Lovebirds are friendly and fun pets that live full of affection and happiness to give and sell to their owners and cage mates. They are quite resistant, so keeping them healthy is not too difficult, but it is always important to monitor them and look out for any signs of illness. After noticing any important change in your bird's appearance, behavior or habits, take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible; because they are prey to other animals, it is normal for them to hide the symptoms until they are very sick. Don't forget that it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet's health.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Finding Physical Manifestations
Step 1. Look for changes in the feathers
Analyzing them is a simple way to detect illness in birds. Not taking care of the feathers, having goosebumps always with them, having points where they are thinner (and even non-existent or curled), having excessive fluff change, rapid color changes and the habit of plucking them are all possible signs of a disease in lovebirds.
- Individually, these are symptoms that cause alertness. Take the pet to a bird specialist as soon as you notice any of them.
- Getting goosebumps and lethargy are the first signs of a problem in birds of the genus. Once again, the veterinary consultation will be indispensable.
Step 2. Check the beak of the lovebird
Disturbances at the site can indicate a variety of problems, including parrot beak and feather disease (PBFD). See if the beak is more developed than normal, has scaling, discoloration, loss of symmetry, or if there is discharge around the nostrils (holes in the beak).
Isolate the sick bird if you suspect PBFD, as this condition is highly contagious and will require a veterinary diagnosis. All those who are sick or who have just arrived at the house must be separated from other birds
Step 3. Pay attention to the stool, check for texture and discoloration
Any abnormality in the stool can indicate a serious illness such as PBFD and chlamydiosis. A green or yellow color, with a very hard or watery consistency, as well as a large increase (or decrease) in daily stools should light up the warning sign.
Step 4. See if the bird has difficulty breathing
Diseases that affect the airways are quite common in lovebirds, so it is important to pay close attention to the way the animal breathes. Having to exert a lot of effort to inhale and exhale air, keeping the beak open, wheezing, not being able to breathe while flying and sneezing are some signs of disturbances of this type, which in turn indicate a serious illness.
Difficulty breathing is a critical symptom in most birds. It is recommended that, as soon as possible, the pet is taken to the veterinarian or animal emergency room that is closest to your home
Step 5. Seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible in case of serious injuries or manifestations
Burning, biting, bleeding, vomiting, seizures, rapid weight loss, bumps or bumps on the body or paws, constant tail movement, or inability to stay on the perch are worrisome and require a specialist diagnosis.
Method 2 of 3: Detecting Behavioral Symptoms
Step 1. See what the bird's attitude changes
Like humans, lovebirds can get depressed and anxious when they don't feel well; upon realizing that the pet is sulking, does not seem to be interested in flying, sleeps a lot or is very nervous and restless when someone enters the place, it is possible that he has a health problem.
Step 2. Pay attention to the amount of feed and water consumed by the bird
Both the increase and the sudden decrease in thirst or appetite can signal an illness, as well as a common nutritional disorder in this gender. Closely watch how much he eats and drinks each day, and when you notice sudden changes, take him to the vet to find the best treatment.
Step 3. See if there are changes in the position and posture of the lovebird
It's possible that something is wrong if he keeps his wings dangling, with his head in and very retracted, instead of standing tall and erect. Behavioral symptoms such as these are considered serious and also require a veterinarian consultation as soon as possible.
Step 4. Where they remain in the cage can also indicate illness
Staying on her floor or holding the bars with your beak rather than sitting comfortably on a perch are two signs that something is wrong. A veterinarian's evaluation is necessary after finding that he is unable to stand firmly on the perch.
The specialist's diagnosis should be made immediately, as this is not a usual behavior for lovebirds. Take him to the office
Step 5. Pay attention to the animal's movement
The bird's immobility can be a sign of stress or a more worrisome health problem. Be wary when it starts to stay in the same place on the perch for a long time, or even inside the small bowls of water and feed. It is worth contacting a veterinarian to rule out any more serious ailments.
Method 3 of 3: Taking care of a sick lovebird
Step 1. Isolate the pet
Those who have many birds should put the sick one in another cage, preferably in a different room in the house, to reduce her anxiety. In addition to minimizing stress, this prevents contagious infections from reaching other birds.
Step 2. Take the lovebird to the vet
He will need the care of a bird specialist; only he will be able to make the exact diagnosis of the disease. Make an appointment as soon as you suspect a disturbance with the animal.
- If you consider the situation an emergency and the veterinarian is currently unable to attend, take the pet to an animal hospital near your home, or ask the veterinarian to recommend a place to take it.
- Also ask what measures and precautions should be taken until the time of consultation.
- Do a quick search on a search engine to find a bird specialist. Insert, in the search field, for example: “beautiful horizon bird veterinarian”.
Step 3. Decrease possible sources of stress around lovebirds
It can trigger or aggravate some illnesses in birds, so keep her perch low, with water and feed easy to reach, handle her as little as possible, and set aside a quiet space for the bird to rest.
Step 4. Warm up the room
This is a fundamental aspect, as illnesses cause birds to lose body heat quickly. Place a lamp and light a lamp over the cage so that the temperature of the cage is around 26° to 29°C.
Sunlight is also important to avoid vitamin D deficiencies. Leave the lovebird in an area with access to sunlight, or at least install full-spectrum lamps to provide vital UVA and UVB rays for the species
Step 5. Clean the cage every day
Bacteria that grow in dirty cages need to be removed from newspapers and all fabrics and coatings that are placed inside; also don't forget to wash the bowls he feeds in and quench his thirst, using soap and hot water. Finally, once a week, use a disinfectant that is safe for birds throughout the cage, on the plates, toys and accessories that are inside.