Tag: Diseases and Vermin

Birds can get diarrhea for several reasons. These include stress, a poor diet, intestinal parasites or an infection. A change in diet can cause diarrhea as well and it can also be a sign of kidney, liver or pancreatic diseases.

Some young pet birds may get diarrhea when they are moved to their new home – this will be caused by stress.

Feather cysts are common in budgerigars and although they can appear anywhere, they are more commonly associated with the primary feathers on the wings.

They occur when a growing feather is unable to grow through its natural opening in the skin and curls up within the feather follicle. Feather cysts appear visibly as oval or elongated swellings involving one or more follicles.

The cyst can become very large and may rupture, which can cause pain and blood loss for the bird.

Avian chlamydiosis is a bacterial disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, which is carried commonly by birds. Humans can catch the disease by breathing in dust containing dried saliva, feathers, mucous and droppings from infected birds. Infection in humans is called psittacosis and causes flu like symptoms.

Bird treatment is usually with oral doxycycline antibiotic. Since the doxycycline only kills the Chlamydia organisms when they are active and dividing, and they may become dormant, or cease being active for a period, the drug must be used for a minimum of 45 days.

It is unusual for budgies to have overgrown beaks. However, if their upper and lower beak doesn’t meet properly, the beak will not wear properly and can make eating difficult. Your vet can trim the beak if necessary.