2007-05-14 07:28:29 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
The thing with all birds is, you usually don't know they are sick, until its too late...they hide their illness very well...if they were in the wild this would be a sign of weakness, and that is exactly what a predator looks for...and this behavior carries over to our captive birds...you know your bird, if he is not eating or drinking good that's a real good sign...don't wait if this is going on...take him to the vet before its to late.
good luck...wait: I just noticed on your question that this is a new bird....most of the time if a bird is new, they do go into shock...mostly because it is a different environment for them..don't worry if this is the case...he just needs to get use to you..
2007-05-14 07:43:49 · answer #1 · answered by Kerilyn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cockatoos are very sensitive birds. First of all I would say that you and you alone know the character of your bird, and if that has changed and you are at all worried, you should really see an Avian Vet. Parrots do not as a rule display signs of illness very well. A poorly bird will usually perch on 2 legs (they usually keep one leg tucked up when perching) and will sometimes 'hang on' to its cage bars with its beak. Also, look out for 'tail bobbing' when your bird is breathing, and laboured breathing is another sure sign that your bird is unwell. Blocked nostrils can indicate Vitamin A deficiencies, and there will probably also be loss of appetite, desire to play and interact etc. Look at your birds droppings. The outer part should be a creamy white, and the central part a greenish colour. Watery or very dark droppings could well be a sign of illness. But most of all, like I said initially, you and you alone know the character of your bird, and if you are worrid at all, please see an Avian Vet. Good luck.
2007-05-15 09:06:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for depression. Dropping the wings down and slightly out from the body. Hanging out more on the bottom of the cage. Less interested in food and quieter than normal. All these are very serious signs. With any bird that acts out of the norm you must seek immediate veterinary attention. When we first notice these things, they have usually been sick for a while. By immediate I mean today! They are not like cats and dogs where you can give them some time and then decide. If you do not have a veterinarian that is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians(AAV) please visit this site to find one. http://aav.org/vet-lookup/
2007-05-14 07:54:16 · answer #3 · answered by tutis000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your bird is sitting on the perch or on the bottom of the cage with his feathers fluffed up this is a sign of illness. They do that when they feel cold and ill.
Another way to tell is a change in your bird's droppings, color and consistency. It sounds gross, but I always use white butcher paper on the bottom of my birds' cages so that I can easily see any changes in their droppings when I'm cleaning the cages out.
A lack of appetite is also a sign of illness. If you notice that your bird is eating less than usual, or refusing his favorite treats, this could mean that he isn't feeling well.
A lack of activity could mean that your bird is ill. If he's listless and not interested in playing or interacting with you, it could mean that he's not well.
Basically, any behaviors or signs that are out of the ordinary. Birds are prey animals, so they're really good at hiding any signs of illness from predators. This means that you'll need to get to know your bird's habits and observe his behavior closely in order to know if he's healthy or not. Also, you should take your bird to a good avian vet at the first sign of illness. Once you see a sign of illness in a bird, it means that the problem has progressed and you don't have much time to act. Good luck with your new 'too!!
2007-05-14 08:45:41 · answer #4 · answered by true blue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunatly with birds it's hard to tell if they're sick b/c they always look healthy. if your bird starts plucking, or chewing it's feather's that can be a sign of either illness or bordem etc. if you see any kind of discharge around the eyes, vent or nares I would take him/her to a avian vet right away.
if you could give me some more sepcifics of what you may be worried about I can help you.
2007-05-14 07:34:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This way:
http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/cockatoos/CockatoosProfile.htm
2007-05-14 07:32:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
wow....ummmm. They will pull their feather out. Won't eat, do not respond to your greeting.
2007-05-14 07:54:01 · answer #7 · answered by Kitten L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teach it to talk and then it will be able to tell you.
2007-05-14 07:31:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