The Aging Parrot
In today’s world parrots have more health advantages with superior nutrition and medical care. Because of these benefits, most birds approaching their golden years are in top condition and remarkable health. However, there are some birds that will experience geriatric problems. It is up to the owner to make sure these elderly years are pleasant and comfortable for their avian companions.
Ultimately, the process of aging and becoming old is forthcoming for your feathered friend. You should be aware of some of the common problems older parrots can develop. Here are a few of those age-related conditions and reasons why they may come with time.
Improper Diet and Your Parrot:
Along with lack of nutrition, a poor diet can lead to a shortage of vitamin A. This is an extremely important vitamin for your avian companion’s health. It is important to make sure that your parrot receives a balanced diet starting with a high quality base diet and fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Birds that eat large amounts of high fat foods like seeds and/or nuts consume to many calories, especially older birds. This can lead to obesity as well as rob your parrot from receiving the vitamins and nutrients it needs to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Diabetes and a Parrot:
Older parrots that are overweight tend to be subject to diabetes. When this disease is present there is an issue with the regulation of blood glucose within the body. Management with diet and possible insulin injections may be required for your golden aged bird in order to counteract this disease.
Decrease in a Parrot’s Immune System:
As a bird ages, their immune systems tend to decrease in functionality. Cleaning and sterilization of your bird’s cage, perches, dishes, etc are a MUST for your companion, especially during these times. As the immune system becomes weaker, your parrot is more likely to become vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections; not mention protozoal and fungal diseases as well.
A Parrot and Arthritic Conditions:
Older birds can experience inflammation of their joints. This is often in relation to obesity or lack of exercise. It is important to keep your parrot at play. Just because he or she may be moving at a slower pace due to its aging years it is still important to make sure your bird leads an active life. Supplying toys and different sized perches at different levels often encourages your elderly parrot to move and play about. Playtime will also keep your bird mentally stimulated, which is equally important for an aging parrot.
Tumors in Parrots:
Some birds develop fatty deposits with age called lipomas. However, some these tumors can be malignant or cancerous and will affect organs within your parrot. If your elderly bird forms any type of tumors, they need to be address and possible surgery may be required to remove. Again, obesity appears to be the trigger for many of these tumors in elderly parrot species and can cause alarming and dangerous side effects.
Even though, there are some geriatric problems that may develop as your parrot approaches its golden years, it is still important to realize that these birds can live long, healthy lives. Routine well-checks with your avian veterinarian, proper diet, exercise and some extra TLC will help support many years to come for your feathered loved one.
Ultimately, the process of aging and becoming old is forthcoming for your feathered friend. You should be aware of some of the common problems older parrots can develop. Here are a few of those age-related conditions and reasons why they may come with time.
Improper Diet and Your Parrot:
Along with lack of nutrition, a poor diet can lead to a shortage of vitamin A. This is an extremely important vitamin for your avian companion’s health. It is important to make sure that your parrot receives a balanced diet starting with a high quality base diet and fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Birds that eat large amounts of high fat foods like seeds and/or nuts consume to many calories, especially older birds. This can lead to obesity as well as rob your parrot from receiving the vitamins and nutrients it needs to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Diabetes and a Parrot:
Older parrots that are overweight tend to be subject to diabetes. When this disease is present there is an issue with the regulation of blood glucose within the body. Management with diet and possible insulin injections may be required for your golden aged bird in order to counteract this disease.
Decrease in a Parrot’s Immune System:
As a bird ages, their immune systems tend to decrease in functionality. Cleaning and sterilization of your bird’s cage, perches, dishes, etc are a MUST for your companion, especially during these times. As the immune system becomes weaker, your parrot is more likely to become vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections; not mention protozoal and fungal diseases as well.
