Bird Dehydration
Causes
Dehydration in birds may be due to:
- Inadequate supply of water.
- Inability to drink due to damaged beak or tongue, infected throat or damaged neck.
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Signs
Lethargy; poor appetite; hard, dry droppings; sunken eyes and skin that do not slide easily over the breast (keel) bone can all be signs of dehydration.
Treatment
- Handle the bird gently and as little as possible.
- Give an electrolyte solution from a syringe or eyedropper. Obtain a commercial electrolyte solution or powder from your veterinarian. If unavailable, make up solution of one teaspoon of glucose substitute powder to 100mls (1/2 cup) of water.
- Administer the solution at the rate of 1 to 2mls (1/3 teaspoon) per 100gms (4ozs) of body weight.The following body weights may serve as a guide:
- Canary 15-30gm (0.5— 1 oz)
- Budgerigar 30 - 55gm (1 - 2 oz)
- Lovebird 50 - 60gm (2 - 2.2 oz)
- Pigeon 300 - 450gm (10.5 - 16 oz)
- Take the bird to your veterinarian for administration of fluids by crop feeding or by injection if you are unable to manage the bird