Signs Your Pet Bird Needs To See The Veterinarian
Because birds are not as common as cats and dogs as pets, many owners are not quite as aware of their health and care needs. However, birds can develop health problems just like any other animal, and many of these health problems do require veterinary care. Here are some signs that your flying friend needs to see the vet.
Changes in Droppings
Birds who eat a lot of seeds tend to have green feces, and those that eat pelleted diets tend to have brown feces. If your bird's feces suddenly change color without a change in diet, this could mean something is amiss in their digestive tract. You should also take your bird to the vet if you notice any blood in their droppings, or if their droppings change significantly in volume. For instance, if they are hardly passing any feces at all or seem to be pooping constantly, this is often cause for alarm.
Prolonged Molting
Birds should molt their feathers within a week or two. If your bird seems to be stuck in its molting stage for more than this, or if its pinfeathers are really falling out for more than a few weeks, this could be a sign of a skin condition or nutritional deficiency that warrants veterinary attention. You should also call the vet if the feathers suddenly start to look dull, off-color, or stained.
Lack of Vocalization
Some birds are noisier than others, but most do vocalize pretty regularly throughout the day. If your bird suddenly goes silent, or if you notice a change in their "voice," this can be a sign that something is wrong. They might be in the beginning stages of a respiratory infection, or they might be struggling with an injury to their beak or jaw. Any and all of these issues require vet care.
Nasal or Ocular Discharge
It is not normal for birds to have any discharge from their nostrils or from their eyes. They do not normally get "sleep" in their eyes as humans do. If your bird has any sort of discharge from its nostrils or eyes, this could indicate an infection, exposure to a chemical irritant, or even a sinus obstruction.
If you suspect that there may be anything wrong with your bird, call the veterinarian. They can look over your pet and let you know what might be wrong. Birds' health can go south quickly, so don't hesitate to take action.
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