A Parrot and Arthritic Conditions:
Older birds can experience inflammation of their joints. This is often in relation to obesity or lack of exercise. It is important to keep your parrot at play. Just because he or she may be moving at a slower pace due to its aging years it is still important to make sure your bird leads an active life. Supplying toys and different sized perches at different levels often encourages your elderly parrot to move and play about. Playtime will also keep your bird mentally stimulated, which is equally important for an aging parrot.
Tumors in Parrots:
Some birds develop fatty deposits with age called lipomas. However, some these tumors can be malignant or cancerous and will affect organs within your parrot. If your elderly bird forms any type of tumors, they need to be address and possible surgery may be required to remove. Again, obesity appears to be the trigger for many of these tumors in elderly parrot species and can cause alarming and dangerous side effects.
Even though, there are some geriatric problems that may develop as your parrot approaches its golden years, it is still important to realize that these birds can live long, healthy lives. Routine well-checks with your avian veterinarian, proper diet, exercise and some extra TLC will help support many years to come for your feathered loved one.
How to Tell a Healthy African Grey Parrot from a Sick One
A healthy 'African Grey' is cheerful, looks around with interest, has a smooth plumage, eats, drinks, preens itself, and only sleeps intermittently.
A sick bird will usually sit in the corner of the cage with a puffed up plumage and half closed eyes. Droppings may become abnormal consistency and shape, you may see long, runny, watery or off colour droppings in the bottom of the cage and dirty feathers around the birds vent ( bottom ). You could also see other symptoms such as bloked or runny nostrils, hear sneezing, coughing or wheezing and continual scratching or feather plucking. Eye puss or swelling also indicates your bird has a problem. Injuries are also something to look out for, if you notice any abnormal swellings, lesions or if your bird has any problems eating, flying or using its legs and feet- seek advice as soon as possible.
A sick bird will usually sit in the corner of the cage with a puffed up plumage and half closed eyes. Droppings may become abnormal consistency and shape, you may see long, runny, watery or off colour droppings in the bottom of the cage and dirty feathers around the birds vent ( bottom ). You could also see other symptoms such as bloked or runny nostrils, hear sneezing, coughing or wheezing and continual scratching or feather plucking. Eye puss or swelling also indicates your bird has a problem. Injuries are also something to look out for, if you notice any abnormal swellings, lesions or if your bird has any problems eating, flying or using its legs and feet- seek advice as soon as possible.
A Sick African Grey - How can I tell if my bird is feeling poorly?
As bird owners, we bear the responsibility of making sure our pets stay healthy. In order to fulfill this obligation, we must learn to identify common signs and symptoms of illness. Protect your bird by learning to recognize when it's time to go to the vet.
When a bird gets sick, it is often very serious. Although birds can be very effective at hiding signs of illness from their owners, there are a few tell-tale symptoms that owners should be on the lookout for in order to have the best chance of saving their pet. If your bird exhibits any of these symptoms, he needs to be transported to a vet immediately!
1. Unusual Droppings: The color of your bird's droppings will vary slightly depending on what you feed him. Nonetheless, you should watch out for droppings that are yellow, rusty brown, or tarry black. These can be indicators of internal bleeding, amongst other serious problems. You should also notice if there is a major change in the consistency of your bird's droppings. If they are too runny or too firm, it can cause complications for your pet.
2. Ruffled Feathers: Birds that sit with their feathers fluffed out for prolonged periods of time are often affected by respiratory problems or other disorders. Ruffled feathers are also good at concealing weight loss, which can be life threatening for a bird. If you observe this behavior in your pet for more than a day or so, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
3. Red, Inflamed, or Runny Cere: Your bird's cere is what we perceive as his nose -- the little patch above his beak that holds his nostrils. Pay close attention to your bird's cere. If you observe any redness, inflammation, or discharge, there is a very good chance that you pet could be seriously ill. Make sure to keep your bird wrapped up and warm on the way to the vet.
4. Cloudy Eyes: If your bird's eyes look cloudy or have a discharge coming from them, he may be affected by a respiratory, nervous, or muscular disorder. You should rush to the vet as soon as possible as your bird needs immediate treatment.
