Birds are really good at hiding the disease. Because weakness means they will become a prey, they try to avoid showing they are ill. For that reason, even very mild symptoms mean  the bird is very ill and needs to be presented to veterinary practice as soon as possible.

 

Birds have a really fast metabolism, which means they require more calories intake and need to eat more frequently in comparison to pet dogs or cats. Reducing appetite or inappetence always indicates a problem. While larger birds can survive a bit longer without food, for smaller birds like canaries or budgerigars twelve hours of starvation may cause fatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level).

 

Water is essential for avian species not only for drinking, but also to maintain good feather condition. Some of them like being sprayed with warm water, some of them prefer bathing in a water pool. This is a very individual preference. Healthy feathers should be waterproof. This happens because birds groom themselves with disintegrated down feathers that turn to powder, then using the beak spread the powder all over all feathers, making them dusty. Birds spend a lot of time grooming their feathers.

 

Unique anatomy of the respiratory system in avians makes them, unfortunately, more prone to respiratory infections. Some diseases are difficult to treat or it takes a long time for a patient to recover. The symptoms of the respiratory distress include:

 

• increase in respiratory rate and depth of breathing

• open mouth breathing

• tail bobbing

• noisy breathing (wheezing,crackling)

• gasping

• head shaking

• discharge from eyes and nares

 

Any unusual behaviour of a pet bird indicates a problem!  Birds are supposed to be active throughout the day. Puffy feathers and sleeping during the day is unusual.

 

Please call your veterinary practice and ask for exotic appointment!