If a grey is feather picking, or is clumsy, or has had a seizure, try treating with calcium in the drinking water (Neo-Calglucon TM Sanzoz, calcium glubionate 23 mg/30 ml drinking water or 23 mg/kg PO q24h), supplementing with Tums TM (calcium carbonate) and having the owner offer more high calcium food (cottage cheese, cheese, yogurt and almonds).
Full Answer
What causes seizures in birds?
Seizures are reasonably common in birds and often observed in Amazon parrots, African grey parrots, budgies, canaries, finches and lovebirds. A seizure may result from any disorder in the brain that causes spontaneous electrical discharge in the nervous system.
What can I do to help my parrot with seizures?
Good supportive care that includes a warm and safe home, fluids, and treatment medication will help. Anticonvulsants can be used to temporarily halt the seizures allowing treatment to take effect. While there are plenty of possible treatments depending on diagnosis, some birds only have rare episodes,...
What are anticonvulsants for birds with epilepsy?
Anticonvulsants can be used to temporarily halt the seizures allowing treatment to take effect. While there are plenty of possible treatments depending on diagnosis, some birds only have rare episodes, and others recover completely.
What can’t parrots eat?
Parrots have a low bodyweight and sometimes only eat the seeds out of the fruit, increasing the risk of cyanide poisoning. You should never feed your parrot food that’s been fried, whether that means:
How do you stop a bird from having seizures?
What should I do if my bird has a seizure? If your bird has a seizure, it needs immediate veterinary attention. In the meantime, place your bird in a cage with soft bedding on the bottom, remove the perches, toys, and swings to minimize injury, and place the food and water dishes in easily accessible locations.
What causes seizures in African GREY parrots?
NOTE - African Greys are particularly prone to seizures due to hypocalcaemia. Be sure to consult your avian veterinarian about appropriate diet for these birds. Infectious Diseases: Some infections are known for causing central nervous system disorders. Some bacteria secrete toxins that can affect the nervous system.
What do you feed a sick parrot?
What to feed a sick birdProtein-rich millet.Mashed ripe bananas.Applesauce for protein-rich organic baby food.Soft vegetables.Ground-up pellets mixed with fruit juice.
What food should not be given to parrots?
Toxic foods and foods to avoid giving parrotsAlcohol.Avocado.Cassava (tapioca)Caffeine.Dairy products.Onion, garlic, scallions.Meat.Mushrooms.More items...•
Do having seizures hurt?
Generally, the experience of having a seizure does not hurt. That's because some seizures cause unconsciousness, so you're unaware of what is happening. However, you might have a headache before or after a seizure.
What are the signs of a bird dying?
Recognizing Sick Birds by BehaviorTrouble breathing or puffing or panting breaths.Reluctance or inability to fly properly.Excessive drinking.Sitting too still, even when approached.Drooping wings or slouched, unsteady posture.Roosting in open areas, even on porches or patios.Limping.Head listing to one side.More items...•
How do you force feed a sick parrot?
Do not force the bird to eat. Pet owners should never force feed their birds. A bird can easily aspirate (inhale food) and develop pneumonia and force-feeding causes enormous stress to your bird. Reverting to hand feeding is only of use for those birds that willingly accept feeding from the syringe.
Is banana good for parrots?
Your parrot can eat the following fruit: Apples. Bananas. Citrus fruits.
How do you nurse a bird back to health?
Cardboard box for an impaired birdFind a sturdy cardboard box that has a top. ... Put a cloth (not terry cloth) inside on the bottom. ... Make a “nest” that fits the bird. ... Put several small air holes, each about the diameter of a pencil, in the top of the cardboard box. ... Place the bird in the box. ... Add a source of heat.
What food kills birds?
Among the most common foods that are toxic to birds are:Avocado.Caffeine.Chocolate.Salt.Fat.Fruit pits and apple seeds.Onions and garlic.Xylitol.
What fruit is poisonous to birds?
Fruit Pits & Apple Seeds While diced apple is OK for pet birds, the apple seeds contain cyanide and should always be removed prior to feeding apple to your bird. Pits from cherries, plums, apricots, and peaches also contain cyanide, so never allow your bird to chew on them.
What fruit is not good for parrots?
