Category: Parrot Care
Date: August 26, 2024
Posted By Mandee Steinmann
No one likes to be sick. Your pets don't like it, either. Just like you, parrots can catch illnesses and develop diseases. Your feathered friend is significantly more sensitive than you are: however, they easily catch infections and bacteria that are more than just "unpleasant to experience—they can be lite-threatening to your bird. Parrots and diseases just do not mix.
More Than a Passing Cold
Parrots have fairly delicate bodies and immune systems. They can easily pick up infections from other birds, other types of pets, and even you, the owner. Disease of any kind can be fatal if not dealt with right away. Bacteria is an obvious problem, but living situations can
contribute to illnesses as well. Worse, some birds many not display overt symptoms of a problem until their condition is already serious. Some feathered friends can even be a "silent carrier." This means they do not display any signs of the illness, but can still pass It on to other parrots around them.
Common Bird Diseases
Some issues are particularly dangerous and need to be watched for.
Here are just a few of the common diseases that could affect your parrot:
• Food Poisoning and Pesticides — Bad food or residual pesticides on produce can make your parrot very ill. Only use fresh, organic food that you've washed with special veggie wash.
• Psittacosis — This is a serious infection that can actually pass to humans in some cases. Typically, it causes sinus problems and changes the appearance of a bird's excrement Sometimes it can cause organ damage as well.
• Polyoma —Also called polyomavirus, this is particularly dangerous to baby birds. Symptoms like loss of appetite, diarrhea, and muscle weakness appear very suddenly. This infection is usually fatal to young birds.
• Mycobacteriosis — Also called "avian tuberculosis," this is an intestinal disease in parrots that can be difficult to treat. Your bird may lose weight and develop breathing problems, diarrhea, increased thirst, and strange masses around the skin and eyes. This illness can also be transmitted to people.
• Megabacteriosis — Poor sanitation can lead to this wasting disease. Young parrots start to lose weight until they die. Typically a sick bird will become lethargic and have blood in its excrement.
• Fume Poisoning — Non-sick coatings in pans and ovens can release fumes that are toxic to your parrot. Don't cook with these surfaces when you have a parrot around.
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