Sick Bird Symptoms
Index of Bird Diseases ... Symptoms & Potential Causes
Bird Health / Avian Medicine Library
Bird Species and Their Respective Syndromes (Lists diseases specific bird species are most susceptible to)
Please choose your pet's primary symptom ... to find out possible causes:
Please note - this resource will be continually updated to include new information as available. Please keep in mind that not all diseases / health problems can be covered. The resource provides the more common problems associated with each symptom.
Some of the diseases require direct or indirect contact with a diseased bird (viral / bacterial disases, for example). If a pet hasn't been in contact with other birds for years, then one can exclude / ignore them for the most part. In those cases, it is more likely that nutritional factors or toxicities are involved in the disease process.
One can narrow the possibilties further down by considering susceptibility of the species (as listed). If none are listed, then most birds may be susceptible to the disease.
Nost Notable Symptoms:
- Beak:
- Overgrown Beak
- Beak / Deformed (not caused by an injury)
- Beak: Spots - refer to Fatty Liver Disease
- Beak Abnormalities and Missing Feathers - refer to PBFD
- Dry Peeling Beak
- Clear slimy liquid coming out of beak: Yeast
- Bleeding
- Coughing
- Drooling: Yeast
- Eyes: Swollen, Red and/or Runny
- Feather Problems
- Feather & Skin Disorders (irritated sore skin, itchy skin, feathers falling out without being plucked, misshaped feathers, abnormal feather development)
- Feather Plucking (birds pulling out their own feathers)
- Head Twisting, Unnatural Head Positioning, Circling
- Head - Wet feathers, possibly soiled: A wet head on an otherwise dry body typically describes what happens when a bird vomits, as opposed to regurgitation. Other symptoms include head shaking. Supportive care needs to be provided until the bird can be taken to the vet, which should happen as soon as possible.
- Joints / Legs / Feet: Swollen, Maybe Painful
- Legs: Weak, Paralysis
- Lethargy / Weakness / Depression
- Bird Poop / Droppings (Abnormal) and / or Increased Water Consumption and More Urine in Droppings
- Respiratory Problems / Breathing Difficulties
- Seizures
- Skin Disorders (irritated sore skin, itchy skin, feathers falling out without being plucked, misshaped feathers, abnormal feather development)
- Sudden Death
- Swollen Abdomen or Crop
- Swollen Vent
- Tumors
- Voice - Loss of voice or changes
- Vomiting
- Weight - Changes: Loss / Weight Gain
- Wheezing
- Wing - Deformed (not by an injury)
If there is a symptom you can't find, please send me an e-mail and I do some research on possible causes.
.Breeding-age Hens Only:
Egg Binding - Swollen vent, weakness
Egg yolk peritonitis - Common / possible symptoms: Sudden death, loss of appetite/anorexia, weakness, depression, respiratory distress, lethargy, fluffed feathers, lack of vocalizations, yolk-colored droppings, swollen vent and/or abdomen (the swelling feels spongy to the touch), and ascites. Some of these symptoms also mimic egg binding. Most commonly seen in cockatiels, lovebirds, and waterfowl.
Scaly Legs / Swollen Feet - Common in canaries and finches.
Staph Infections / Foot Infection: The foot is likely to be swollen and may feel hot.
Respiratory Problems
Possible Symptoms: Open-mouthed Breathing, Panting, Sneezing, Coughing, Wheezing, Squeaking, Wet Nestrils, Dyspnea :
Acute Bronchitis:
Half of the time caused by a bacterial / Megabacteriosis or viral pathogen. If it's bacterial, an antibiotic may have to be administered. Please refer to this webpage for information.
Can also be a result from breathing irritating fumes, such as those of tobacco smoke, teflon exposure, or polluted air. Please refer to toxicities.
