Our doctors at Bayshore Animal Hospital & Avian Practice have been trained in the proper handling and treatment of pet birds.
We recommend annual wellness visits, where one of our doctors will weigh your bird and perform a physical exam. Cultures and bloodwork may also be suggested to test for bacteria, viruses, parasites, and yeast. Your bird’s wellness visit is also a good time to have his or her wing feathers clipped, nails trimmed, or beak groomed. We also strongly recommend microchipping your pet bird.
Birds are notoriously good at camouflaging illnesses, and by the time you notice any outward signs that your bird is unwell, the situation could be very serious.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Huddled posture or sitting on the bottom of the cage
- Constantly ruffled appearance
- Weakness or loss of balance
- Any lumps or swelling
- Trembling
- Change in appearance, smell, and frequency of droppings, or straining to defecate
- Flaky or overgrown beak
- Feather Picking
- Breathing difficulties or panting
- Sneezing
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
This list is by no means exhaustive. Please contact us right away if you notice any physical or behavioral changes or any changes in your bird’s activity level which could signal a serious illness.
