Why are my bird's feathers up and droppings mostly urine? Is it sick?

The consistency and appearance of droppings can be affected by diet. It is possible Flint had some fruit or fluids which resulted in looser droppings than normal. If he is behaving normally, keep an eye on what he eats and his droppings. If they remain loose and larger than normal, consider an exam with your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian. You may want to submit the droppings to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial/fungal overgrowth. It is never recommended to medicate a pet without the advice of your veterinarian. Inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to resistant bacteria and may complicate any underlying condition which can delay diagnosis. If Flint did have an infection that was not susceptible to the antibiotic used, then there would be no improvement. An exam would be recommended to diagnose and properly treat any infection. Your vet can also take a look at the wing feathers to rule out infection (mites, bacterial, viral, fungal). You can bathe or mist him with warm water to promote preening and healthy plumage.

Thanks for reaching out about Sky and including photos. Birds are typically fluffed when cold or ill. A veterinary visit is recommended, sooner than later. Providing heat support can give some aid but is not a cure for illness. As a new bird, moving to a new home can be stressful for a young animal, and suppressing the immune system, allowing subclinical infections to manifest. Good luck.

If he is always fluffed up or otherwise listless, this can be a sign that he isn't feeling very well, and an exam from your vet is always a good idea. As for the pottying, birds tend to just go wherever they are (some can be trained not to), and so if he's perching on the food and water, he is likely to go there. Adding in some perches similar to the dishes may encourage him to perch there instead, or simply getting dishes that are more of a silo instead of a bowl can prevent stool from getting in them. Daily cleaning of all dishes will also help with any stool that gets in them.

Thanks for reaching out about Sprout and including photos. Being fluffed is a general sign os possible illness, nothing specific. A veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some aid but is not a treatment. Monitor food and water intake. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Eclipse. By the picture, she appears hunched in posture, feathers fluffed and weak. These are common clinical signs of general illness. The runny stool is more likely more urine and lack of feces, due to not eating well. It is recommended you seek an visit with an avian veterinarian. Providing heat support in the mean time is often helpful. Good luck.

All bird droppings are made up of three parts: Feces, the solid, central part which can vary in color depending on the food the bird eats. Urates, the next layer of the ring, which can be cloudy-clear or with shades of white, yellows and greens, again depending on the foods eaten. Urine is the clear liquid, usually outer layer of the ring. Depending on the amount of fruits and fluids the bird eats/drinks, this can be a significant part of the dropping. Diarrhea is often actually Polyuria. True diarrhea is when the feces part of the droppings are not well formed and liquidy. Diarrhea is usually caused by a disease. Polyuria is when there’s more than usual amounts of the urine and urates (the feces are still well formed). Polyuria may be caused by viral infections, allergies to foods or even a tumor somewhere. There are just so many possible causes that a vet visit is essential in order to catch things early.

Thanks for reaching out about your birds and including a photo. Birds can be fluffed for basically two reasons: too cold or ill. Providing supplemental heat in the 85-90 F can test for the first one. If no improvement or worsens a veterinary visit is recommended to test for contagious diseases and prescribe a treatment. Good luck.