What are bird diseases?

Birds are very common animals in homes; from small species such as canaries and parakeets to parrots such as gray parrots, cockatoos, and macaws. There are those who choose them for their song and their beautiful colors, which bring joy to the home and incorporate them into the house as another member of the family, creating an incredible bond. Like all animals, birds also suffer from diseases that can endanger their health; therefore, It is very important to be aware of the necessary care for bird diseases and to always keep its cage clean.

Unfortunately, bird diseases are quite difficult to detect. Normally, when a bird shows symptoms it is because the disease is already very advanced and we must act quickly. Any change in behavior, apathy, or loss of feathers can be an indication that something is wrong. If you want to know more about bird diseases, visit our other article here.

What are the most common bird diseases?

Coccidiosis

It is a bird disease that can cause death in just 5 days.

• Cause: Consumption of water or food contaminated by the saliva of sick animals.
• Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, and weight loss.
• Veterinary treatment and deep cleaning and disinfection of the cage.

Aspergillosis

• Cause: Fungus on damp or moldy seeds.
• Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, mucus, constipation, lack of vitality.
• Treatment: There is no cure; therefore it is essential to prevent it with clean, dry, and dust-free food.

Respiratory infections

• Cause: Very humid environment or low temperatures. Mites.
• Symptoms: Typical of a cold; sneezing, wheezing.
• Treatment: Provide heat to your bird until it recovers. If it doesn’t get better, go 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 gaining access to it.

Salmonella

It is one of the most common bird diseases and can cause death in very young birds. Besides, it’s 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 sweating disease. It is very contagious and causes death within 4 days of infection.

• Cause: produced by bacteria as a result of a dirty cage, humidity, or overcrowding.
• Symptoms: Wet belly and feather decay. Yellow or greenish liquid stools.
• Treatment: Antibiotics; clean and disinfect the surroundings.

Ornithosis or Psittacosis

Serious bird diseases can be transmitted to humans. In the us, it happens like a cold and is not usually identified.

• Origin: Chlamydia pistachio bacteria.
• Cause: Extreme lack of hygiene.
• Symptoms: In appetence, diarrhea, loss of feathers, swollen belly, excess secretions, joint cramps, breathing problems.

False seedling

Birds shed their feathers more often than normal to regulate their temperature. This means a change in their natural cycle and great physical and psychological strain that alters their behavior and health.

• Cause: Habitat and climate change.

Stress

Stress is a physical or emotional state disorder that we can also include among the most common bird diseases.

• Cause: Birds that were not born in captivity find themselves locked up in a cage. Lack of stimulation and entertainment.
• Symptoms: Excessive scratching and pricking, self-injury, malaise, nervousness.

Follicular cysts

Lumps usually appear under the wings but 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 extirpated by means of surgery.

Anemia

• Causes: Lack of vitamins, incomplete or unbalanced diets, bad environmental conditions.
• Symptoms: Weight loss, loss of balance, pale paws, and beaks.
• Treatment: High-quality complete food, vitamins, natural light, and fresh air.

Pricking or plucking of feathers

More than a disease of the bird, it is more often a behavior problem, but it can also be due to parasites.

• Cause: In the case of a behavior problem it can be due to stress boredom, or loneliness. As well as in very active birds. In the case of illness, due to lack of vitamin A or internal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, candidiasis, and giardiasis. It can also be due to the environment: lack of attention, toys or hygiene, cage size, sleep problems, and noise.

Excessive nail and beak growth

• Causes: Inadequate perches, lack of wood or surfaces where you can file.
• Treatment: File and cut when necessary, always by a professional so as not to hurt the animal.

Runny nose

The disease of birds of viral origin.

• Symptoms: Runny nose, inflammation of the eyes that causes them to close.
• Treatment: Disinfection of the surroundings. Clear nose and eyes.

Cholera

• Cause: Contaminated food and water.
• Symptoms: In appetence, loose 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 mycotic (fungi) origin. In addition to lack of care and hygiene and the change of habitat. A clean cage and complete, quality food 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 illness. Periodic visits to the veterinarian are essential to control your health and anticipate a possible illness.