Symptoms and Diseases in Pet Birds
An unusually immobile bird, or on the contrary very agitated, falling feathers (outside the molting period), diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite, swollen belly, thirst... many symptoms can pass Bird pain, this should remind us. Often, these signs only appear at a fairly advanced stage of the disease. It is, therefore, necessary to act quickly and take your animal to a veterinarian who will prescribe an appropriate treatment.
Here are some diseases in pet birds.
Psittacosis
Parrot fever is a contagious disease that is not only transmitted to the same species of sick birds, it is also a zoonotic disease that causes symptoms (flu-like signs) in humans. Infected birds exhibit irregular breathing, tremors, loss of appetite, fever, or fluorescent green droppings.
Colibacillosis
In birds, like many other animals, colibacillosis is a disease caused by Escherichia coli. The latter is not systemically pathogenic. Therefore, it can be found in the respiratory and digestive systems of birds without causing symptoms. But when this happens, the consequences can be very serious: green diarrhea, edema of the head (increase in volume), significant outbreak mortality, etc.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease. It is caused by coccidia that develops in the intestines of birds. It is caused by inadequate hygiene or spoiled food of poor quality. The disease causes diarrhea with blood, weight loss, and drooling at the corner of the beak. If the bird is not always treated, it may die within a few days.
Respiratory disorders
The airways of our birds are very fragile, especially since the environments in which we live and those we share with them can be very different from what they are in their natural state. Smoke from cooking or tobacco is particularly bothersome
Humidity and drafts are also very harmful. These are factors that trigger respiratory diseases or aggravate infections: rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia… Common symptoms are accelerated breathing, coughing, sneezing, and even runny nose.
Scabies
Mange or mite disease affects the legs and beak of birds, which are gradually covered with a gray shell. The culprits are mutated chemical mites, a type of mite that specifically exploits poor hygiene to wreak havoc.
If the animal is not treated in time, it can die.
Frostbite
Cold winds and freezing temperatures can cause frostbite in underserved birds. The ends of the legs tend to swell and turn white. This is a problem that commonly affects parakeets and lovebirds.
Anemia
In birds, anemia can be caused by improper feeding. In fact, it can be the result of nutritional deficiencies or unsafe foods like garlic or onions. These promote and push the destruction of red blood cells.
Parasites (red mites, mites) can also cause anemia, resulting in increasingly pale skin, legs and beak, as well as the emaciation of the bird affected by anemia.
Feather plucking or pecking
Pecking is a common behavior observed in stressed, often disturbed, fearful or inactive birds. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause plumage, and birds can have effects on themselves and their fellow birds.
Egg retention
It may happen that the egg gets stuck at the entrance to the cloaca and the mother cannot lay eggs. In this case, it is strongly recommended to take the bird to the vet, rather than trying to promote the drainage of the clogged egg alone by massaging the abdomen.