Rhubarb is another fruit you shouldn't feed a parrot. It contains oxalic acid -- another potentially poisonous substance for birds. The seeds and pits of apples, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches and plums are off limits as they contain a cyanide-like substance.
Do parrots have seizures?
There are many causes of birds' seizures, including brain tumors, infection, head trauma, liver disease, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia and toxicities from lead, zinc, aflatoxins and certain insecticides. If none of those things are causing the seizures in your pet bird, then it has what is called idiopathic epilepsy.
What is bird ataxia?
Ataxia may be defined as the inability to coordinate the voluntary movement of muscles. Birds that are ataxic appear wobbly or clumsy and will often stand with the legs spread far apart in order to balance or hook their beak on the side of the cage.
Can African Greys have strokes?
Clinical relevance: Findings for this Congo African grey parrot indicated that an antemortem diagnosis of an acute ischemic stroke followed by long-term seizure management may be possible in affected psittacines.
Why is my bird twitching?
Twitching can be a warning sign for seizures or other ailments in birds, whether of the head, limbs, full body or wings. Birds might twitch when they experience toxicity, injury or viral infection. Take your bird to an avian veterinarian immediately if you have any concerns of seizure or any other health issue.
Question
Why does a healthy male parrot whose breeding get fits? Being fed multivitamin twice a week for years but eventually dies at 8yrs old.
Answer
I’m sorry to hear about your parrot. There are many things that can cause seizures in pet birds. There is no way to guess what was wrong. However, he was not healthy if he was having seizures, and with something like this, you would not want let this bird be a breeder.
What to do if African Grey has seizures?
So, if an African Grey is suffering from seizures, always check the uropygial gland and make sure that it is producing a secretion. Some birds with hypovitaminosis A will have squamous metaplasia of the uropygial gland, and it will not be functioning properly.
What is the best supplement for seizures?
Instead of initially treating the seizures with an anticonvulsant, I recommend using a nutritional supplement called DMG (dimethylglycine). This supplement works by providing a methyl group, which acts in a similar manner as an antioxidant, however, DMG does so much more.
What to do if a grey bird picks feathers?
If a grey is feather picking, or is clumsy, or has had a seizure, try treating with calcium in the drinking water (Neo-Calglucon TM Sanzoz, calcium glubionate 23 mg/30 ml drinking water or 23 mg/kg PO q24h), supplementing with Tums TM (calcium carbonate) and having the owner offer more high calcium food (cottage cheese, cheese, yogurt and almonds).
Do birds have uropygial glands?
Some species of psittacines do not possess an uropygial gland (including Amazon parrots, hyacinth macaws) and emus, ostriches, cassowaries, bustards, frogmouths, many pigeons and woodpeckers do not possess one, either.
Do grey birds need sunlight?
While formulated diets should contain adequate amounts of vitamin D3, any birds, especially greys, with calcium problems should always have the uropygial gland evaluated, and it should be recommended that they receive some sunlight or full-spectrum artificial lighting.
Is DMG safe for avian?
At this time, there are no reference values published for avian species for phenobarbital levels in avian species. Using DMG will most likely lessen the dosage of antico nvulsants needed, and may even preclude their use, which is much safer for avian and exotic patients.
Do African Grey parrots have seizures?
African Grey parrots are known to have problems with seizures, most commonly related to hypocalcemia. Do not rule out hypocalcemia problems based on one blood test showing a calcium level in the normal range. Calcium levels dip and rise according to circadian rhythm.
Can you feed a bird a smoothie?
As an alternative, you can share a healthy drink made out of pure vegetable or fruit juice, or even a fresh smoothie with your pet. This will not only prove to be satisfying to the taste buds of your bird but also its nutritional requirements.
Can you feed a bird tomato?
Tomatoes, for example, should be properly cleaned and sliced, removing the green parts so that your bird will not be fed with toxins. Because of its high acidic content, a tomato is not the best option for feeding. Choose from the other vegetable options that you can freely feed your bird.
Can birds eat avocados?
The debate continues as to how toxic avocados are for birds. Generally, it is advised to be safe rather than being sorry. Avoid allowing your parrot from consuming avocado, guacamole, or related products. The pits and skin of avocado are suspected of causing cardiac arrest, and eventual heart failure among pet birds, including parrots.
Is avocado a cardiac toxin?
