My bird is sick: lethargic, swollen yellow belly. What's wrong?

As you already eluded to, getting a vet visit for evaluation is recommended. Until you can do that, the best you can do is supportive care at home. Unfortunately, we can not recommend any medications, as your vet will need to do that once she is seen. Things you can do are to make sure she has a well heated environment of around 30C so she doesn’t need to waste energy on keeping herself warm. You can also put her in a cage with low perches (or no perches) and easily accessed food and water sources. With her enlarged belly, your vet will also want to rule out a potential egg on the visit, which may be done with a physical exam alone, or radiographs (x-rays) may also be needed. I hope that gives you a place to start!

Thanks for reaching out about Salt. If lethargic, a veterinary visit is necessary, and the sooner the better. Providing heat support in the 809-85 F can help but is not a treatment. Yellow feces could be pigments from the food but also intestinal problems such as parasites, infections, increase bile (liver problem) and more. Good luck.

Pepe is showing signs of illness. In birds hiding and lethargy are fairly nonspecific signs of illness. But by time a bird starts showing signs of illness they are often seriously sick. Birds are prey animals so use a lot of strength trying to hide signs of illness. Please get Pepe to an avian vet asap. This website may help you find one of you don't have one. Www.aav.org Keep his cage in a warm, draft free room and minimize stress and handling. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/sick-pet-birds-nursing-care Good luck, I hope Pepe is better soon. Thank you for using PetCoach.

Pronounced tail bobbing coupled with a bit of lethargy may indicate respiratory distress or illness. Ideally, Pepper should be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet to diagnose and treat infection or injury. By the time birds begin to show any symptoms, they can be quite ill. In the meantime, keep him warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the doctor. Monitor for additional symptoms such as loose droppings or loss of appetite.

I would be concerned there is an issue such as an organ problem, underlying illness, or infection with the symptoms you are describing, especially if there hasn't been any change to Kiwi's diet or treats he is given. If the problem persists or has been ongoing for more than a few days, your best course of action would be to have him seen by a vet in person. Keeping him warm, eating and drinking, and removing any dirt or debris from the vent if there is any stuck may help him stay comfortable until the cause is figured out by your vet.

Thanks for reaching out about your canary. Are you sure the animal is distended vs. fluffed plumage? Rupture air sacs, abdominal distentions due to liver or kidney disease, egg binding in females, abdominal fluid (ascites) and other causes are possible. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Heat support in the 80-85 F range could provide some comfort. Good luck.

Hi. I'm sorry Paco isn't feeling well. Hiding their beak in thier feathers and sleeping a lot is definitely a sign of a sick bird. Because birds are prey species they often hide signs of illness for a long time before it's noticeable. Make sure Paco is in a warm, quiet, draft free area so as not to stress him more. I would find an avian veterinarian to take him to immediately. If he's swollen he may have fluid buildup, a tumor or other internal disease going on. Sick, stressed birds can die very easily unfortunately so be as gentle and stress free with handling and transport as possible. Until you get him seen, keep him in a warm quiet location and try to tempt him to eat- either his regular diet or pieces of rice or pasta, fresh fruit or veggies. Good luck to you and Paco.