Aspergillosis: Can affect just about any parrot. Respiratory symptoms, dfficulty breathing, rapid breathing and/or exercise intolerance are common If any portion of the central nervous system has become involved, the bird may have tremors, an uneven or wobbly gait, seizures, or paralysis.
Canary pox - Affects canaries. Common / possible symptoms: Sudden death or the sudden onset of difficult breathing.
Coryza (common cold) - A disease affecting chicken, pheasants, guinea fowl, turkeys and other game birds. Common symptoms: Respiratory distress accompanied by watery and swollen eyes
Psittacosis (Parrot Fever - Chlamydophila psittaci)
Airsack Mites: Common in: Finches (especially Gouldians) and canaries; but have also been diagnosed in other birds. Click here for more info
Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) - Affects chickens. Symptoms: The disease affects the respiratory and urogenital tract of birds resulting in respiratory distress, sneezing, rattling and . lesions in the trachea.
Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) - Affects fowls, pheasants and turkeys. Water fowl, such as ducks and geese, show no signs, but ducks are known to carry ILT - Common symptoms: contagious respiratory disease which is characterised by gasping, neck extension and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane around the eye).
Newcastle Disease: Respiratory distress, and rasping followed in 1 or 2 days by a paralysis of legs and wings and bad down between legs or straight back over shoulders, twisting of neck (stargazing). In adult birds, loss of production along with some respiratory distress and paralysis after 4 to 6 days.
Overheating / Heat Exposure / Life-threatening Emergency (immediately move bird to a cool area and provide water). Common / possible symptoms: Open-mouthed breathing, panting, holding their wings away from their body, in an attempt to cool itself down behaving as if they are stressed
Sarcocystosis has been observed in a variety of exotic species but is most prevalent among non- American (African, Asia and Australian) psittacine / parrot species. Cockatoos, cockatiels and African parrots are most commonly affected. Common / possible symptoms: Excretion of yellow pigmented urates and lethargy. Clinical signs include severe dyspnea (labored breathing), excretion of yellow pigmented urates and lethargy.
Food Intolerances / Allergies (chronic respiratory problems)
Wheezing and Difficulty Breathing - caused by inhaled dust or seeds. Occasionally odd objects get stuck up its nostrils (i.e., seeds / millets). Check and, if applicable, remove any objects that may obstruct your bird's airways.
Pionus Parrots may wheeze or make snorting sound when excited or frightened, which may be mistaken for a sign of respiratory distress.
Gallid herpesvirus - Infectious Laryngotracheitis - A disease of chickens and pheasants
Deformed Beak (not caused by an injury)
Scissors Beak - This is most commonly seen in cockatoos and macaws, but can occur in any species.
Parrot Beak - Most common in cockatoos, but can occur in any parrot species.
Deformed Wing (not caused by an injury):
Angel Wing - common in waterfowl, such as geese, swans, and ducks
Droppings / Abnormal and/or Increased Water Consumption & Urine
Lethargy / Weakness / Depression
Malnutrition: A parrot was presented with sleeping more than usual, being less lively and interactive with his owner. A blood test (CBC / Blood Panel) revealed that he was suffering from vitamin A and calcium deficiencies. The vet suggested adding a natural form of vitamin A (betacarotene) to his diet. The owner opened a capsule and coated his pet's seeds with it twice a week. Calciboost was also added to his diet to boost his calcium intake. Within a short, the parrot was back to his normal self. Please click here for information on bird nutrition
Aspergillosis - Respiratory symptoms will be the first to occur but will depend on the location of the greatest areas of colonization. Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing and/or exercise intolerance are common. If the syrinx (= sound-producing vocal organ) is involved, a change in voice, reluctance to talk, or a "click" may occur. Nares may become plugged or you may see a discharge. Eventually, severe respiratory compromise may kill the bird.
Avian Goiter (Thyroid Hyperplasia or Dysplasia) - Has been observed in many species of birds, including pigeons, canaries, budgerigars, and wild birds. It is the most common disease of the thyroid gland in the budgerigar.