5. Reduced Appetite: Birds have extremely high metabolisms, so it is vital that they receive adequate nutrition every day. If your bird stops eating and begins to lose weight, it may be a sign of an intestinal blockage or impaction, in which case he could die very quickly without medical attention. Make sure to clean out the bottom of your bird's cage every day before you feed him. This provides an easy way to monitor food consumption, not to mention changes in droppings.
6. Open-Mouthed Breathing: Respiratory problems are among the most common bird illnesses, and unfortunately the most serious. If you see your bird breathing with his mouth open while at rest, there is a good chance that he is not only sick, but has been for quite a while. This is one of the most serious symptoms of illness in birds, and requires immediate veterinary attention, with probable hospitalization.
7. Dirty Feathers: Birds are, by nature, hygienic animals that bathe often and preen their feathers daily to keep them clean. If you notice feathers around your bird's face or rump that appear messy, clumped up, or stuck together, it is an indication that your pet could be sick. Food consumption and droppings should be monitored closely for a day or so, and any changes noted and relayed to your vet as soon as possible.
8. Weight Loss: Many sick birds ruffle their feathers when they don't feel well, effectively concealing any changes in body mass and loss of weight. Weight loss can be devastating to a bird's health, not only in terms of reduced strength, but inhibition of organ functions as well. Weigh your bird regularly so that you will know if your pet is having trouble maintaining his weight.
9. Tail Bobbing: As with many common signs of illness in birds, prolonged and repetitive bobbing of the tail can be indicative of a respiratory infection. Unlike people, birds lack a diaphragm to separate the chest cavity from the stomach. The muscles located at the base of the tail help birds breathe by playing a part in expanding the lungs to take in air. If a bird is having trouble breathing, the tail muscles will work harder, causing the tail to bob up and down. Tail bobbing is often not noticeable until later, more serious stages of illness, so if you see your bird behaving in this manner, report to the vet immediately.
10.Changes in Vocalizations: Much like humans, birds who don't feel well often become less talkative than usual. Pay close attention to your bird so that you can learn his normal vocalization patterns. If you stay in tune with the way your bird behaves, it's possible to pick up on clues to that way that he feels. If you notice any changes in frequency or general tone of your bird's vocalizations, he should be monitored for additional symptoms for the next few days. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Early Diagnosis: The Key to Recovery
As far as your pet bird's health goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Birds have very delicate systems, and even a minor illness can turn into a serious threat in the blink of an eye. Early diagnosis can be vital to saving a sick bird's life. Examine your bird daily for any signs of infection, and make sure to keep a close relationship with your avian vet. Your bird depends on you to maintain his good health. Make sure that you keep tabs on his behavior so that you can keep your little friend around for a very, very long time.
When a bird gets sick, it is often very serious. Although birds can be very effective at hiding signs of illness from their owners, there are a few tell-tale symptoms that owners should be on the lookout for in order to have the best chance of saving their pet. If your bird exhibits any of these symptoms, he needs to be transported to a vet immediately!
1. Unusual Droppings: The color of your bird's droppings will vary slightly depending on what you feed him. Nonetheless, you should watch out for droppings that are yellow, rusty brown, or tarry black. These can be indicators of internal bleeding, amongst other serious problems. You should also notice if there is a major change in the consistency of your bird's droppings. If they are too runny or too firm, it can cause complications for your pet.
2. Ruffled Feathers: Birds that sit with their feathers fluffed out for prolonged periods of time are often affected by respiratory problems or other disorders. Ruffled feathers are also good at concealing weight loss, which can be life threatening for a bird. If you observe this behavior in your pet for more than a day or so, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
3. Red, Inflamed, or Runny Cere: Your bird's cere is what we perceive as his nose -- the little patch above his beak that holds his nostrils. Pay close attention to your bird's cere. If you observe any redness, inflammation, or discharge, there is a very good chance that you pet could be seriously ill. Make sure to keep your bird wrapped up and warm on the way to the vet.
