There are more than 350 types of parrots in the world, including some popular species like parakeets, cockatiels, macaws, and cockatoos. Many of these birds make great pets because they’re smart, beautiful, and highly entertaining to watch. Sometimes, a pet parrot can suffer from diarrhea, which is always a matter of concern.
If your pet parrot has diarrhea, we’re here to help! In the following article, we’ll tell you what to do if your parrot has diarrhea and give you more information about the topic so you’ll be better informed.
Parrot Droppings Can Differ
Parrots that eat seeds have normal fecal droppings that are dry, firm, and dark. Parrots that are fed lots of greens may have softer fecal droppings that are green. A parrot with diarrhea has watery droppings, which often stain the feathers near the cloaca or vent, as it’s also called.
The 3 Steps to Take to Stop Diarrhea in Your Parrot
The signs of diarrhea in a parrot are loose, watery, unformed stools. If your parrot has diarrhea, here are the steps to take that will help solve the problem.
1. Carefully Check Your Bird’s Droppings
In a healthy parrot, the droppings should be primarily brown and firm with a small amount of liquid urine. If more liquid is in your parrot’s droppings but the fecal matter seems solid, your bird could have polyuria, which is often mistaken for diarrhea.
If the droppings your parrot leaves behind are beige or white and runny, it’s most likely diarrhea. Parrots can get diarrhea for a variety of reasons, including:
- Stress
- Improper diet like poor quality, spoiled or unsuitable food
- Sudden change in diet
- Infection
- Internal parasites
- Exposure to toxins (poisoning)
- Liver or pancreas inflammation
2. Check for Other Signs
If a medical problem causes the diarrhea, it’s often accompanied by more signs. Keep a close eye on your parrot and look for any changes in behavior. It’s helpful to keep track of any signs you see by jotting them down. Some signs to watch for include:
- General tiredness
- Ruffled, unkempt feathers
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Blood in the droppings that may look black or dark green
3. Take Your Parrot to the Veterinarian
While it’s not usually problematic for a parrot to have diarrhea now and then, it is a problem if it lasts for more than one full day. It’s also cause for alarm if the diarrhea returns frequently or is accompanied by other signs. If the diarrhea doesn’t go away within 24 hours, contact your veterinarian for an appointment.
When you speak to the vet, you may be asked several questions, including how your bird is acting. If your vet tells you to bring the bird in, place a new paper birdcage liner in the bottom of the cage so you’ll have a fresh stool sample if needed.
When you’re at the vet, provide as much information as possible to help your veterinarian diagnose your bird. For instance, tell your vet when the diarrhea started and how often it has occurred, and mention any signs you’ve noticed. It’s also important to tell your vet what your bird has been eating and whether it’s been around other birds.
Some Tests Your Vet May Run
Your vet may need to conduct diagnostic tests to determine what’s causing your parrot’s diarrhea. Some tests your vet may run include:
- A complete blood count (CBC)
- Endoscopy
- Serum biochemistry panel
- Radiograph (X-ray)
When your vet has determined the cause of your parrot’s diarrhea, they’ll begin the treatment, which can include antibiotic or antifungal medications, surgery to remove an obstruction, or medications to treat intestinal tract problems. After you return home, follow all the directions your vet gives you.
What to Do When When Taking Your Parrot Home
Once you get home with your parrot, don’t feed them anything other than pellets to eat and fresh water. When the diarrhea eases up, you can begin offering your bird their favorite treats, like fresh fruits and vegetables in small amounts.
Be sure to keep an eye on your parrot’s droppings. Change the cage liner every day to make it easier to see any changes. You should get in the habit of cleaning your bird’s cage often and switch the cage liners daily. And since birds can experience heat loss that can make them ill, place the cage in a warm, well-ventilated room to keep your bird healthy and happy.
Final Thoughts
It’s never fun to realize your bird has diarrhea and may be sick. As their owner, it’s your responsibility to provide your bird with the care they need. Your veterinarian can help you care for your bird, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you’re concerned about their health, behavior, or appearance. The good news is that bird diarrhea is treatable. With any luck, before long, your feathered friend should be happily chirping to celebrate!
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Featured Image Credit: PixieMe, Shutterstock
