Diarrhea in parakeets: The stools of parakeets are a good indicator of their state of health. Usually, droppings consist of three parts: feces, which is the solid part representing organic waste, urine which is the solid part, and finally urate, the creamy white deposit found around the droppings. . When a parakeet has diarrhea, its droppings are watery because everything is mixed together.
How does diarrhea manifest in parakeets?
First of all, remember that diarrhea is not a disease, but a symptom of a digestive disorder that can have several origins. A bacterial infection, the parakeet feeding, or even the psychological state of the parakeet can cause this symptom which is called diarrhea.
To know if your parakeet has diarrhea, you should observe its droppings. It is important to keep a close eye on your parrots to be able to detect when something is wrong. In the case where a parakeet suffers from diarrhea, its droppings are a liquid and homogeneous mixture, we no longer distinguish between feces, urine, and urate as is usually the case.
Be careful, in some cases, the feces are still solid, but the liquid part (urine) is present in greater quantity, it is not diarrhea, but polyuria. It is an increase in the amount of urine which is completely benign and is usually due to a diet rich in juicy fruits.
The causes of diarrhea in parakeets
Several causes can cause liquid droppings in the bird. Most often, it will be a bacterial infection. To avoid this, hygiene is essential in the habitat of the bird in order to limit the proliferation of bacteria that would irritate the digestive system of the parakeet.
Stress and anxiety are common causes as well, the remedy is usually to move the parakeet to a calmer environment so that the bird regains psychological stability and its diarrhea does not stop. But there are also other causes of diarrhea in parakeets:
- A sudden change in diet or poor quality /unsuitable food
- An internal parasite: roundworms, flatworms, protozoa, etc.
- Poisoning: the presence of gravel in the litter for example.
- A virus: Polyomavirus, Herpes virus, Reovirus, Paramyxovirus
- The presence of yeast (Candida)
- A tumor
- Inflammation of the liver or pancreas
Treatment of diarrhea in parakeets
There is no universal treatment to combat diarrhea in parakeets, each case must benefit from specific solutions. Do not assume that the situation will recover on its own, in some cases, this can seriously weaken the bird and lead to its death.
Depending on the condition of the parakeet when you notice the presence of diarrhea, you will need to make an appointment with a competent veterinarian for an examination. If it seems fine, the cause may be mild and a home treatment may suffice. As soon as the bird seems weak, emaciated, or in any other worrying state, it will be a veterinary emergency.
Parakeet Diarrhea Home Treatment
In the event that the parakeet is not weakened by the situation, and only in this case, there are several simple remedies you can use to treat your parakeet’s diarrhea by restoring order to its digestive system. If the situation worsens or if these solutions do not work, it will be necessary to consult a professional.
The first solution will be to place the parakeet’s cage in a calm environment in order to reduce its stress which can be the cause of its diarrhea. In order to restore the balance of the parakeet’s intestinal flora, you can give it a little activated charcoal, which can be found in pharmacies or pet stores. It purifies the body, it is a good ally against temporary diarrhea. You can also use probiotics if you have them.
Finally, make sure the parakeet is well hydrated. Because of diarrhea, she loses a lot of water, and dehydration quickly arrived, do not hesitate to encourage her to drink with the help of a sugary drink:
- A mixture of sterile water with a large amount of sugar and a small teaspoon of salt
- A mixture of orange juice with boiled water and a teaspoon of salt
Budgie Health Tips on Recognising Diarrhoea in Budgies
SOURCE: Ross Perry
Preventing diarrhea in parakeets
To reduce the risk of your parakeet suffering from diarrhea, you must ensure that it lives in a healthy environment. First, his place of life must be cleaned and disinfected regularly in addition to being placed in a quiet room free from stress.
Also make sure to provide it with quality food, adapted to its species and in suitable quantities. If you decide to change his diet, do not do it too abruptly, but proceed in several stages in order to mix the new food with the old, his digestive system will adapt more easily.
Finally, don’t forget that an annual visit to the veterinarian is recommended to establish a general check-up and prevent common diseases.