4. Cloudy Eyes: If your bird's eyes look cloudy or have a discharge coming from them, he may be affected by a respiratory, nervous, or muscular disorder. You should rush to the vet as soon as possible as your bird needs immediate treatment.
5. Reduced Appetite: Birds have extremely high metabolisms, so it is vital that they receive adequate nutrition every day. If your bird stops eating and begins to lose weight, it may be a sign of an intestinal blockage or impaction, in which case he could die very quickly without medical attention. Make sure to clean out the bottom of your bird's cage every day before you feed him. This provides an easy way to monitor food consumption, not to mention changes in droppings.
6. Open-Mouthed Breathing: Respiratory problems are among the most common bird illnesses, and unfortunately the most serious. If you see your bird breathing with his mouth open while at rest, there is a good chance that he is not only sick, but has been for quite a while. This is one of the most serious symptoms of illness in birds, and requires immediate veterinary attention, with probable hospitalization.
7. Dirty Feathers: Birds are, by nature, hygienic animals that bathe often and preen their feathers daily to keep them clean. If you notice feathers around your bird's face or rump that appear messy, clumped up, or stuck together, it is an indication that your pet could be sick. Food consumption and droppings should be monitored closely for a day or so, and any changes noted and relayed to your vet as soon as possible.
8. Weight Loss: Many sick birds ruffle their feathers when they don't feel well, effectively concealing any changes in body mass and loss of weight. Weight loss can be devastating to a bird's health, not only in terms of reduced strength, but inhibition of organ functions as well. Weigh your bird regularly so that you will know if your pet is having trouble maintaining his weight.
9. Tail Bobbing: As with many common signs of illness in birds, prolonged and repetitive bobbing of the tail can be indicative of a respiratory infection. Unlike people, birds lack a diaphragm to separate the chest cavity from the stomach. The muscles located at the base of the tail help birds breathe by playing a part in expanding the lungs to take in air. If a bird is having trouble breathing, the tail muscles will work harder, causing the tail to bob up and down. Tail bobbing is often not noticeable until later, more serious stages of illness, so if you see your bird behaving in this manner, report to the vet immediately.
10.Changes in Vocalizations: Much like humans, birds who don't feel well often become less talkative than usual. Pay close attention to your bird so that you can learn his normal vocalization patterns. If you stay in tune with the way your bird behaves, it's possible to pick up on clues to that way that he feels. If you notice any changes in frequency or general tone of your bird's vocalizations, he should be monitored for additional symptoms for the next few days. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Early Diagnosis: The Key to Recovery
As far as your pet bird's health goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Birds have very delicate systems, and even a minor illness can turn into a serious threat in the blink of an eye. Early diagnosis can be vital to saving a sick bird's life. Examine your bird daily for any signs of infection, and make sure to keep a close relationship with your avian vet. Your bird depends on you to maintain his good health. Make sure that you keep tabs on his behavior so that you can keep your little friend around for a very, very long time.
REGURGITATION
In the human world, vomiting all over your date is not considered a pleasant end to a perfect evening -- but in the avian world, it could mean true love.
Regurgitation, perhaps one of the most perplexing bird behaviors, occurs when a bird throws up small amounts of food with the intention of feeding it to a loved one. Gross? Perhaps, to those who don't understand avian behavior. Normal? Absolutely.
Regurgitation behavior in birds might best be observed in the nest. When a hen is sitting on eggs, the father of her chicks will many times gorge himself, only to return to the nest and purge to feed his mate. Once the eggs hatch, the resulting baby birds are completely dependent on their parents for food, requiring the adult birds to regurgitate their meals to feed their newborn offspring.
Regurgitation is also a way that birds show each other that they are "interested". This is a natural courting behavior, and it's very common for pet birds to regurgitate on other birds, their favorite people, or even their favorite toys. If your bird regurgitates on you, it's most likely a sign that he or she loves you very, very much -- try equating it to being given a dozen roses or a box of chocolates.
