Parrots may hide disease symptoms to protect themselves in the wild.
Caring for a sick parakeet should be done under the supervision of a qualified veterinarian. If you suspect your cockatoo is sick, seek out an avian veterinarian or exotic pet treatment expert. The bird should be kept in a warm place, free from drafts. Although your bird may not want to eat, it is essential that it receives nutrition as a parakeet’s metabolism is faster than that of a larger species of bird. Try hand-feeding your parakeet a nutritional treat to keep it going.
Domestic parakeets typically live five to eight years.
Birds hide the symptoms of the disease as a means of defense against predators in the wild. Even though your pet parakeet is raised at home, its instincts remain the same. A sick parakeet may try to disguise its illness, until it is too late to help the bird. As a responsible bird owner, it is critical that you recognize the signs of illness so your pet can receive prompt treatment.
Kefir can help treat diarrhea in parrots.
If your cockatoo becomes inactive and refuses to eat, your bird may need veterinary treatment. If your sick parakeet is at the bottom of the cage, with his eyes closed and his head buried in the feathers, he could be seriously ill. In these circumstances, take your sick parakeet to a qualified veterinarian immediately. Don’t delay, because a day in the life of a sick parakeet is equivalent to a week in human time. Secure the bird in a bird rack, with a towel wrapped around one side, so that it is free of drafts and sights that might startle or stress the bird.
Assuming your avian vet has prescribed medication to treat your feathered friend, you should follow the instructions accordingly. Your sick parakeet should be kept in a quiet, warm place. Do not further stress the bird by allowing children to play with it or disturb its rest. Keep other pets out of the parakeet’s immediate area as well. Put the other birds in a separate cage so the disease doesn’t spread.
A sick parakeet that refuses food and water should be hand-fed. To do this, gently wrap the bird in a towel to contain it during the hand-feeding process. Water and soft foods like fortified oatmeal can be given by syringe, but be very careful. To avoid the risk of aspiration, offer one drop at a time and never use force. Your vet may recommend nutritious foods or supplements that can be given to your sick parakeet to help the bird regain strength while it recovers.