Birds can hide illness. Knowing what is normal for your own parrot makes a change easier to spot. Keep a brief record of appetite, activity, droppings and weight if your veterinarian has shown you how to monitor it safely.
Changes worth taking seriously
Reduced appetite, unusual quietness, spending more time fluffed up, a marked change in droppings or difficulty breathing are reasons to contact an avian veterinarian. A bird sitting at the bottom of the cage, struggling to breathe, bleeding or unable to perch needs urgent veterinary help.
- When the change began and how it differs from normal.
- Food and water intake, activity and droppings.
- Any possible injury or exposure to food, fumes or chemicals.
- Photos or a short video if safe to capture without delaying care.
Do not wait for a diagnosis from a checklist
Different conditions can produce similar signs. An online guide cannot examine a bird or prescribe treatment. Call your avian veterinarian for individual advice; do not give human medication or start a home remedy. Browse the Health hub for preventive-care topics, and the nutrition hub for everyday feeding information.
Source: Association of Avian Veterinarians: Signs of Illness in Companion Birds.