While regurgitation is a completely normal behavior, it is important to note that your bird may not be truly regurgitating every time it throws up. True regurgitation is very obviously non-violent; the bird may stretch and pump it's neck a bit in the process, but will be calm and won't show signs of distress. A bird that is vomiting from illness, however, will sometimes quickly flick its head, slinging the partially digested food all over. In fact, some bird owners never become aware that their bird has vomited until they scrub their cages during weekly cleaning, and notice tiny bits of the vomit on the cage bars.
If you notice any sign that makes you think your bird could be vomiting from an illness, it is important to contact an avian vet immediately for an examination. Otherwise, just put on a clean shirt and keep a smile on your face -- your pet really loves you!
Regurgitation, perhaps one of the most perplexing bird behaviors, occurs when a bird throws up small amounts of food with the intention of feeding it to a loved one. Gross? Perhaps, to those who don't understand avian behavior. Normal? Absolutely.
Regurgitation behavior in birds might best be observed in the nest. When a hen is sitting on eggs, the father of her chicks will many times gorge himself, only to return to the nest and purge to feed his mate. Once the eggs hatch, the resulting baby birds are completely dependent on their parents for food, requiring the adult birds to regurgitate their meals to feed their newborn offspring.
Regurgitation is also a way that birds show each other that they are "interested". This is a natural courting behavior, and it's very common for pet birds to regurgitate on other birds, their favorite people, or even their favorite toys. If your bird regurgitates on you, it's most likely a sign that he or she loves you very, very much -- try equating it to being given a dozen roses or a box of chocolates.
While regurgitation is a completely normal behavior, it is important to note that your bird may not be truly regurgitating every time it throws up. True regurgitation is very obviously non-violent; the bird may stretch and pump it's neck a bit in the process, but will be calm and won't show signs of distress. A bird that is vomiting from illness, however, will sometimes quickly flick its head, slinging the partially digested food all over. In fact, some bird owners never become aware that their bird has vomited until they scrub their cages during weekly cleaning, and notice tiny bits of the vomit on the cage bars.
If you notice any sign that makes you think your bird could be vomiting from an illness, it is important to contact an avian vet immediately for an examination. Otherwise, just put on a clean shirt and keep a smile on your face -- your pet really loves you!
IS YOUR BIRD FEELING POORLY?
Is your bird feeling a bit "under the weather?" Would you really even know if he was? As bird owners, we bear the responsibility of making sure our pets stay healthy. In order to fulfill this obligation, we must learn to identify common signs and symptoms of illness. Protect your bird by learning to recognize when it's time to go to the vet.
What to Look For:
When a bird gets sick, it is often very serious. Although birds can be very effective at hiding signs of illness from their owners, there are a few tell-tale symptoms that owners should be on the lookout for in order to have the best chance of saving their pet. If your bird exhibits any of these symptoms, he needs to be transported to a vet immediately.
*Unusual Droppings: The color of your bird's droppings will vary slightly depending on what you feed him. Nonetheless, you should watch out for droppings that are yellow, rusty brown, or tarry black. These can be indicators of internal bleeding, amongst other serious problems. You should also notice if there is a major change in the consistency of your bird's droppings. If they are too runny or too firm, it can cause complications for your pet.
*Ruffled Feathers: Birds that sit with their feathers fluffed out for prolonged periods of time are often affected by respiratory problems or other disorders. Ruffled feathers are also good at concealing weight loss, which can be life threatening for a bird. If you observe this behavior in your pet for more than a day or so, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
*Red, Inflamed, or Runny Cere: Your bird's cere is what we perceive as his nose -- the little patch above his beak that holds his nostrils. Pay close attention to your bird's cere. If you observe any redness, inflammation, or discharge, there is a very good chance that you pet could be seriously ill. Make sure to keep your bird wrapped up and warm on the way to the vet.
