Signs of Sickness in Pet Birds

Appetite	When birds develop sickness, besides being ill, they become nervous, defensive and tearful. In turn, their appetite and attitude toward food is affected. Understanding this, bird owners can detect important early signs that something is wrong by paying particularity close attention to their birds at mealtime.
Droppings	Change in the character of the droppings or a decrease in the number or volume.
Activity	Change in activity-generally observed as being less active, talking less, singing less, and overgrown beak and toenails.
Mood	Change in attitude, decline in friendliness - grouchiness.
Appearance	Change in birds' appearance or posture. Ruffled feathers, eyes closing in a sleepy fashion, and sitting low on the perch (droopy)-are all serious signs of sickness.
Breathing	Any noticeable breathing while resting, heavy breathing after exertion, change in character of voice, and any respiratory sounds-sneeze, wheeze or click
Lumps	Any enlargement-even fat is abnormal in birds.
Lesions	Unusual crustiness, discoloration or inflammation of face, beak, feet, or legs.

Bird owners will want to be watchful of their birds' health. Annual physical examinations are a good investment. Every new bird needs a complete physical. It's one of the most important examinations of his life.

Comparative Problems
A bird with ruffled feathers and partially closed eyes-is critically sick.