My parakeet is lethargic, hiding, and has diarrhea. What's wrong?

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.

Hi there and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! All these signs might be compatible with the presence of high temperature and possibly a systemic infective disease. Respiratory diseases (psittacosis) and gastrointestinal infections due to Trichomonas and Giardia are quite common as well. The list of differentials unfortunately is quite long and more specific answers would require a more extensive chat on his clinical status or a consultation. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Diarrhoea could be a quite severe sign in birds especially if associated with lethargy and weakness as you described. Gastrointestinal infections (caused by bacteria or parasites most commonly) usually are responsible for this presentation. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like fecal analysis) may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I'm sorry Lyla isn't feeling well. Lethargy and puffed feathers are very nonspecific signs of illness in birds. But it clumsy be serious as birds don't show signs of illness easily. They try to hide thier illnesses as long as possible. It may be ideal to separate her from the other bird and give her a cage in a warm, quiet, draft free environment. Try to encourage her eating cooked eggs are a high nutrient food that may tempt her. But she probably needs a veterinarian as soon as possible to evaluate what is wrong. It could be anything from a viral infectio, fungal or bacterial cancer or any other illness. Good luck to Lyla.

As birds are excellent at hiding illness and home treatment hasn't helped, it would be best to bring Mia in for care at a local vet. Changes in stool color can indicate issues such as parasites, illness, organ problems, etc and if she is very lethargic and sleepy, she likely isn't feeling well. Until you can get to your vet, keeping her calm, quiet, and eating and drinking may help. If she is housed with any other birds, moving her to a hospital cage is also a good idea to prevent the spread of any illness and keep her from being picked on.

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.

If Sky's behavior has changed recently, and you are are also noticing a change in stool consistency without a change in diet or environment, then having him examined by your vet is a good idea. Some environmental changes, such as extreme heat may cause a bird to be more lethargic until it cools down, however they should still otherwise be eating, drinking and moving about some. Diet changes can also change the color or consistency of stool if there are colored pellets or different seeds introduced. It may be that he is still mourning the loss of his friend, and so is less active, however being completely uninterested in activities, having a change in stool without a diet change, or sleeping all the time are not considered normal.