Introduction

If you notice signs of illness it is very important to get the vet promptly as most birds will hide illness until it is in an advanced stage. We recommend taking your bird to the vet BEFORE the bird ever becomes ill. Visiting your vet before the bird is ill will allow the vet to see your bird when it is healthy and help the vet create a routine preventive health care program for your new pet.

Signs of a Healthy Animal

Active, alert, and sociable

Eats and drinks throughout the day

Dry nostrils and bright, dry eyes

Beak, legs, and feet appear normal

Clean, dry vent

Smooth, well groomed feathers

Red Flags

Beak swelling or accumulations

Fluffed, plucked, or soiled feathers especially around the vent

Constant sitting on floor of cage

Wheezing or coughing

Runny or discolored stools

Favoring one foot when not asleep-- it is normal for birds to sleep on one foot

Eye or nasal discharge

Red or swollen eyes

Loss of appetite

If feeding fruits, the stool may become runny for a while. Many birds cannot tolerate too much acid that is in many citrus fruits, therefore we recommend limiting the amount of citrus you feed to your bird. When changing the food your bird is given, do so gradually. A sudden change may upset your bird's digestive system, or the bird may refuse to eat the new food.