Why can't my lovebird fly after recovering from illness? Is it age?

Thanks for reaching out about Ozzie. At sixteen years old, arthritis, metabolic diseases, muscle degeneration from malnutrition or other causes, can lead to inability to fly. A veterinary visit is necessary to assess his condition and recommend treatments. Providing heat support in the 85-90 degree F range might give some comfort but is not a cure. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out Lemon and including photos. Don't think has to do with the fan trauma one year ago. Being weak and lethargic, are only general signs of illness and are not specific for any particular problem. It is often difficult to differentiate between loose stool and polyuria (increased urine), as they often pass both at the same time. This must be examined as the birds passes a bowel movement to identify well formed feces. A loose stool can be the result of an intestinal infection, liver disease, ingested foreign body (particle, toxin, other) and more. Increased urination can be due to increased water intake (behavioral, kidney or liver disease, diabetes (rare), environmental stresses (heat, breeding season, change in diet). Providing supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range, 24/7 can sometimes support the immune system. If the weakness continues, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Koko and including a photo. With the fall, there are worries about a fractured limb (likely a leg). You might have to travel to the vet as this is probably beyond what can be done at home. A warm environment, remove perches to prevent further falling. Diet needs to be appropriate to facilitate bone growth, healing and health. Is there a wildlife rehabilitation group local that can help? Good luck.

I am so sorry but I did not see your original question so I'm not sure how much I can help. The only advice I can give you is to take Harry to an avian veterinarian so they can help you determine if the cause of his illness is internal or external. What the other expert was referring (I guess) is that you need to figure out if he truly "can't" fly or is it that he is just too weak/sick to fly. Taking him to the vet for an exam is going to be your best bet. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for your question, and I am sorry that Spartan is not feeling well! I would agree with your thought about taking her to a veterinarian. We worry that when birds are having trouble flying that they may not be feeling well or that they have pain somewhere. To add to this, it is worrisome that she is letting you handle her since this is not normal for Spartan. At your veterinarian's office, they can perform a thorough examination and they may recommend performing diagnostic testing depending on what they find on exam. This may include performing radiographs (x-rays) or systemic blood work. Then they can make recommendations for treatments based on their findings as well. I hope that this gives you a place to start, and that Spartan feels better soon!

I'm sorry to hear Scooby isn't doing well. Weight loss and the inability to fly are concerning problems that could be caused by a number of things including poor diet, internal parasites, illness and injury. Making sure Scooby is on a balanced diet is a good first step, however I would also recommend bringing him into your local vet to check for any parasites or underlying illness that could be causing his symptoms. Moving him to a warm hospital cage if he is housed with other birds, and with easy access to food and water may also help until you can be seen by your vet.

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.