Detecting a sick bird
In the wild, a sick bird is an easy prey for predators. A bird is, therefore, likely to hide its illness. As a sick bird is difficult to spot, it is imperative to take immediate action once we realize our feathered friend is ill, as it has probably been ill for some time.
It is important to observe your bird, preferably when it does not realize you are watching. A regular inspection of its droppings is advised. A visit to the vet is advised when droppings do not appear normal and the cause cannot be attributed to anything obvious.
Detecting a sick bird
A sick bird usually sits with both feet on its perch with raised feathers and sleeps with its beak between its feathers. A healthy bird usually perches on one foot with the other foot drawn up between its feathers whilst sleeping. (Note: there are exceptions! Some birds sleep on two feet, whilst being perfectly healthy).
At a later stage the bird will not sleep with its beak between its feathers, but with its head facing forward and it appears to be short of breath. The immune system of the bird is now working to its fullest to fight off the disease which the bird is carrying, and this consumes a lot of energy. The bird shall not undertake any unnecessary effort and will occasionally feed and/or drink, only to return to its perch to continue sleeping.
In the final stage the bird will sit on the ground, because it does not have the energy to fly. In this case the bird is doomed to die as it has used up all its fat reserves and has also now used up its muscle tissues to survive.
Preventing illness
Proper housing and nutrition is very important to keep your birds healthy. It is advised to daily provide your birds with clean drinking water. Bathing water is not suitable as drinking water because germs from the droppings can easily contaminate the water and, as a result, infect the other birds.
A healthy bird can be a carrier of a virus or infection without it being noticeable. The bird can, however, infect other birds. This usually occurs when new birds are purchased. It is, therefore, advisable to quarantine newly purchased birds for a few weeks and to observe them, prior to introducing the new bird to your other birds.
Curing sick birds
With infections especially, it is important to start treatment at an early stage.
Sick birds should be kept in a separate cage and kept warm. Cover the cage completely with a blanket, except for the front. Use a heat lamp to keep the sick bird warm, but position the heat lamp in such a way that the bird can move away to a cooler area. Place a few perches at the bottom and top of the cage. Separating the sick bird is necessary to prevent the disease from spreading to the other birds.
Practical tips for the treatment of sick birds
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Immediately separate the bird from the other birds, preferably in a small “sick cage”.
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Do not experiment with medication
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Always finish the full course of antibiotics
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Treat the bird to vitamins after medication
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Keep the sick bird quarantined for a further 2 weeks, before returning it to its feathered friends.
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