*Cloudy Eyes: If your bird's eyes look cloudy or have a discharge coming from them, he may be affected by a respiratory, nervous, or muscular disorder. You should rush to the vet as soon as possible as your bird needs immediate treatment.
*Reduced Appetite: Birds have extremely high metabolisms, so it is vital that they receive adequate nutrition every day. If your bird stops eating and begins to lose weight, it may be a sign of an intestinal blockage or impaction, in which case he could die very quickly without medical attention. Make sure to clean out the bottom of your bird's cage every day before you feed him. This provides an easy way to monitor food consumption, not to mention changes in droppings.
*Open-Mouthed Breathing: Respiratory problems are among the most common bird illnesses, and unfortunately the most serious. If you see your bird breathing with his mouth open while at rest, there is a good chance that he is not only sick, but has been for quite a while. This is one of the most serious symptoms of illness in birds, and requires immediate veterinary attention, with probable hospitalization.
*Dirty Feathers: Birds are, by nature, hygienic animals that bathe often and preen their feathers daily to keep them clean. If you notice feathers around your bird's face or rump that appear messy, clumped up, or stuck together, it is an indication that your pet could be sick. Food consumption and droppings should be monitored closely for a day or so, and any changes noted and relayed to your vet as soon as possible.
*Weight Loss: Many sick birds ruffle their feathers when they don't feel well, effectively concealing any changes in body mass and loss of weight. Weight loss can be devastating to a bird's health, not only in terms of reduced strength, but inhibition of organ functions as well. Weigh your bird regularly so that you will know if your pet is having trouble maintaining his weight.
*Tail Bobbing: As with many common signs of illness in birds, prolonged and repetitive bobbing of the tail can be indicative of a respiratory infection. Unlike people, birds lack a diaphragm to separate the chest cavity from the stomach. The muscles located at the base of the tail help birds breathe by playing a part in expanding the lungs to take in air. If a bird is having trouble breathing, the tail muscles will work harder, causing the tail to bob up and down. Tail bobbing is often not noticeable until later, more serious stages of illness, so if you see your bird behaving in this manner, report to the vet immediately.
*Changes in Vocalizations: Much like humans, birds who don't feel well often become less talkative than usual. Pay close attention to your bird so that you can learn his normal vocalization patterns. If you stay in tune with the way your bird behaves, it's possible to pick up on clues to that way that he feels. If you notice any changes in frequency or general tone of your bird's vocalizations, he should be monitored for additional symptoms for the next few days. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Early Diagnosis: The Key to Recovery
As far as your pet bird's health goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Birds have very delicate systems, and even a minor illness can turn into a serious threat in the blink of an eye. Early diagnosis can be vital to saving a sick bird's life. Examine your bird daily for any signs of infection, and make sure to keep a close relationship with your avian vet. Your bird depends on you to maintain his good health. Make sure that you keep tabs on his behavior so that you can keep your little friend around for a very, very long time.
What to Look For:
When a bird gets sick, it is often very serious. Although birds can be very effective at hiding signs of illness from their owners, there are a few tell-tale symptoms that owners should be on the lookout for in order to have the best chance of saving their pet. If your bird exhibits any of these symptoms, he needs to be transported to a vet immediately.
*Unusual Droppings: The color of your bird's droppings will vary slightly depending on what you feed him. Nonetheless, you should watch out for droppings that are yellow, rusty brown, or tarry black. These can be indicators of internal bleeding, amongst other serious problems. You should also notice if there is a major change in the consistency of your bird's droppings. If they are too runny or too firm, it can cause complications for your pet.
*Ruffled Feathers: Birds that sit with their feathers fluffed out for prolonged periods of time are often affected by respiratory problems or other disorders. Ruffled feathers are also good at concealing weight loss, which can be life threatening for a bird. If you observe this behavior in your pet for more than a day or so, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
*Red, Inflamed, or Runny Cere: Your bird's cere is what we perceive as his nose -- the little patch above his beak that holds his nostrils. Pay close attention to your bird's cere. If you observe any redness, inflammation, or discharge, there is a very good chance that you pet could be seriously ill. Make sure to keep your bird wrapped up and warm on the way to the vet.
