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How to Tell When Your Bird Isn’t Feeling Well

February 15, 2017
If you own a bird, it’s important to know when he or she isn’t feeling their best. That way, you can quickly check with your veterinarian for a second opinion. Learn about a few common signs of a sick bird from your Pickerington, OH veterinarian:

Behavior Changes

Keep a close eye on your bird’s behavior. Our feathered friends can be finicky, but take note if your bird has suddenly begun acting strangely. Perhaps your pet is acting out aggressively when she’s usually friendly, or hiding a lot when she’s typically quite social. Abnormalities like these may indicate disease or injury, so it’s best to check with your veterinary professional.

Ruffled Feathers

Although birds do ruffle their feathers occasionally, they don’t usually keep them ruffled for long. It could be a sign of respiratory issues or disease—if you’ve noticed that your bird has kept the feathers ruffled for a period of 24 hours or longer, it’s time to act. Call your vet’s office to make an appointment, as you’ll want to have your feathered friend examined promptly.

Cere Issues

Your bird’s cere is the area above the beak where the nostrils are found; it’s essentially your bird’s nose. Keep an eye on this area, because it can work as a good indicator of your bird’s internal health. If you see discharge coming from this area, or if you notice inflammation, redness, swelling, or other issues, place a call to your vet’s office.

Loss of Appetite

Have you noticed more food being left in your bird’s dish recently? Has your feathered companion seemingly lost all interest in eating? It’s safe to say that a loss of appetite isn’t a sign of good health for just about any pet—your bird included. It could be an indicator of injury or disease, or it could mean that your bird simply needs a change in diet. Contact your vet’s office to make sure.

Waste Changes

Try to take note of any major changes in the color, consistency, or frequency of your bird’s droppings. Let your veterinarian know if you notice anything unusual, as it could indicate internal health problems that may require veterinary attention. We’re here to help with all of your bird’s healthcare needs. If your feathered friend needs veterinary care, or if you have questions about any aspect of your pet’s well-being, set up an appointment with your Pickerington, OH vet today.