Budgerigars / Budgies - Diseases
Bird Diseases or Bird Health Care
Budgies, 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 pet 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 pet 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:
|
Could be serious - consult with vet:
|
Diseases / conditions budgies are usually diagnosed with:
- Malnutrition:
- Vitamin A and calcium deficiency are the most common deficiencies seen in seed junkies. Since seeds are higher in fat than many other foods, many seed eaters are often obese as well.
- Overweight birds are more susceptible to arthritis and fatty liver disease.
What you can do:
Introducing healthy foods - such as green leafy vegetables; red or orange fruits and veggies (which contain beta-carotene) - is a natural way to provide this nutrient safely. Calcium blocks should be provided also, to prevent calcium deficiency.
For seed addicted birds offer sprouted seeds instead. Sprouted seeds are healthier and lower in fat, as the process of sprouting reduces the fat content in the seeds, and sprouted seeds are usually more easily accepted by "seed addicts" than fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Malignant Tumors, Lymphomas and Fatty Tumors (may be caused by seed-only diet): Tumors can be benign or malignant (cancerous) and can involve any organ or system. Some species of birds tend to develop benign fatty tumors called "Lipomas."
- Lipomas are commonly seen in overweight Amazon Parrot, Rose-breasted Cockatoos and Budgies. It seems that older budgies are more prone to tumors of the ovary, testicle or kidney, which may eventually put pressure on the sciatic nerve on the affected side, resulting in lameness of the foot or leg.
- Fibromas are tumors found on the wing and they may need to be surgically removed. In some instances, amputation of the wing may be necessary.
- Gout - due to kidney disease or an underlying metabolic problem. Show up as lameness or acute illness.
- Diabetes - Treatable with insulin
Viral Infections such as Beak and Feather (PBFD) and Polyoma- Reproductive Problems, such as egg-binding, egg peritonitis, excessive egg production and abdominal wall herniation.
- Giardia Infections, causing gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea
- Highly susceptible to: Polyoma ... Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, PBFD, Beak & Feather ... Feather Plucking / Mutilation ... Neoplasia (cancer): Budgies are reputed to have more tumors than any domestic species. Tumors of the kidney, ovary, teste and liver are common ... Mites: Scaly-face mites are common and are treated with Ivermectin ... Feather Cysts ... Feather Lice ... French Moult in Budgerigars - A Review - Inte Onsman; Mutavi ... Scaly Face / Scaly Legs ... Aspergillosis
Additional Resources: Natural Antibiotics / Herbal Anti-inflammatories ... Strengthening Your Immunesystem Naturally (human applications - discuss with your holistic vet) ... General Avian Health References ... Article: Why is Lactobacillus so important to your bird's health?
NEED A VET?
USA: Find Your Local Avian Veterinarian
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with the AvianWeb visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the AvianWeb Webmaster.
Photo contributions and articles are welcome!