*Cloudy Eyes: If your bird's eyes look cloudy or have a discharge coming from them, he may be affected by a respiratory, nervous, or muscular disorder. You should rush to the vet as soon as possible as your bird needs immediate treatment.
*Reduced Appetite: Birds have extremely high metabolisms, so it is vital that they receive adequate nutrition every day. If your bird stops eating and begins to lose weight, it may be a sign of an intestinal blockage or impaction, in which case he could die very quickly without medical attention. Make sure to clean out the bottom of your bird's cage every day before you feed him. This provides an easy way to monitor food consumption, not to mention changes in droppings.
*Open-Mouthed Breathing: Respiratory problems are among the most common bird illnesses, and unfortunately the most serious. If you see your bird breathing with his mouth open while at rest, there is a good chance that he is not only sick, but has been for quite a while. This is one of the most serious symptoms of illness in birds, and requires immediate veterinary attention, with probable hospitalization.
*Dirty Feathers: Birds are, by nature, hygienic animals that bathe often and preen their feathers daily to keep them clean. If you notice feathers around your bird's face or rump that appear messy, clumped up, or stuck together, it is an indication that your pet could be sick. Food consumption and droppings should be monitored closely for a day or so, and any changes noted and relayed to your vet as soon as possible.
*Weight Loss: Many sick birds ruffle their feathers when they don't feel well, effectively concealing any changes in body mass and loss of weight. Weight loss can be devastating to a bird's health, not only in terms of reduced strength, but inhibition of organ functions as well. Weigh your bird regularly so that you will know if your pet is having trouble maintaining his weight.
*Tail Bobbing: As with many common signs of illness in birds, prolonged and repetitive bobbing of the tail can be indicative of a respiratory infection. Unlike people, birds lack a diaphragm to separate the chest cavity from the stomach. The muscles located at the base of the tail help birds breathe by playing a part in expanding the lungs to take in air. If a bird is having trouble breathing, the tail muscles will work harder, causing the tail to bob up and down. Tail bobbing is often not noticeable until later, more serious stages of illness, so if you see your bird behaving in this manner, report to the vet immediately.
*Changes in Vocalizations: Much like humans, birds who don't feel well often become less talkative than usual. Pay close attention to your bird so that you can learn his normal vocalization patterns. If you stay in tune with the way your bird behaves, it's possible to pick up on clues to that way that he feels. If you notice any changes in frequency or general tone of your bird's vocalizations, he should be monitored for additional symptoms for the next few days. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Early Diagnosis: The Key to Recovery
As far as your pet bird's health goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Birds have very delicate systems, and even a minor illness can turn into a serious threat in the blink of an eye. Early diagnosis can be vital to saving a sick bird's life. Examine your bird daily for any signs of infection, and make sure to keep a close relationship with your avian vet. Your bird depends on you to maintain his good health. Make sure that you keep tabs on his behavior so that you can keep your little friend around for a very, very long time.
RAPID BREATHING IN A PARROT
There are some signs in parrot behavior that you just cannot afford to ignore. Your bird cannot tell you when it is ill, and the only way you will know that there is a problem is if you look for signs and symptoms that something is wrong. When it comes to symptoms that should never be ignored, breathing problems is a very good example. If your parrot begins to breathe rapidly, this should garner your immediate attention. This is because rapid breathing is a symptom of numerous serious medical conditions that could affect your bird.
Before going into more detail about these medical conditions, it is a good idea to note that there is a difference between rapid breathing and panting. If your parrot becomes too hot and begins to pant, much like a dog or a cat will, then you can solve this problem by cooling your bird down. However, if your bird is experiencing rapid breathing, open mouth breathing, sneezing, wheezing, or any combination of these symptoms, it will need the attention of a veterinarian. Just what does this rapid breathing indicate? There are several respiratory problems that could be the culprit.
