Cockatiel Diseases
Bird Health Care
Cockatiels, 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 cockatiel 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 cockatiel 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:
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Could be serious - consult with vet:
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Diseases / Health Problems Cockatiels Commonly Come Down 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.
Respiratory Signs, Chronic Depression, Weightloss: Aspergillosis (fungal disease), bacterial infections / pneumonia, nutritional deficiencies
(Hypovitaminosis A), Psittacosis (Parrot Fever), mycoplasma infections, inhaled toxins.
... Sarcocystosis- Wheezing and Difficulty Breathing caused by inhaled seeds. Millet seeds are often associated with this problem- due to their small size.
- Foreign Body Ingestion / Lead Poisoning, exemplifying itself in any combination of symptoms, including seizures, excessive urination, vomiting and depression.
- Reproductive Problems, such as excessive egg-laying, egg-binding, egg-peritonitis.
- Wing Tumors / Xanthomas may require wing amputation.
Cockatiels are susceptible to: Polyoma ... Candida / Candidiasis ... Chlamydiosis: This disease should always be ruled out in sick cockatiels. Conjunctivitis and sinusitis are frequently the only symptoms seen ... chronic egg laying, egg binding. These frequent problems can cause death. Treatments include environmental manipulation, hormonal therapy and hysterectomy. ... Sarcocystosis
Also Check Out: Article: Why is Lactobacillus so important to your bird's health? ... Chronic Egg-laying ... Feather Plucking / Mutilation ... Giardiasis in Cockatiels - Sam Vaughn; National Cockatiel Society ... Natural Antibiotics / Herbal Anti-inflammatories - Strengthening Your Immunesystem Naturally ... General Avian Health References
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