Have you been noticing some changes in your pet bird like behavioral changes, physical changes or sudden inactivity? Has your bird not been the same for the last few days? Well, these could just be signs of illnesses or diseases which you must definitely not ignore.
Like us, birds too show signs and symptoms of physical problems which must be diagnosed by a vet as soon as possible. As bird owners, it is our responsibility to keep our birds stay healthy and feel fine. The following is a list of the top signs and symptoms of illnesses in birds.
Unusual Droppings
One of the first signs of illnesses in birds is a change in their droppings. Either the color may change or the overall appearance and amount may be affected. Watch out for droppings which are yellow, rusty, brown or tarry black. These may be signs of internal bleeding. Also, check the change in consistency of the droppings.
Ruffled Feathers
Those birds which sit with their feathers ruffled for prolonged time periods may be facing respiratory problems and you must check out for this sign. Ruffled feathers may also conceal weight loss or other such issues. These can be life threatening and if you notice anything like this, you must take your bird to the vet.
Cloudy Eyes
If you see your bird’s eyes to have become cloudy or if you notice a discharge coming out of them, then this could be a sign of muscular, respiratory or nervous system problems or disorders. You should rush to the vet for immediate treatment.
Reduced Appetite
Another sign or symptom that you must watch out for in your bird is a reduction in its appetite. Birds have very high metabolisms so it is important they get the correct nutrition every day.  If the bird has stopped eating, it may have also lost some weight and this can be life threatening. Monitor the food consumption of the bird and clean the cage before feeding him the next time.
Open Mouthed Bleeding
If your bird has been breathing with an open mouth off late then this could be a sign of a respiratory problem or breathing issues. This can be serious and you must consult the vet as soon as possible to get proper medications or treatment. In some of such cases, the bird may need to be hospitalized.
