Birds have a knack for hiding signs of illness or weakness, a handy trait they learned in the wild to keep predators from singling them out. Unfortunately, Tweety’s refusal to let you know she’s under the weather can make it hard for you to know when she is sick. The good news is there are ways to spot signs of illness in your bird. The more familiar you are with your little buddy’s daily habits, overall appearance, and routines, the better able you’ll be to know when it’s time to take Tweety to the vet. And regular checkups can go a long way towards keeping Tweety happy and healthy. While it’s important to be vigilant about your bird’s health, don’t forget to also appreciate the joy they bring – check out our article on Celebrating Pet Birds for some fun ideas. In this post, a veterinarian talks about a few signs that will let know when your bird is sick.
Feathers Don’t Look Right
When cleaning themselves, birds normally ruffle their feathers. But, if your bird’s feathers stay fluffed or ruffled for longer than usual, there’s a good chance that he’s uncomfortable or something is wrong. Also, dirty or messy feathers may be a sign of distress since birds prefer to keep clean.
Runny or Cloudy Eyes
If your bird has cloudy, dull-looking eyes or there’s discharge coming from her eyes, this can be a sign of respiratory distress. And too, discharge or redness around the area on her beak that houses her nostrils may also be a sign of respiratory problems. The same goes for breathing through the mouth instead of the nostrils.
Low Energy
When a happy, active bird suddenly retreats to a corner of her cage for long periods or seems mopey, she may be sick. Sleeping a lot longer than usual can also be a sign that something’s wrong.
Tail Bobbing
When Tweety bobs her tail, she’s expanding her lungs to take in more air. But, bobbing her tail repeatedly means she’s having breathing problems.
Loss of Appetite
If your bird loses her appetite and experiences sudden weight loss, this could be due to an intestinal blockage, which is serious. Call your vet immediately.
Droppings Look Different
Tweety’s droppings can tell you a lot about her health. Changes in texture, color, or consistency, are usually signs of digestive problems.Change in Vocalization
For a songbird, changes in vocalization pattern, such as making new sounds or different sounds may indicate discomfort or a health problem.
If you have more questions or notice your bird exhibiting any of the above signs, please don’t hesitate to call us, your local animal clinic in Fox Lake, IL! Our veterinary diagnostics service can help identify and address any health issues your feathered friend might be experiencing, ensuring they receive the best possible care.