Help For A Sick Parakeet

by Attila
(new york, usa)

Reader Question: How to Help a Sick Parakeet

Hi my bird got sick few days ago. He does not walk nor fly. It has its head in his body looking upwards or sideways. His feathers ate fluffy and breaths heavily body shaking.what has happened to him? He is about 9 yrs old. He does eat and drinks more often now. Mostly thirsty.



Suggestions from Our Veterinarian

Hi Attila,

The symptoms you are describing in your parakeet fit a long list of potential health conditions including metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes), organ dysfunction, malnutrition (often seen when birds are on a seed based diet), infections (viral, bacterial or fungal), and exposure to toxins. The only way to determine what might be going on and make a plan for helping your bird is to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian who has expertise in treating birds. If you don’t already have a “bird doctor,” use the Find a Vet function on the Association of Avian Veterinarians website to locate one nearby.

In the meantime, thoroughly sanitize everything in your bird’s cage and keep it impecably clean. Provide fresh water every day. Replace food with a new batch of his favorite type (pellets are better than seeds but this is not the time to make a diet change). Make sure the cage is in a draft-free location and warmed to around 83 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Like this page? Please share it with your friends: