Cockatiel Diseases
Bird Health Care
Cockatiels, like all birds, are very adapt at concealing their illness. This is a self-preservation mechanism, as the sick and the weak are the ones predators will focus on.
By the time your cockatiel looks ill, you can assume that your pet is seriously sick and is likely to deterioriate quickly unless appropriate treatment is provided.
By observing your cockatiel daily you will learn its normal behavior and you will be able to notice anything out of the ordinary. Below is a list of things to look out for as possible indicators of disease / illness; and a vet may need to be consulted.
Signs of illness to watch out for:
Critical / Serious - bird needs to be taken to vet:
- respiratory problems / abnormal breathing
- tail constantly moving up and down
- discharge from the beak, eyes or nostrils
- face and head feathers coated with mucus and semi-digested seed- abnormal droppings
- abnormal feathers, feather growth or molt
- bleeding
- drooping head, tail or wings
- dull or swollen eyes
- falling off the perch
- hunched over posture
- lumps or swellings on the body
- sitting on the bottom of the cage
- vomiting
- weight loss
Could be serious - consult with vet:
- loss of appetite
- fluffed up and/or untidy appearance
- abnormal droppings
- excessive feather picking or plucking
- abnormal sleep pattern (continuous, both feet on the perch when normally one foot is tucked up, head tucked under the wing, head turned towards the wing with eyes only partly closed)
- any change in normal activities ( talking or whistling, playing with toys, preening, interaction with other birds or humans, energy levels, different perching area)
- disorientation
- drinking a lot more water than usual
- soiled vent
- drooping head, tail or wings
Diseases / Health Problems Cockatiels Commonly Come Down With
Respiratory Signs, Chronic Depression, Weightloss: Aspergillosis (fungal disease), bacterial infections / pneumonia, nutritional deficiencies (Hypovitaminosis A), Psittacosis (Parrot Fever), mycoplasma infections, inhaled toxins. ... Sarcocystosis
Wheezing and Difficulty Breathing caused by inhaled seeds. Millet seeds are often associated with this problem- due to their small size.
Foreign Body Ingestion / Lead Poisoning, exemplifying itself in any combination of symptoms, including seizures, excessive urination, vomiting and depression.
Reproductive Problems, such as excessive egg-laying, egg-binding, egg-peritonitis.
Wing Tumors / Xanthomas may require wing amputation.
Cockatiels are susceptible to: Polyoma ... Candida / Candidiasis ... Chlamydiosis: This disease should always be ruled out in sick cockatiels. Conjunctivitis and sinusitis are frequently the only symptoms seen ... chronic egg laying, egg binding. These frequent problems can cause death. Treatments include environmental manipulation, hormonal therapy and hysterectomy. ... Sarcocystosis
- Also Check Out: Article: Why is Lactobacillus so important to your bird's health? ... Chronic Egg-laying ... Feather Plucking / Mutilation ... Giardiasis in Cockatiels - Sam Vaughn; National Cockatiel Society• Giardiasis: A disease caused by a gut parasite. Symptoms include painful feather picking and passing of whole seeds. Natural Antibiotics / Strengthening Your Immunesystem Naturally ... General Avian Health References
NEED A VET?
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If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
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