Generally, all parts of the avocado fruit contain persin, which is a fungicidal toxin which has been classified to be a cardiac toxin among birds. Smaller birds such as budgies and canaries are often more susceptible, though some clinical signs have also been observed among other bird species. These clinical signs often include respiratory distress that typically develops within 12 hours after ingestion, while death may occur within just one to two days.
Can chocolate poison parrots?
Even though chocolates are a favorite among humans, it can be poisonous and toxic for parrots, as well as with some other animals. The very first symptom of chocolate poisoning is vomiting and diarrhea. For birds, chocolate affects the central nervous system, which may result in deadly seizures among birds. Make sure that all chocolates in your house are kept away from your bird.
Can you feed a bird fruit seeds?
Even though the fruit pulp is safe for your pet bird, feeding the seeds is a no-no. Aside from the poisonous seeds, fruit peels may have also been sprayed with harmful pesticides. In order to remove them, wash and core all fruits thoroughly, especially those that you plan to share with your parrot in order to prevent them from getting exposed to harmful toxins.
Is it safe to feed parrots?
Avian veterinarians depend on a wide range of toxicology information. Still, it is generally considered best to be safe when it comes to feeding your parrot friends.
How to treat a bird with a seizure?
The range of treatments varies depending on the specific problem and may include treating the underlying disease, modifying the diet, providing nutritional supplementation, and possibly hospitalizing the bird for supportive therapy (fluids and vitamins) plus antibiotic, antiviral or antiparasitic medications as indicated . Sometimes the condition cannot be "cured", only managed and supported to improve the quality of life.
What is a seizure in birds?
Seizures are reasonably common in birds and often observed in Amazon parrots, African grey parrots, budgies, canaries, finches and lovebirds. A seizure may result from any disorder in the brain that causes spontaneous electrical discharge in the nervous system. This electrical discharge causes a variety of involuntary body responses ...
How long does a bird's seizure last?
The second phase is called ictus and is a period of disorientation, with an inability to coordinate the movements of the muscles. The bird will lose its grip and fall to the bottom of the cage. Often the body becomes stiff and the bird will jerk spastically; the bird may defecate and vocalize. This phase usually lasts 5 - 20 seconds, but if you have never witnessed this before, it can be a frightening and "long" couple of seconds. The third phase is called the post-ictal phase and lasts several minutes to hours. The bird will show a variable mount of exhaustion, lethargy, confusion, disorientation, agitation or restlessness.
What causes a seizure?
Often we do not know exactly what triggers a seizure. Some disorders leading to seizure may be primary such as tumors, infections (bacterial, Chlamydophila, viral or fungal), heat stroke or trauma (such as flying accidents). Secondary disorders include reproductive problems, metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies or imbalances and toxic events. When the cause cannot be determined, the condition is called idiopathic epilepsy or seizures.
How to help a bird with a seizure?
After your bird has a seizure, carefully take your bird to the avian veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the cause of the problem and enable a treatment plan. Keep your bird in a dim light and quiet environment after a seizure, and keep it warm but not overheated. Padding on the cage floor, and lowering the perches may help your bird recover . Nutritious food offerings of easily digested food and ensure the water bowl is not too deep to prevent accidental drowning. Your veterinarian will need a history of how long the episode took, and what character changes your bird experienced will help, such as did your bird look vacant, fall over, or have any trembling at all.
How to keep a bird from having seizures?
Once your bird is home and on the road to recovery, it may be an innovative idea to keep your bird companion in a smaller cage with a padded floor to prevent injuries if it continues to have seizures. Check the environment to ensure there are no possible items in the vicinity that may cause possible poisoning.
Why does my bird have seizures?
The cause of seizures is often hard to isolate, with the causes ranging from tumors and heat stroke to trauma and toxins.
Why do birds have soft padding?
Until you can get your bird to a specialist for treatment, ensure that your birdcage has a layer of soft padding on the bottom to protect it and minimize injury while having a seizure. Seizures are upsetting to witness in your bird, involving loss of muscle control and muscle spasms such as leg twitching and wing flapping.
What causes a bird to get a concussion?
Causes of Seizures in Birds. Physical injury such as concussion caused by a collision with the wall, or flying into a window or a blow to the head.
How to keep a bird from drowning?
Padding on the cage floor, and lowering the perches may help your bird recover. Nutritious food offerings of easily digested food and ensure the water bowl is not too deep to prevent accidental drowning.
