Why is my baby parakeet not standing, eating, and pooping black?

Hi, and thanks for your question. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hello there! It sounds like Dash might be in some trouble. Sitting on the bottom of the cage is generally considered abnormal in parakeets, especially with the odd behavior, ruffled feathers, and squeaking you mentioned. Black stools make me worry about potential bleeding in her gastrointestinal tract, which can be life-threatening. There are multiple issues that could be at play here, from a dietary indiscretion (eating something she wasn't supposed to), trauma, a bacterial or fungal infection, or parasites. The only way to know for sure what is causing her symptoms (and to therefore determine a course of treatment that is safe for her) is to bring Dash to a vet. It looks like you indicated that you live in Seattle - there is a bird vet near you: Bird and Exotic Clinic of Seattle 10501 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 783-4538 Please consider bringing Dash to the vet if you can as she sounds very, very sick. In the meantime, you should keep her warm and calm, and place her food and water near her on the floor to encourage her to eat and drink. Good luck, and I hope Dash gets well soon!

Balance issues and falling off the perch are not normal behaviors, so if your Quaker is having trouble staying perched, is acting confused, or is unable to eat or drink properly I would seek veterinary care ASAP. Underlying issues such as muscular or neurologic disease, illnesses, infections, nutrient deficiencies, etc can all cause problems like this to happen, so ruling them out is best. Make sure to keep offering him a balanced diet, and if you suspect illness, keep him warm and separated from other birds until you can seek veterinary care.

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.

Palpate her abdomen as she could be egg bound. Provide a warm environment in the 80-85 F range. Very dark green feces is usually anorexia but black feces is melena (digested blood) and needs veterinary attention. A dog/cat vet might be you're only choice. Try offering water and food through a syringe but make sure to do it slow to prevent aspiration. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Bulbul and including photos, although the photos do not include the legs. A loose leg is likely a fracture, dislocation or neurologic problems, each requiring a veterinary visit to treat. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to weak bones, more likely to fracture. Veterinary intervention sooner than later can improve prognosis and recovery. Provide supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range, as young birds have difficulty thermoregulating. Offering food and water via a syringe might give some hydration and energy. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Cutie and including photos. This condition often arises from improper substrate that allows the legs to slip outward. During the developmental phases of grown, bones are soft and bend easily. You can attempt to "hobble" the legs underneath her in an attempt to correct things but prognosis is not good. A veterinary visit can improve odds, especially if avian experienced. Good luck.