GUIDELINES ON HOW TO NURSE A SICK BIRD

HYGINE: The cage needs to be kept “meticulously clean” -- this is especially important when it houses a sick bird that cannot deal with germs as well as a healthy one might. Cage liner should be changed often, especially, when a bird is sick. An experienced owner will change paper liner twice daily or more to monitor droppings for first signs of illness. Keep the cage clean at all times. 

WARMTH: UNLESS the bird is running a fever, WARMTH IS CRITICAL! Provided your pet is NOT running a fever, its environment should be kept at around (90 degrees Fahrenheit, 32 degrees Celsius). In cases where a bird does have a fever, you should not increase the (room) temperature further as it would raise your bird’s temperature even more and could be lethal.

To tell if your bird is running a temperature:
·      A chilled bird will be fluffed up.
·      An overheated bird will raise its wings away from its body and potentially pant.
Potential heat sources that can be used for heating:
·      A heating pad underneath the cage.
·      Hot bottles wrapped in a towel.
·      Heat lamps. Of course, the heat lamps shouldn't be used at night as your bird needs to rest.

HOUSING A SICK BIRD: Place your bird in a hospital cage to keep the temperature at the level you want. A small travel cage can be used or a new fish aquarium and covered with a blanket. Ensure one side is left open for air and for the bird to see out. Monitor the temperature carefully and do not place the bird in a draft. Keep perches low to reduce injury from falling. Remove all unnecessary toys as a sick bird will not be interested in playing and toys can become contaminated. 

FEEDING: Make sure that all food and water dishes are within easy reach. Seed scattered on clean paper at the bottom of the cage too is easier to access for very sick and weak birds. Always supply both options so the bird has a choice. Water should be changed at least twice daily and changed immediately when soiled with food or droppings. Please note that very sick and weak birds can drown quickly, therefore, ensure water bowls are the appropriate size for the species of bird. Do not change a bird’s diet when it is sick, unless advised by a vet; changing diet is very stressful and can further complicate your bird’s condition. Rather, feed your bird all favourite safe foods and treats. Now is not the time to be concerned with calorie counting, your birds body needs energy to help it recover quickly, therefore, feeding it favourite foods will encourage the bird to eat.  

REDUCE STRESS: Reduce stress as much as possible. This may mean minimizing handling and removing other birds from the cage. It is vital a sick bird gets at least 12 hours of undisturbed rest per day. Avoid changing diet as explained above and keep the bird in a quiet area of the house with the least amount of noise as possible. Keep all other household pets away at this time.

DEHYDRATION: Watch out for dehydration, DEHYDRATION IS THE NUMBER ONE KILLER WHEN A BIRD IS SICK! It often kills quicker than the illness itself. If your bird is dehydrated, you can hydrate the bird using Pedialyte (UK version is known as Dioralyte, using the “natural flavour” in this brand is recommended). You can also use unflavoured, 100% pure coconut water; any brand will do, you can find this in most grocery stores. For dehydration symptoms and a home-made hydration recipe click here https://www.cockatiel-advice-101.com/parrot-health 

Here is a list of approximate amounts of electrolyte to offer a bird when dehydrated: 
·      Finches and canaries - 4-5 drops.
·      Budgies- 6-10 drops.
·      Cockatiels- ¼ teaspoon
·      Amazons - 1-3 teaspoons
·      Large parrots- Cockatoos, Macaws etc, 1 ½ to 3 teaspoons.
If you find it difficult to give the amounts in full, divide the amount and offer every 15-20 minutes. The total amount should be given several times throughout the day as needed. Always follow your vet’s advice regarding hydration.
 
MEDICATING: DO NOT add anything into the bird's water such as vitamins etc, unless you are instructed to by your vet. Birds in general will not touch water that has been flavoured; doing so will be speeding up the dehydration process as they may not drink at all. Vets will often advice you to medicate your bird orally, not in water for the reason stated above. There are exceptions of course for example if you are treating an entire aviary. Always follow the vet’s instructions. NEVER use over-the-counter medication, it can interfere with veterinarian treatment resulting in false diagnosis and testing. Antibiotics and other medications should be given roughly at the same times daily this is VERY IMPORTANT. Doing so helps the body adapt to the new medication and it ensures that the bird has an effective amount of drug in its body at all times.

KEEPING A RECORD: When a bird is sick it is imperative to weigh them daily, this will show the vet what level of recovery your bird is at. Keeping a record of medications, treatment, behaviour, weight, food intake, fluid intake, activity levels, and any other clinical signs will help the vet make an accurate diagnosis.

Disclaimer: These are first aid guidelines ONLY which may be followed until you see an avian veterinarian and receive medical treatment. These guidelines are not meant to be used in place of a qualified veterinarian’s advice and/or guidance. Always seek professional medical advice when your bird is sick or injured. Please note that a bird’s health can rapidly decline without professional medical treatment; when a bird is sick time is of the essence.