Swelling and inflammation of the eyes is called conjunctivitis. It may be an infection of just the eye, often caused by bacteria, or it may be a sign of a more widespread respiratory infection.
Inflammation of the internal structures of the eye is called uveitis, which may be a sign of a generalized disease. If the inflammation goes untreated, it may lead to the format
Diabetes mellitus is uncommon and can be challenging to diagnose. It does occur in pet birds and causes signs similar to those seen in people with diabetes, including passing a large volume of urine, excessive thirst, and high sugar (glucose) levels in the blood and urine. Diabetes is often seen in birds that are overweight or that have pancreatic or reproductive problems. A veterinarian can diagnose diabetes by laboratory blood testing. Depending on the speci
Birds have various digestive disorders, including infections and parasites, that can cause problems. The next section discusses some of the more commonly seen disorders in detail.
Avian Gastric Yeast (Macrorhabdosis)
Avian gastric yeast (Macrorhabdus ornithogaster) often colonizes the digestive tract of birds. It i
Some older birds develop signs of chronic heart disease, such as an inability to move or fly without discomfort and shortness of breath or other breathing difficulties. As birds live longer and diagnostic techniques improve, cardiac disease is being diagnosed more often. The ability to diagnose some forms of avian heart disease, using the same techniques (x-rays, CT scans, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms) as in people, has progressed rapidly over the past dec
Many of the most common causes of illness or death in birds are due to poor husbandry practices that result in nutritional deficiencies, trauma or poisoning due to household hazards, and unsanitary housing conditions. All of these can be prevented or minimized by providing proper care. Other causes of illness include parasites and bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that can be spread by exposure to sick birds or lack of good sanitation.
It is important to
All birds reproduce by laying eggs. Eggs are produced inside the female and then deposited in a nest. In captive female birds, egg laying, which is actually the equivalent of ovulation in mammals, can happen without fertilization or even the presence of a male. In some species, both female and male birds sit on the nest, while other species either leave this chore to the female only or leave it to nature to provide the warmth needed by the developing chick. In most s
While time outside a cage can be a positive experience your bird, it can also be dangerous, especially for small birds that can be easily stepped on or injured in falls. Birds also do not understand the nature of glass windows or mirrors. Like wild birds that fly into windows from the outside, pet birds can be injured flying into these barriers. Birds outside their cages should be carefully monitored to ensure they cannot escape and to avoid accidents and injury. All
Birds, like all pets, require routine care and grooming. The next section covers the specifics of routine care for pet birds.
Wing Clipping or Trimming
Some people choose to trim their birds’ wings, whereas others do not. Wing trims help protect against loss or escape of pet birds but are not a foolproof way of preventing escape. A bird that can only glide indoors may be able to fly away on a
If your bird is ill, your veterinarian may prescribe medication. Occasionally, medications can be provided in food or water. However, unless you can provide the medication inside something that can be swallowed in one gulp (for example, inside a small piece or fruit or vegetable), or your bird will accept hand feeding, controlling dosages and administration times in food or water is not very precise. Your bird may not consume enough of the medication because it does
Owners should get to know their birds’ normal behaviors and routines so that they can detect subtle changes in their bird’s behavior, food or water consumption, energy level, and overall appearance ( see General Signs of Disease in Birds). In the wild, most birds are instinctively aware that they are the prey of many other animals. Under these conditions, birds will often attempt to hide any weakness or illness. Pet bird owners should be awa