Do young birds need antibiotics to stay healthy and prevent illness?

Unfortunately a medication can't be prescribed without an exam in person, and without knowing the cause of the vomiting and diarrhea. Parasites, nutritional issues, obstructions or problems with the GI tract, illness, etc can all be possible causes that all require different treatments. It would be best to bring the baby bird to a vet ASAP, especially if they are dehydrated or unable to keep food down, so that the cause can be found and treatment started.

Continue attempting to contact your veterinarian. Amphotericin is used to treat bacterial and yeast infections in birds, but you'll need an appropriate dose for the second bird. This you'll have to get from the vet as we are legally prohibited from recommending doses for prescription medications. If you don't have experience handfeeding, contact a local breeder or avian vet. In the meantime, a soft diet (such as a handfeeding formula) can be offered. Keep the bird warm and as stress free as possible.

If the medication for Jimi hasn't helped and he's still showing signs of illness it would be best to bring him back to the vet for more care. It's possible additional tests need to be done such as a fecal exam or bloodwork to help narrow down the causes of his symptoms and provide more tailored treatment.

An antibiotic will only be helpful if there is a bacterial infection causing his problem. It is best to schedule a vet visit first to try and find the underlying issue causing the feather loss and changes to his stool. Additional causes can include internal parasites, illness, nutritional issues, viral infections, bacterial infections, yeast and fungus on the skin, or even arthritis in older birds preventing them from properly cleaning themselves. Ruling out these issues, or treating any that are found, are best to get Blu feeling better.

Thanks for reaching out. Antibiotics in the water are never a proper treatment, as you have no control over dosage. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give aid. You need to find a veterinarian with avian experience, try the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV.org) as they have a find-a-vet area. They probably did not die from getting cold, but probably didn't help. They need to be seen ASAP and given systemic antibiotics and dosed appropriately. If not eating, need to be syringe fed as young birds have no energy reserves. See a veterinarian ASAP. Good luck.

Unfortunately for legal reasons, we are unable to prescribe medications over the internet without having examined a bird in person. You will need to try and find a vet in your area that can examine Sokar in order to prescribe the medication and give dosing information.

It would be best to follow your vet's recommendation for treatment if they have recommended a medication to get Michael feeling better. The vet that examined him in person better knows his history and medical conditions to give appropriate treatment recommendations. If you are unsure of the dosage or have additional questions, speaking with the vet that prescribed the medication is best.