Is My Bird Sick?
Birds are not domesticated like we think of dogs and cats being domesticated, meaning they are VERY good at hiding when they are sick. In the wild, if a bird shows it’s sick, then a predator will target that individual more easily, so they need to keep sickness hidden. That makes it really hard for you, as a bird owner, to catch diseases early! But here are some things to watch out for:
- Sneezing, coughing, discharge around the top of the beak and nares (that fleshy bit that’s called the “cere”)
- Sleeping too often
- Being fluffed ALL the time, not just when happy or content
- Not preening
- Weakness or falling off of perches
- If the bird is at the bottom of the cage – this is generally an emergency!
If you’re in doubt, give us a call or bring your bird in for an exam. I’d rather be too careful than not!