Birds are one of the most frequent animals in homes; from small species such as canaries and parakeets, to parrots such as yacos, cockatoos and macaws. There are those who choose them for their song and their beautiful colors, which give joy to the house, and those who acquire them as one more member of the family, creating incredible bonds. Like all animals, birds also suffer from diseases that can put their health at risk; That is why it is very important to be aware of the necessary care for each species and, above all, to always keep its cage clean, as it is a major source of infection.
Unfortunately, bird diseases are quite difficult to detect. Normally, when a bird shows visible symptoms, it is because the disease is already very advanced and we must act quickly. Any change in behavior, apathy, or feather loss can be a sign that something is wrong. If you want to know more about the symptoms of bird disease, visit our other post here .
What are the most common diseases of birds?
Coccidiosis
It is a disease of the bird that can cause death in as little as 5 days.
- Cause: Ingestion of water or food contaminated by the saliva of sick animals.
- Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, weight loss.
- Veterinary treatment and deep cleaning and disinfection of the cage.
Aspergillosis
- Cause: Fungi in damp or moldy seeds.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, loss of appetite, runny nose, catarrh, lack of vitality.
- Treatment: There is no cure, so it should be prevented with clean, dry and dust-free food.
Respiratory infections
- Cause: Very humid environment or low temperatures. Mites.
- Symptoms: Typical of a cold; sneezing, whistling.
- Treatment: Provide heat to your bird until it recovers. If he doesn’t improve, take him to the vet.
Escherichia Coli
- Transmission: Through the feces of sick animals. Bacterial origin
- Symptoms: Diarrhea
- Prevention: Keep the cage clean and hygienic and prevent other animals from accessing it.
Salmonellosis
It is one of the most common bird diseases and can cause death in very young birds. In addition, it is very contagious.
- Transmission: Through the feces or saliva of sick animals. Bacterial origin.
- Symptoms: Diarrhea, joint pain, nervous system problems, loss of feathers.
- Treatment: Antibiotic and probiotic.
Colibacillosis
Known as the sweat disease. It is very contagious and causes death within 4 days of infection.
- Cause: produced by a bacterium as a result of the dirty cage, humidity or overcrowding.
- Symptoms: Wet belly and deterioration of the feathers. Yellowish or greenish liquid stools.
- Treatment: Antibiotics; clean and disinfect the environment.
Ornithosis or Psittacosis
A serious bird disease that can be transmitted to humans. In us it occurs like a cold and is not usually identified.
- Origin: Chlamydia psittaci bacteria.
- Cause: Extreme lack of hygiene.
- Symptoms: Loss of appetite, diarrhea, loss of feathers, bulging belly, excess secretions, joint cramps, respiratory problems.
False mute
Birds shed their feathers more times than normal to regulate their temperature. This supposes an alteration of their natural cycle and a great physical and psychological exhaustion that alters their behavior and their health.
- Cause: Change of habitat and climate.
Stress
Stress is a disorder of the physical or emotional state that we can also include within the most common bird diseases.
- Cause: Birds that have not been born in captivity and are locked in a cage. Lack of stimulation and entertainment.
- Symptoms: Excessive scratching and pecking, self-harm, malaise, nervousness.
Follicular cysts
Bumps that usually appear under the wings, although they can appear anywhere on the body. It is common in parrots and canaries, birds with denser plumage.
- Cause: New feathers retract and do not come out.
- Treatment: They are removed by surgery.
Anemia
- Causes: Lack of vitamins, incomplete or unbalanced diets, bad environmental conditions.
- Symptoms: Weight loss, loss of balance, pale feet and beak.
- Treatment: High quality complete food, vitamins, natural light and fresh air.
Pecking or plucking of feathers
More than a bird disease, it is usually a behavior problem, although it can also be due to parasites.
- Cause: In the case of a behavior problem it can be due to stress, boredom, loneliness, as well as in very active birds; in case of illness, due to lack of vitamin A or internal parasites such as worms, tapeworms, candidiasis and giardiasis. It can also be for environmental reasons: lack of attention, toys or hygiene, size of the cage, sleep problems, noise.
Excessive nail and beak growth
- Causes: Inadequate perches, lack of wood or cuttlefish where it can be filed.
- Treatment: File and cut when necessary, always by a professional so as not to harm the animal.
Coryza
Viral bird disease.
- Symptoms: Runny nose, inflammation of the eyes that causes them to close.
- Treatment: Disinfection of the environment. Clean nose and eyes.
Anger
- Cause: Contaminated food and water.
- Symptoms: Loss of appetite, whitish or gray stools, anorexia, conjunctivitis, swollen joints.
- Antibiotic treatment.
These are some of the most common bird diseases. In general, they are of viral, bacterial or fungal origin (fungi), in addition to the lack of care and hygiene and the change of habitat. A clean cage and a complete and quality diet are enough to prevent most diseases that affect birds.
Do not forget to pay special attention to the feathers, the beak, the eyes and the skin, in addition to its behavior, to detect if your bird has any ailment. Periodic check-ups at the vet are essential to monitor his health and anticipate a possible illness.