Holly Frisby, DVM, MS
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
The presence of signs of illness in a bird is sometimes termed "sick-bird syndrome." This is because many illnesses cause the same signs, and, by the time a bird shows signs of illness, it really is sick. Aviary birds, like other prey animals, hide signs of illness. Predators look for signs of illness or weakness when choosing their prey, so a prey animal needs to appear healthy, or it will be a sure target. By the time they are showing signs of illness, in many instances the birds have become too weak to be able to disguise it. At this point, small birds, especially, have little reserve, and even handling them can put them into shock. This is why it is extremely important for bird owners to be aware of signs of illness in a bird, and monitor their birds at least twice daily for the presence of these signs.
If you notice any of the signs in the list below, contact your veterinarian. Weakness, labored breathing, bleeding, injuries, collapse, seizures, or other nervous system signs are especially serious, should be considered emergencies, and need immediate attention.
*Weakness, labored breathing, bleeding, trauma, collapse, seizures, or other nervous system signs are especially serious, should be considered emergencies, and need immediate attention.
Changes in general appearance or stance:
Huddled
Sitting low on the perch
Sitting on the bottom of the cage
Hanging onto the side of the cage by its beak instead of sitting on a perch
Head tucked under wing and standing on two feet
Ruffled feathers (consistently)
Weakness
Losing balance, teetering, or falling off of perch
Lumps or swelling of any portion of the body
Picking at its feathers or body
Trembling
Not preening
Harassed by other birds
Eyes dull, sunken, or abnormal color
Walking in circles
Unusual smell to bird or droppings
Drooped or elevated wing(s)
Changes in behavior and general attitude:
Inactivity
Decreased or changes in vocalizations or singing
Drooping wings
Collapse
Seizures
Increased sleeping or eyes closed
Poor response to stimuli
Changes in personality, e.g.; more submissive, more aggressive
Displaying juvenile behavior, e.g., begging for food
Changes in color, volume, consistency, and number of droppings:
Change in color of the urates (normally white), urine (normally clear), or feces (normal varies with species)
Change in consistency: watery (increased urine), loose feces (diarrhea), hard feces (constipation)
Bloody droppings
Undigested food in feces
Decrease in number or size of droppings
Increase in urates
Changes in appearance of the head:
Discharge around the eyes and/or nares
Squinting or half-closed eyes
Overgrown or flaky beak
Shiny black beak in a cockatoo (symptom of Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease)
Loss of symmetry (one area seems swollen or smaller compared to the other side)
Redness or loss of feathers around the eye
Discoloration of the beak
Flicking or twitching of the head
Changes in feathers:
Ruffled or fluffed feathers
Lost, misshaped, or broken feathers
Decreased preening
Wet, stained, or matted feathers on the head, vent, or other area
Dull feathers
Long or excessive molt, bald spots
Pulling or picking at feathers
Abnormal color or barring
Changes in legs or feet:
Lameness or favoring a leg
Flakiness, crusting, or discoloration of feet
Abnormal nail growth
Shifting feet
Swollen feet or joints
Changes in breathing:
Difficulty breathing
Breathing with an open beak
Tail bobbing when taking a breath
Sneezing
Discharge or crusts around the nares
Wheezing or clicking sounds
Exercise intolerance (heavy breathing after exercise, or inability to exercise)
Change in sound of voice
Changes in eating/drinking/digestion:
Increased or decreased appetite
Increased or decreased drinking
Vomiting or regurgitation
Straining to defecate or pass an egg
Diarrhea
Swelling in the crop area
Weight loss (use a scale) and/or prominent keel (breast bone)
Discharge from mouth
Inability to pick up food or manipulate it
Protrusion from the vent
Injuries:
Burns
Bite wounds
Injury from flying into a window or other object
Bleeding
