Parakeet Illnesses
Guide to Identifying Parakeet Illnesses
A colorful songbird is a joy to have in the home but parakeet illnesses can often occur with little or no warning; resulting in an ailing bird and a worried owner. By becoming familiar with some of the signs that a parakeet may exhibit when ill, you can ensure that you will recognize when professional help is needed.
Parakeets are one of the most popular of pet birds. Understandable, given the beauty and grace of the small feathered creature, as well as the trilling sounds of their song. Although they are by nature shy of humans in the beginning, many people gain their trust and train their parakeets to become quite tame. Most parakeets have cheerful personalities, and they socialize well with other parakeets. A rainbow of colors is exhibited by this small member of the parrot family; greens, yellows, blues, whites, light purples and multi hued feathering are common. They have a rather long lifespan; healthy birds can live up to 20 years when they receive the proper food, shelter and care. It is only when certain parakeet illnesses make their appearance that the otherwise healthy bird shows signs of distress.
Certain medical conditions affect members of the parrot family, and the parakeet is no exception. Some of the conditions are self inflicted; especially true if the social bird does not receive adequate attention and loving care. When left to their own devices for an extended period of time, the parakeet will begin to show signs of neurotic distress. This can include behavior issues, plucking of its own feathers and pecking its skin to mutilation. These behaviors can be modified with patience and by providing the attention the bird craves. If an owner is unable to spend enough time with the parakeet, bringing another bird to be its companion will help satiate the need for company.
Other disorders are more health related, and can present serious implications. Runny noses, fever, listless behavior and coughs may be forerunners in illnesses in humans, but birds like parakeets are not so fortunate. By the time a bird’s illness becomes noticeable enough to display symptoms, his illness may already be well advanced. Symptoms of illness in birds, like other animals in the wild, make them a target of attack for predators and for others in their own species; therefore, they tend to disguise illness as long as is possible. It is extremely important to know your parakeet’s habits and personality well enough to immediately notice when they are off kilter.
Appetite is one indicator. Parakeets are normally voracious and messy feeders. When a bird’s appetite changes for no apparent reason, it may be a sign that he is ill. Another important feature is the bird’s song habits; if your bird normally chatters happily and incessantly but suddenly is very quiet, it should act as a signal to you that something is wrong. Inactivity will be another telling sign; lack of play, no movement around the cage and/or both feet on the perch while sleeping.
A few physical symptoms may be evident in some cases. Repeated sneezing, swollen eyes, nasal discharge or runny waste elimination is not normal in healthy birds.
Any type of illnesses or change in personality or characteristics should be a red flag. The parakeet should be seen as soon as possible by a veterinarian who is experienced in bird care and health. Since symptoms of illness may not be displayed in a timely manner, it is important that the bird be tended to quickly; the illness can easily exacerbate in as little as one day. Keeping your little songbird happy and content will make sure he’s around for years to come.