Birds are quite talented when it comes to hiding pain, discomfort, and illness—if you’re the proud owner of a pet bird, it’s up to you to be able to tell when your pet isn’t feeling well! Here, a Crown Point, IN veterinarian tells you about five signs of sickness in your pet bird:
Poor Appearance
Generally speaking, birds are fastidious self-groomers and tend to be very hygienic. If you’ve noticed that your bird’s appearance seems to be lacking—maybe you’ve seen dirt or crusted material near the wings, or the feathers are clumped together—it could be an indicator of illness or injury. Call your vet to get a professional opinion.
Loss of Appetite
A loss of appetite isn’t a good sign in almost any pet. Your feathered friend is no exception! Do your best to keep track of your bird’s eating habits… if you notice a lot of leftover food left in Polly’s bowl after mealtime, or if your bird doesn’t seem to be drinking as much as she used to, it’s time to place a call to the vet’s office.
Cere Issues
Your bird’s cere is essentially their nose; it’s the small area right above the beak that houses the nostrils. Pay close attention to this area, because it’s a good indicator of your bird’s health. Look for crusted material or pus around this area, because it’s a sign of infection, respiratory issues, or other health problems. Set up an appointment with your vet if you see something amiss with your bird’s cere.
Eye Crusts
Like the cere, it’s a good idea to examine your bird’s eyes on a regular basis as they can point to infection, respiratory trouble, and other illnesses. A healthy bird will have clean, clear eyes—if your pet seems to have cloudy eyes, or if you see mucus, crusted material, inflammation, swelling, or redness in this area, take your bird to be examined.
Ruffled Feathers
Most birds will occasionally keep their feathers ruffled; it’s a normal part of life for your pet. However, if you notice that your bird has kept their feathers ruffled for a long time—more than a full day—you’ll want to check with your vet. Often, a bird who has kept the feathers ruffled is suffering from a respiratory issue!
Want to know more about your bird’s health and wellness? Call your Crown Point, IN veterinary clinic.
