How Can I Tell If My Pet Bird Is Sick?
It's important for you to know how your bird usually behaves so you can spot any changes that might mean it's sick. In nature, birds hide their sickness so they don't appear weak to other animals. Look for any changes in how your bird acts, eats, or drinks, how much energy it has, or its overall appearance.
Common signs that your bird might be sick include:
fluffed-up feathers
sleeping more than usual with closed eyes
not being active or interested
talking or singing less
sitting low on the perch or at the bottom of the cage
weakness or losing balance
breathing difficulties, like wheezing or tail bobbing while breathing
changes in droppings
increased or decreased appetite or thirst
throwing up food
If your bird shows any of these signs, you should take it to the vet.
How Do I Give Medicine to My Pet Bird?
If your bird is sick, the vet might give you medicine to help it get better. Sometimes, you can mix the medicine into its food or water, but this isn't always easy. Birds can be picky eaters and may not take the right amount of medicine that way. Usually, the vet will give you liquid medicine to give directly to your bird with a syringe or dropper.
It’s important to carefully follow your vet’s instructions about how much medicine to give and how often to give it. If you’re unsure how to do it, ask your vet or a veterinary technician to show you.
Here’s how to give medicine to your bird:
Prepare the medicine using the dropper or syringe.
Have someone help you, if possible.
Make the environment calm and quiet before you take your bird out of its cage.
Carefully hold your bird, gently wrapping it in a towel to help restrain it and being careful to not put pressure on its chest so it can still breathe.
Place the dropper or syringe in the side of your bird’s mouth and aim it towards the other side, then slowly give the medicine while watching to make sure the bird swallows it.
Praise your bird after giving it the medicine and reward it if possible.
Be extra cautious with your bird during this time. If it seems like it’s having trouble or starts coughing or choking, stop and safely return it to its cage. Don't try to shake or wipe out remaining medication from your bird’s mouth.
