Why does my Conure have watery stools after diet change and fruit?

If you're only noticing the watery stools on occasion, one of my first thoughts would be diet-related. Some veggies and fruits can cause watery stools, and if you notice this happens after giving them a new treat or something to snack on, it could be related. Removing all extras for a few days and seeing if the stool improves can help determine this. If it isn't food related, additional issues such as internal parasites, stress, diet changes, GI upset, infections, etc can also be possible causes. Keeping them in a low stress area, and scheduling a veterinary visit if the loose stools continue or other signs of illness such as listless behavior, weight changes, not eating or drinking, etc appear is best.

Thanks for reaching out about Rico. Watery stool could also be polyuria, increased urine. Seed is a poor diet for birds generally deficient in vitamins, minerals, proteins, etc. A veterinary visit to review diet and husbandry is recommended, but also to assess increased water intake/urination. Good luck.

Diet changes can affect the stool, and if you're feeding any extras in addition to the diet change, this could be causing the change you are seeing. It is also possible that his current diet is causing some minor GI upset if it changes immediately after eating and then returns to normal. Other issues such as internal parasites can also cause stool changes, so ruling out and treating for any parasites may be a good idea. Removing any extras such as fruit and veggies and providing only his balanced diet for a few days may also help him adjust and his stool return to normal. If the problem persists, or you see any other symptoms or changes such as reduced eating/drinking, lethargy, etc, then seeking vet care in person to rule out any more serious issues is best.

Submit a sample to your veterinarian to diagnose parasites or bacterial/fungal overgrowth. Discontinue feeding fruits and vegetables until the stool is normal, then introduce one at a time slowly. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use paper towels on the cage bottom and change them daily until his droppings are normal. Provide plenty of fresh, clean water. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible. If he develops lethargy, loss of appetite or if the droppings don't begin to firm up in the next 24 hours, have him examined by your vet or an experienced avian vet.

Looser stools could be caused by a number of things including a sudden change in diet, too many treats or snacks, or an underlying issue such as GI upset or parasites. If the change was recent and you changed Carl's food or gave him a new treat or snack, removing all extras and giving him a day or two to get used to the new food may help. If the loose stools continue, or nothing has changed for him diet-wise, a checkup with your vet along with bringing in a fecal sample can help rule out any illness or issues causing it.

Thanks for reaching out about Jock. A loose stool needs to be differentiated between polyuria (increased urine) and diarrhea. Older parrots are prone to kidney and liver disease that can result in increased water consumption, therefore more urine. A veterinary visit is highly recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Diet needs to be reviewed to include a wide variety of nutrients and minimal (or no) seed. Vitamin A deficiencies can lead to renal tubule problems. There is no at-home remedy that can be recommended without knowing the cause. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Diablo and including photos. Green stool can be normal depending on recent food ingested. The picture shows a well formed feces, appropriate amount of urine/urates. If Diablo is preferentially eating the green pellets, the feces can be more green. Fat should be kept minimal, and with the 10% fat in the pellets and seed, the seed should be limited if not eliminated. Parrots are not exposed to many seeds in the wild, but nuts yes. A wide variety of vegetables are important, as is a protein source such as beans or legumes. Good luck.