My bird is sick: not eating, drinking a lot. When should I see a vet?

Thanks for reaching out about Henry. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some aid. A diet in seed is very deficient in vitamins and minerals, and protein. If this is a metabolic disorder, neoplasia or other, a veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Potential causes include infection (bacterial, fungal or parasites), trauma/injury, toxicity or malnutrition. It is critical to have the underlying cause(s) diagnosed before an effective treatment can be administered. Until you do that, you're simply guessing and possibly wasting time. Millie needs to be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep her warm and as stress free as possible. Use a hand feeding formula and warm water to make a mash or paste that she may eat. You can also soak a pelleted diet in a small amount of apple juice to stimulate the appetite. Discuss payment plans or alternative financing options, such as CareCredit ( www.carecredit.com ), with the veterinarian or office manager. Ask friends and family to assist you financially if possible.

Thank you for your question, and congratulations on your new pet! Budgies can be a very shy species, and this is often exaggerated when they are put into unfamiliar settings (such as a new house). I would recommend giving her a little more time to adjust, as long as she is eating and producing feces. You can find these at the bottom of the cage. Alternatively, you can also take her to a veterinarian for evaluation. This is a good idea from a wellness perspective, as it will slow you to gather information about her baseline health, and your vet can determine whether Frost is ill or not. They can also provide you with basic information on husbandry and nutrition as well. I hope that gives you a place to start, and good luck with your new bird!

Thanks for reaching out about Karu and including photos. There are many things that can make lovebirds ill: metabolic disorders (liver, kidney), infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), malnutrition and husbandry problems, just to name a few. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some aid but is not in lieu of a veterinary examination. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Furball. If she is that sick , she needs to visit a veterinarian, ASAP. Small birds have few energy reserves and once start showing illness, illness is significant. Heat support, assisted fluids and food are important, but are not a cure. If there a chance of metal ingestion such as zinc or lead? These considerations are identical to those mention with heavy metal toxiciity. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Sunshine and including photos. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some aid but a veterinary visit is highly recommended, as soon as possible, to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Remove perches and place a soft towel on the bottom of the cage for comfort. Ensure that food and water are within reach. Veterinary care sooner than later, could improve prognosis. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Venus and including a photo. Have you tried offering different foods? Provide heat support might give some comfort. Most sick birds are placed in incubators of 80-85 F. Offing water via a syringe if not drinking. A veterinary visit is recommended to assist with diagnosis and treatment plans. Good luck.