What Can Cause Fast Breathing in Parrots?
Most likely, one of the most serious and more common causes of the breathing issue will be Aspergillosis. This very serious respiratory infection is caused by a fungus that grows inside of peanut shells. Signs of Aspergillosis other than rapid breathing include troubled or labored breathing, lethargy, loss of balance, and seizures.
Another cause of the breathing difficulties is infectious bronchitis virus. Often refered to as IBV, this illness includes such signs as a wheezing or rattling, sneezing, and tracheal lesions. This illness seriously affects the respiratory system, but can be managed with medication.
Newcastle Disease is a syndrome that humans can contract too. This infectious disease attacks the respiratory and nervous systems. Symptoms other than rapid breathing include rasping, wheezing, star gazing (twisting the head at the neck for extended periods of time), and paralysis in the legs and wings. The paralysis is only temporary and will resolve with medication in about a week.
Another infection common among exotic birds is Sarcocytosis. This infection tends to affect parrots specifically. Signs of the illness include lethargy, breathing problems including rapid and labored breathing, and urine that includes a strong yellow pigment.
Some parrots, just like humans, can experience food allergies. In parrots, these allergies will often present themselves as a chronic respiratory problem. If you notice that your parrot experiences rapid breathing off and on after eating meals, you will need to work with your veterinarian to determine what food may be the cuprit and then remove it from your parrot’s diet.
There are many problems that can result in breathing difficulties for your parrot. Some of these problems are quite dangerous. Because of this, you should always consult your veterinarian if you notice any sort of breathing problem in your parrot, be it rapid breathing or any difficulties with the respiratory system. Your parrot cannot tell you when it is sick, but if you watch for the signs, you can certainly be aware of problems before they get too serious.
Before going into more detail about these medical conditions, it is a good idea to note that there is a difference between rapid breathing and panting. If your parrot becomes too hot and begins to pant, much like a dog or a cat will, then you can solve this problem by cooling your bird down. However, if your bird is experiencing rapid breathing, open mouth breathing, sneezing, wheezing, or any combination of these symptoms, it will need the attention of a veterinarian. Just what does this rapid breathing indicate? There are several respiratory problems that could be the culprit.
What Can Cause Fast Breathing in Parrots?
Most likely, one of the most serious and more common causes of the breathing issue will be Aspergillosis. This very serious respiratory infection is caused by a fungus that grows inside of peanut shells. Signs of Aspergillosis other than rapid breathing include troubled or labored breathing, lethargy, loss of balance, and seizures.
Another cause of the breathing difficulties is infectious bronchitis virus. Often refered to as IBV, this illness includes such signs as a wheezing or rattling, sneezing, and tracheal lesions. This illness seriously affects the respiratory system, but can be managed with medication.
Newcastle Disease is a syndrome that humans can contract too. This infectious disease attacks the respiratory and nervous systems. Symptoms other than rapid breathing include rasping, wheezing, star gazing (twisting the head at the neck for extended periods of time), and paralysis in the legs and wings. The paralysis is only temporary and will resolve with medication in about a week.
Another infection common among exotic birds is Sarcocytosis. This infection tends to affect parrots specifically. Signs of the illness include lethargy, breathing problems including rapid and labored breathing, and urine that includes a strong yellow pigment.
Some parrots, just like humans, can experience food allergies. In parrots, these allergies will often present themselves as a chronic respiratory problem. If you notice that your parrot experiences rapid breathing off and on after eating meals, you will need to work with your veterinarian to determine what food may be the cuprit and then remove it from your parrot’s diet.
There are many problems that can result in breathing difficulties for your parrot. Some of these problems are quite dangerous. Because of this, you should always consult your veterinarian if you notice any sort of breathing problem in your parrot, be it rapid breathing or any difficulties with the respiratory system. Your parrot cannot tell you when it is sick, but if you watch for the signs, you can certainly be aware of problems before they get too serious.