A gram stain is also recommended during annual exams

Is my bird sick?

In the wild, a bird will endeavor to uphold a strong appearance when sick. This is called "survival of the fittest." By the time a bird actually shows an owner that it is unwell, it has likely been sick for some time. There are some signs birds present when unhealthy you should recognize before it is too late. Many things contribute to ill health. Improper diet is the most common cause of ill health. Trauma, poor upkeep, inferior hygiene, stress and genetics may lead to ill health. Just because the bird's outward appearance is normal does not mean the bird is healthy. Any deviation from normal should be taken as a sign of ill health.

If you notice the following in your bird, it may be sick, and you should consult us immediately.

• Any change in regular behavior or personality

• Unusually tame behavior

• irritability, agitation

• poor general appearance

• eye discharge

• cloudy eyes

• swelling around eyes

• nasal discharge

• blocked nostrils

• sneezing (excessive)

• wheezing or "wet" breathing

• labored or open mouth breathing

• Tail 'bobbing' with each breath

• change in voice or no voice

• not eating or reduced eating

• changes in amount of drinking

• weight gain or loss

• fluffed feathers

• dropping wings

• listlessness, inactivity, depression

• sleeping more

• lumps, bumps, swellings or bulges on the body

• lameness or swollen joints

• paralysis

• weakness

• redness or visible irritation

• not perching, sitting on bottom of cage

• wet droppings

• diarrhea

• change in the color of the droppings

• Decreased droppings

• wet feathers around face and head

• vomiting and excessive regurgitation

• sore feet

• balance problems

• seizures

• unconsciousness

• flaky or crusty skin

• excessive scratching

• changes in the texture of the beak

• overgrown beak or nails

• feather changes, color, chewed, plucked, damaged

• baldness

• prolonged molt

• abnormality of beak growth

• protrusions from the vent

• bleeding

Polyoma Virus Vaccine

The polyoma virus of pet birds belongs to the family of Papova virus, the same group of viruses that causes benign skin tumors (warts) in birds. Polyoma virus can cause benign feather lesions in birds or acute death. It is not fully known how the virus is spread. Infected but asymptomatic adult birds intermittently shed the virus through feather dust, droppings, eggs, and crop milk used to feed offspring. Birds could die quickly without any clinical signs, especially young birds. Death may occur anywhere from 15 days after birth with smaller birds to over 140 days with larger parrots. Some may show abdominal enlargement, bruising under the skin, and tremors. There is no definitive treatment for birds with polyoma virus infection other than supportive care.

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Chlamydia (Parrot Fever, Psittacosis) Test

Chlamydia is the one disease your birds may give to you! It can also be fatal! Recognition of the disease can be difficult without proper testing, which we offer. Some clinical signs include eye discharge, swelling, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, poor appetite, lethargy, "fluffed up" appearance, or weakness. Death can occur within 8-14 days. However, infected survivors may have no symptoms but may shed the bacteria for several months to years. It can be transmitted from contaminated droppings, crop excretions, feather dust, and respiratory secretions. Again, this bacteria is contagious to humans. Human infections include flu-like symptoms, high fever, sever headaches, chills, and shortness of breath.

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Last modified: 11/07/08