Canary Pox (Canaries / Finches only): Symptoms: Chronic Eye Problems / Proliferative Conjunctivitis / Keratis / Chronic Corneal Ulcers, Lid Depigmentation, Cataracts, Eyelid Distortion, Scar Tissue with Feather Loss on Head / Lethargy / Weightloss / Death. Topical application of astringent solutions such as mercurochrome or alcohol may be useful. Adenine arabinoside ointment a has also been recommended. Mild baby shampoo may be gently applied to any lesions around the eyes to remove scabs. Immune stimulants such as PEPE b and Echinacea may be of possible value.
Canker, Pigeon Canker, Trichomoniasis, Roup or Frounce: Affects pigeons, doves and hawks
Chlamydiosis: Common acute symptoms: Respiratory problems; such as sinus infection, labored breathing, shortness of breath, noisy breathing or "runny nose." General well-being: Eye discharge or swelling. Lethargy, ruffled / fluffed-up feathers, loss of appetite, weightloss, weakness. Dehydration, polyuria (excess urine); diarrhea or yellowish, grayish, or lime green urates
Conure Bleeding Syndrome (CBS) appears in conure species with rapid onset of weakness and somnolence.
Egg Yolk Peritonitis: Sudden death, loss of appetite/anorexia, weakness, depression, respiratory distress, lethargy, fluffed feathers, lack of vocalizations, yolk-colored droppings, swollen vent and/or abdomen (the swelling feels spongy to the touch), and ascites. Some of these symptoms also mimic egg binding. Ascites is most commonly seen in cockatiels and waterfowl.
Gallid herpesvirus - Occurs in pheasants / poultry.A previously unexposed flock will develop cases for two to eight weeks following introduction. The incubation period is two to eight days. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, head shaking, lethargy, discharge from the eyes and nostrils (sometimes bloody), and difficulty breathing. It is widely viewed as one of the most contagious viruses that affect the poultry industry. A confirmed case will usually result in the establishment of a quarantine zone around the farm. Inside this quarantine zone, poultry workers will avoid poultry farms to prevent the spread of the virus.
Giardia: Possible symptoms: feather plucking; acute, chronic or recurrent diarrhea (a bad odor and lots of mucus may occur with the diarrhea); depression, lethargy, anorexia and weight loss, and even death, if untreated.
Heavy Metal Poisoning - common in pet birds that chew on inappropriate items: - Symptoms: feather picking, depression, gastrointestinal stasis, intermittent lethargy, seizures, dysphagia, ataxia, increased thirst and urination, loss of balance, dehydration, weightloss, green or bloody diarrhea and death.
Salmonellosis / Salmonella: Sick birds may appear thin, fluffed up, and may have swollen eyelids. They are often lethargic and easy to approach. Click here for more info.
Fatty tumors (lipomas and xanthomas)
Marek's Disease - Occurs mainly in chickens under 16 weeks of age. Symptoms: Leg and/or wing paralysis, high mortality, tumors on visceral organs.
Lymphoid Leucosis (Poultry Viral Disease / Infectious Disease): Occurs mainly in laying hens between 4 and 10 months or age. Tumors in the bursa of Fabricius will spread to many other internal organs, especially the liver, spleen and kidney.
Most commonly caused by an infection in the trachea. Most often fungal (aspergillus), but could also be bacterial.
In budgies, cockatiels and some other species, goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland) is also known to cause sqeaking or crying sounds in addition to regurgitation and coughing. The enlarged gland compresses the trachea leading to voice changes and respiratory difficulties.
The vet needs to run diagnostic tests, such as cultures and blood work.
Circling, Head Twisting, Unnatural Head Positioning:
PDD - Affects most parrot species, including macaws, African Greys, cockatoos, cockatiels, conures, Eclectus parrots, Amazons and budgies. Common / possible symptoms: Constant or intermittent regurgitation, chronic bacterial or fungal crop infections, pendulous crops, weight loss, passage of whole intact seeds in droppings, incoordination, depression or sudden death. Concomitant central nervous system signs may include ataxia, abnormal head movements, seizures, and proprioceptive or motor deficits.
