can be treated with a prescribed antibiotic ointment. It is important that you go and visit your local vet, where the appropriate treatment can be given.

Is plucking its feathers

Birds will pluck feathers for several reasons. A possible cause could be boredom. To relieve this you can:

  • give your bird a more interesting lifestyle
  • pay more attention to it
  • add new toys to the cage, such as ladders and mirrors
  • change the position of the cage
  • find it a mate

In other cases, some cock birds, especially Zebra Finches, will pluck their mates feathers in order to obtain soft nesting material. To help prevent this, make sure you have provided sufficient quantities of nesting material to help prevent this.

There are disorders that include the loss of primary flight feathers, tatty, weak-looking plumage, or even feather mites. If any of these are occurring it is important to visit your local vet.

Has diarrhoea

Runny droppings are often caused by a poor diet. Some birds can develop diarrhoea after eating too much green food, or if the food has gone off. Changing the diet should lead to an immediate improvement. If this doesn't happen visit your local vet.

Has a scaly beak

A scaly beak, face and legs is often caused by mites. This infection is easy to cure with proprietary ointments. However, without treatment, scaly beak can lead to distorted, or unusual beak growth.

Looks to have a broken limb

If you suspect your bird has a broken leg or wing you must:                

  • remove the perches
  • put a deep layer of soft hay or moss in the bottom of the cage
  • place food and water in the bottom of the cage

Once this is done you should contact your local vet

Is straining

Straining could be caused by one of two problems - egg binding or constipation.

CONSTIPATION - The most common cause is a lack of green food in the diet which can easily be remedied. However, this shouldn't be confused with egg binding.

EGG BINDING - If a hen is suffering from egg binding it will:

  • be on the floor of the cage
  • have their feathers fluffed up
  • be obviously straining.

Separating the hen and raising the temperature to 32c will help the egg ease itself out within a short time. To be certain, catch the hen and gently smear her vent with glycerin. You must be gentle so not to crush the egg. If the egg inside were to break it could potentially be fatal.

It is essential as a potential bird owner you make yourself aware of more serious illnesses that can affect your bird.

Download the fact sheets below to learn more about PBFD and Psittacosis.

PBFD

Psittacosis