My African Grey parrot has diarrhea. Can I use human antibiotics?

Unfortunately, there are no OTC medications that can safely be given to Little Gray. His symptoms may indicate a respiratory infection which will need antibiotics. These are by prescription only. See your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian for an exam and definitive diagnosis. In the meantime, keep him warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the vet. You can supplement fluids with unflavored PediaLyte to treat or prevent minor dehydration.

You need to tell us what the antibiotic you have. We cannot give you any advice without that information. You need to understand that not all antibiotics treat every kind of infection. We don't even have a diagnosis for Skye there is no way to know if it will even work.

Diarrhoea could be a quite severe sign in birds especially if associated with lethargy and weakness as you described. Gastrointestinal infections (caused by bacteria or parasites most commonly) usually are responsible for this presentation. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like fecal analysis) may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Tribrissen can be used in birds for non-specific infections. Administer as directed by the prescribing veterinarian. Keep Steve warm and as stress free as possible. I cannot find any information on the other product listed. The manufacturer website has very limited information, not even ingredients or a specific antibiotic. Without an actual antibiotic name, advice on its use cannot be given.

Unfortunately a medication can't be prescribed without an exam in person, and without knowing the cause of the vomiting and diarrhea. Parasites, nutritional issues, obstructions or problems with the GI tract, illness, etc can all be possible causes that all require different treatments. It would be best to bring the baby bird to a vet ASAP, especially if they are dehydrated or unable to keep food down, so that the cause can be found and treatment started.

An antibiotic will only be helpful if there is a bacterial infection causing his problem. It is best to schedule a vet visit first to try and find the underlying issue causing the feather loss and changes to his stool. Additional causes can include internal parasites, illness, nutritional issues, viral infections, bacterial infections, yeast and fungus on the skin, or even arthritis in older birds preventing them from properly cleaning themselves. Ruling out these issues, or treating any that are found, are best to get Blu feeling better.

I do not recommend giving them mediations unless they are sick. Giving birds antibiotics to prevent illness can cause vomiting and diarrhea which can be fatal. I recommend keeping the cage clean and proper diet with water. If they become ill you can always take them to a vet for better advice.