Q&A for How to Care for a Sick Pet Bird at Home

Take it to the veterinarian to be sure. Birds are prey animals and don't always let you know when you're feeling sick, so it's important to see your vet if you're noticing potential symptoms.

It depends on what kind of illness the bird has and how serious the illness is. If your bird’s illness prevents it from eating and drinking, your bird could die within 1-3 days.

A dying bird may wheeze or breathe rapidly, tremble, or fail to move even when startled. You might notice that the bird stops preening and that its feathers become disheveled and dirty. The bird might also lose its balance or let its head droop to one side. You might also notice symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea.

While loss of appetite or refusal to eat are common signs of illness, birds will sometimes eat when they’re sick. If you notice other worrisome symptoms, don’t assume your bird is healthy just because it’s eating.

Make sure your parrot's food and water are clean. Use filtered water to water your parrot. Keep your bird in a warm area in the sun. Tropical birds prefer to be warm rather than cold. If you play with your bird a lot, take it down a notch and let him rest. A healthy bird needs plenty of rest.

You should take your bird to be seen by a veterinarian right away. The bird could have an injury or life-threatening illness that needs medical treatment.

This can be a sign of many different illnesses. Please see a vet immediately.

This is a sign of stress, or he may possibly have a parasite. You should take your bird to the vet.

Give them time to get used to their new environment, and then slowly introduce them to other things such as your hand.

Your bird likely needs some time to adjust to its new home. Keep it warm and comfortable, making sure that it has plenty of clean water and food. Don't try to interact with it much while it adjusts. If it doesn't start moving around and acting normally within a day or two, call your vet.

Your bird may be fighting off an illness. Keep it warm, hydrated, and comfortable. Talk to your vet if it continues to be lethargic and puffed up for a few days.

See your vet immediately for advice.

You should take your bird to a vet immediately if you cannot get it to wake up.

Try to get it to drink as much as you can. If it refuses to drink, take it to the vet. Birds can die after 1-3 days without water.

You need to take the bird to a vet immediately and tell them what happened.

If your parrot is having difficulty breathing it is best to see an avian, exotic or bird savvy vet. Keep your bird warm and in a small cage with only 1 low perch and food and water close to the floor.

Keep your bird well hydrated and warm. Clean its cage daily, so that it is not exposed to additional germs. If the bird's eyes don't clear up in a few days, contact a vet and ask them whether you can get a prescription for antibiotics for your bird without a visit.

Take the bird immediately, because the bird's broken leg could get worse and no one wants that to happen.

It may be that the bird is sick. Make sure that the bird is kept at a warm temperature and use a humidifier to make the air around it damp.

No, the female is most likely just tired after laying eggs; she should be okay after 2 or 3 days. If symptoms persist, take her to the vet for an examination.

Your bird is likely on the path to recovery. Keep it warm and comfortable, making sure it has access to clean water and food. If it is still lethargic when the vet opens, call them and make an appointment to bring it in to be seen.

Your young bird may be more sensitive than an adult bird. Because of this, you should be cautious if it appears sick and get it veterinary care right away.

Call your vet and tell them about your bird's symptoms. If the problem continues for another day or so, take it in to be seen by your vet.

If your bird is new to its home, this is normal. Try feeding it millet, then move on to different foods. Comfort your bird while he/she is eating, and reward your bird with affection when he/she eats. If this is a new problem, and/or if you've noticed any other worrisome symptoms, consult a vet.

Most birds have loose droppings once in their lives. This can occur because of stress, relocation, change of diet, or excessive heat. Remember, if your bird is skinny it might need a bit more heat because it will have less meat on its bones to keep it warm. Also, let your bird have access to moving air, put its cage next to a window or fan.

This may mean that your dove is cold, so try putting it in a sunny, warm area.

Keep an eye on your parrot for the next couple days. Replace all of its food and water, making sure to clean its dishes first. If your parrot vomits again, contact your vet.

Take the bird to a doctor quickly! They may already be deceased.

Try different types of food, or try feeding the bird directly from your hand. He/she may be having trouble seeing the food. If this doesn't work, you're just going to have to travel to the vet.

Your bird may be aspirating and you should bring them into the vet for antibiotics.