Newcastle Disease: Respiratory distress, and rasping followed in 1 or 2 days by a paralysis of legs and wings and bad down between legs or straight back over shoulders, twisting of neck (stargazing). In adult birds, loss of production along with some respiratory distress and paralysis after 4 to 6 days.
Polyoma / Avian Polyoma: Causes high levels of mortality in young psittacine birds. Prevalent in macaws, conures, Eclectus parrots, lovebirds, cockatiels, budgies, finches and gallinaceous birds, including chickens and turkeys. Larger psittacines / parrots may die suddenly without signs of illness, or die after showing depression, anorexia, weight loss, delayed crop emptying, regurgitating, diarrhea, dehydration, subcutaneous hemorrhages, ataxia and paralysis.
Psittacosis: Common symptoms: Tremors and / or convulsive movements. Unusual head positions; Opisthotonos (neurologic disease in which the top of the head is bent over and approaches the back. Partial or complete paralysis of the legs
Toxins / Poisoning (either through ingestion or air-borne toxins):
Teflon Poisoning - overheated non-stick coating. Common if bird in or near the kitchen and non-stick coating cookware is used.
Heavy Metal Poisoning - Can affect all birds -- but especially those that have access to and like to chew on inappropriate items
Avian Goiter; Observed in many species of birds, including pigeons, canaries, budgerigars and wild birds
Avian Tuberculosis: Was common among imported birds. Common / possible symptoms: Sudden death or progressive weight loss in spite of a good appetite, depression, diarrhea, increased thirst, respiratory difficulty, decreased egg production often occurs in birds that were laying eggs. Click here for more info
Canary pox - Affects canaries. Common symptoms: Sudden death or the sudden onset of difficult breathing.
Egg yolk peritonitis (females / hens only) - Common / possible symptoms: Sudden death, loss of appetite/anorexia, weakness, depression, respiratory distress, lethargy, fluffed feathers, lack of vocalizations, yolk-colored droppings, swollen vent and/or abdomen (the swelling feels spongy to the touch), and ascites. Some of these symptoms also mimic egg binding. Most commonly seen in cockatiels, lovebirds, and waterfowl.
French Molt: Affects chicks of budgerigars, lovebirds, cockatiels and other psittacines (parrot birds / hook bills). Clinical signs usually appear about five to six weeks of age.Common / possible symptoms: : Excessive molting, occasional breakage of wing and tail feathers, feather loss. Watch for signs of bruising, bleeding and sudden death in chicks.
Fowl Cholera - Affects fowl. Common / possible symptoms: Sudden death, greenish diarrhea, high temperature, comb and wattle purple. Also swollen wattle. A chronic form of the disease exists in which lesions localize in a joint, wattle, infraohits, sinuses or other tissue. Treatment: Many drugs are available
PDD - Affects most parrot species, including macaws, African Greys, cockatoos, cockatiels, conures, Eclectus parrots, Amazons and budgies. Common / possible symptoms: Constant or intermittent regurgitation, chronic bacterial or fungal crop infections, pendulous crops, weight loss, passage of whole intact seeds in droppings, incoordination, depression or sudden death. Concomitant central nervous system signs may include ataxia, abnormal head movements, seizures, and proprioceptive or motor deficits.
Pulmonary Sarcocystosi - Most prevalent among non-American (African, Asia and Australian) psittacine species. Cockatoos, cockatiels and African parrots are most commonly affected with the acute fatal illness. Common symptoms: A hyper acute disease and birds are often found dead or near death without showing previous signs of illness. Birds may die unexpectedly after being observed as normal just a few hours before. Clear fluid usually exudes from the mouth when the dead bird is lifted.
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