Bird Diarrhea
- The normal droppings of birds are made up of three components: a clear colorless liquid (urine), a
solid white substance (uric acid) and a solid dark substance (faeces). - The consistency of the droppings will vary according tithe species of bird. Seed-eating birds have drier, firmer droppings than nectar-eating birds, whose faces are of fluid consistency. Birds eating succulent green vegetables or plants will have softer, greener droppings.
- Stress caused by transportation or confinement in a small cage of a wild or aviary bird may cause the droppings to be of a more fluid consistency.
- Diarrhea in birds can be caused by an inadequate diet, worms, an infection or poisoning.
Signs
- The droppings are of a fluid-like consistency.
- The bird may be lethargic, fluffed-up and/or experience loss of appetite.
- The feathers around the vent may be stained or matted with faces.
Treatment
- Check to see that the diarrhea is not associated with change of diet. There are numerous causes of diarrhea.
- Some of which can only be diagnosed in a veterinary laboratory examination of the droppings.
- Whilst the cause is being diagnosed, isolate the bird from other birds to prevent spread of infection.
- Keep the bird warm, provide fluids to prevent dehydration, and temporarily remove the bird’s food.
Prevention
- Isolate a bird immediately you notice the symptoms of diarrhea.
- Clean the cage or aviary and contents thoroughly with boiling water or an antiseptic wash.
- Wash your hands after treating a sick bird or cleaning bird’s cage to prevent possible infection of yourself another birds.
- Wash all fruit, vegetables and plants thoroughly in water to remove any traces of pesticides before feeding tithe bird.