Identifying Signs of Illness in Your Bird

Birds are notorious for their ability to hide symptoms of illness.  In the wild, this skill serves them very well, and in fact, may save their life.  When wild birds are ill, their weakness may attract a predator.  Because our pet birds are not domesticated, they function physiologically as a wild animal. And although hiding sickness may help a bird survive in the wild, that same ability may endanger their health in the life they share with humans. 

Along with a healthy diet enriched with a wide variety fruits and vegetables, the first step to ensure your bird’s health is to have regular check-ups with a board-certified avian vet.  A “wellness” check-up every six months can uncover illnesses that are not physically apparent. If a board-certified avian vet is not available in your area, locate a vet who is experienced in treating birds, and one that keeps current on with the latest health concerns in avian health issues.

Although wellness checks are extremely important, it is imperative for you, as the main human and chief member of the flock, to keep a daily awareness of your bird’s behavior.  Having a thorough familiarity with their behavior and appearance when they are healthy is one of the best ways to know when they are sick.

For instance, how can you tell the difference between a sick parrot and a sleepy parrot? Their appearance is similar--both will sit fluffed up, eyes closed, usually perching on one foot. (Note:  sometimes, if a bird is sick, it will sleep on both feet.) The sleepy bird will awake immediately if startled and will respond with bright eyes and curiosity. The sick parrot will be unsteady on its perch, will shiver and appear lethargic.

Even the slightest sign of illness is a huge red flag in regard to their health.  Because birds can hide sickness so well, they can be seriously ill when the first sign of illness becomes apparent to their companion human. Some avian experts believe that one day of illness in a bird is equal to seven days of illness in a human.  In other words, if your bird has shown signs of sickness for only one day, it could mean the bird may have been ill for the past seven days.

Below is a list of symptoms of illness in birds.  If your bird shows one or a combination of these symptoms, call your vet immediately. Serious and emergency conditions are highlighted in red.

• Discharge from the eyes
• Change in clarity or color of the eyes
• Closing of the eyes
• Swelling around the eyes
• Discharge from the nostrils
• Obstructed nostrils
• Soiling of feathers on head or around nostrils
• Matting of feathers around top of head or ears
• Sudden feather loss when not in molting season
• Sneezing
• Scaly skin around eyes, beak, legs or feet
• Inability to manipulate food within the mouth
• Reduced appetite or not eating at all
• Fluffed-up feathers
• Inactivity
• Gagging or stretching of the neck
• Droopy wings
• Decreased preening and feather maintenance
• Break in the bird's routine
• Change in or no vocalization – possibly serious
• Weight loss
• Equilibrium problems – very serious
• Inability to perch – bird rests on the bottom of the cage
• Limping or not bearing weight on one leg
• Swollen feet or joints
• Change in quality or quantity of droppings
• Undigested food or blood in droppings
• Open-mouthed breathing when at rest – very serious
• Tail pumping (rhythmic back and forth motion of tail when resting)
• Lumps or masses anywhere on the body
• Bleeding –this is always an emergency situation, regardless of the origin

Not all symptoms of sickness are life-threatening.  Most illnesses can be treated with proper and consistent care.  The important thing is to recognize the signs of illness, and get the bird to a vet as quickly as possible.

In emergency situations, one can’t get help fast enough.  If the emergency occurs after hours and your regular avian vet is unavailable, you’ll have to take your bird to an emergency animal hospital.  Because some of these clinics don’t treat birds, you’ll want to investigate which emergency hospitals do offer avian services BEFORE an emergency occurs.

There are no absolute guarantees when it comes to the health of your bird.  But if you are aware of the signs of illness, and cultivate a daily awareness of changes in your bird’s behavior, you can do a great deal to ensure that your bird enjoys a healthy life.

Disclaimer:  The information in this article is meant to be used only as a guide to symptoms of bird illness. Whenever you have questions about your bird’s health or if your bird is showing signs of possible illness, consult your avian veterinarian.

Monica Gonzalez, published 2/23/05
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