CONSTIPATION
SIGNS: The droppings are of a fluid-like consistency; the bird is fluffed up; loss of appetite.
The feathers around the vent may be stained.
CAUSES: Diarrhea in birds can be caused by an inadequate diet; worms; poisoning or an infection.
A short term diarrhea is not necessarily a symptom of disease. Check to see that the diarrhea
is not associated with a change of diet.
Sprinkle bird charcoal over the birdseed, give the bird chamomile tea to drink and eliminate
fruit and veggies from the diet.
CONSTIPATION
SIGNS: Straining; depression and abdominal distension.
CAUSES: Incorrect diet; lack of exercise; too much grit; internal tumor or a growth in the vent.
Remove any droppings from the vent area, give a few drops of paraffin or castor oil orally. Lubricate
the vent with paraffin oil. Change the birdseed mixture, give more fruit and veggies.
CRAMPS AND PARALYSIS
CAUSES: Deficiency of vitamin B and E; concussion (as a result of fall or collision); brain damage;
growths and tumors.
Take the bird to the vet!
FEATHER PLUCKING
CAUSES: Boredom; loneliness; fright; itchy, dry skin.
Check the bird for parasites and skin disorders. Add table salt to the drinking water.
DEHYDRATION
SIGNS: Lethargy; poor appetite; hard dry droppings; sunken eyes.
CAUSES: Inadequate supply of water; inability to drink due to damaged neck, beak or tongue;
vomiting and diarrhea.
Make up a solution of one teaspoon glucose substitute powder to 1/2 cup of water.
EGG BINDING
SIGNS: The bird is nervous; keeps moving around; stretching the body and holding it almost
horizontally; slight roundness of the underbelly.
CAUSES: Oviduct is not elastic enough or the egg is too large; an egg with too rough or too
soft a shell or with no shell; vitamin and calcium deficiencies; too dark, damp or cool room.
Drip a little warmed castor oil or salad oil on the vent every 10 minutes.
SCALY FACE OR MYCOSIS OF THE BEAK
SIGNS: Grayish film on the upper mandible, spreading to the cere, rims of the eyes, the legs
and the vent.
CAUSE: Mite called Cnemidocoptes pilae.
Give the highest quality food and add multivitamin solution to the drinking water. In minor cases,
vaseline may be effective. Dab the affected spots with a Q-tip three times a day.
WOUNDS AND BLEEDING
Apply antibiotic powder or styptic cotton.