What to do if Sully has seizures?
If Sully is having seizures that frequently, he should be seen by a veterinarian to determine why he is having the seizures, and to get medications to help him stop. I hope that he is okay.
What is a seizure?
A seizure is an electrical disturbance in the brain. During a seizure, the person may stare and forget what happened as well as have uncontrollable movements in their arms and legs. These symptoms are present with an absence seizure and a clonic seizure.
How can you help?
There are multiple procedures someone can take to ensure the safety of the afflicted person. Taking these steps into consideration could help those who may need our help in the future.
What to feed a bird to avoid toxins?
Thoroughly wash and core all fruit that you share with your bird to avoid exposure to toxins. While on the topic of feeding your bird fruit, avoid acidic fruits, like oranges. Opt for low-sugar, antioxidant rich fruits like berries, melons, kiwi, and the like.
What happens if a bird eats too much onion?
A bird that is fed too much onion for long periods of time will even develop a serious blood condition called hemolytic anemia. Finally, breathing problems develop and the bird ultimately dies.
Can parrots eat dry beans?
Dried Beans. While cooked beans are a healthy supplement to your daily bird food, raw, dry bean mixes are poisonous foods for parrots. Uncooked beans contain a poison called hemagglutinin which is very toxic to birds. To avoid poisoning, make sure to thoroughly cook any beans that you feed your bird.
Can parrots eat guacamole?
Don't allow your parrot to consume guacamole or other avocado products. Avocado skin and pits are suspected of causing cardiac distress and eventual heart failure in pet birds and parrots.
Is chocolate bad for birds?
While chocolate is a favorite treat for humans, it is a poisonous food for parrots and many other animals. The first symptom of chocolate poisoning is diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, your bird's central nervous system is affected. You may see deadly seizures, too. Keep all chocolate out of reach of your bird.
Is salty food bad for birds?
Many salty foods also contain a lot of fat. Our pet birds want to share our chips and crackers, but these food items are just not healthy for our pet birds.
Does coffee make birds maniac?
One little swig made him act like a maniac. We simply had to make sure he was caged as we drank our morning coffee. Caffeine may cause cardiac malfunction in birds, and is associated with increased heartbeat, arrhythmia, hyperactivity, and cardiac arrest. What affects us with a boost in energy is potentially deadly to our pet parrots.
What are some foods that can harm parrots?
Still dangerous foods include raw rhubarb and mushrooms, followed by onions, garlic, sugar-free foods, and dairy. Risky foods that are safe in certain conditions include raw meat, saltine crackers, chips, large raw beans, raw peanuts, and certain plant stems and leaves. These foods or ingredients can harm your parrot in various ways.
What Can Parrots Not Eat?
Aside from traditional foods, there are other kitchen ingredients your parrot should never have. Some of these drinks or ingredients are toxic. Others will upset your parrot’s metabolism or lead to illnesses over time.
How long does it take for a parrot to die from a pit?
In some cases, death within hours or days. The larger the seed or pit, the more cyanide it contains. Unfortunately, parrots often find fruit pits tasty and fun to crack open. Before feeding your parrot any fruit with pits, double-check if they contain cyanide.
Why do parrots have delirium?
This is because they contain tropane alkaloids, which may cause hallucinations and delirium. If you want to feed your parrot stems or leaves, check its base compounds. If it contains tropane alkaloids, even in small amounts, avoid it.
What happens if celery stalks are in your parrot's stomach?
Celery stalks can lead to the impaction of your parrot’s stomach or crop. A crop impaction is more common and happens when food cannot move from the crop to the stomach.
Why is milk bad for parrots?
This is because it often contains ingredients like: Butter, which adds too much fat to a parrot’s diet. Milk, which is harmful since birds cannot digest lactose. Sugar, which can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and stomach upset.
Can parrots overdose on vitamins?
At the worst, they expose your parrot to a higher risk of certain bacteria or pathogens. This may lead to illness. At the least, they overdose your bird in vitamins or minerals that can be harmful in large amounts. Be sure to prepare these foods correctly, or avoid them to be safe.
What happens if a pet bird falls down?
On the other hand, if your pet bird is on a perch, or even staying upright on the floor of her cage, and she suddenly falls down or falls over and starts twitching, you're more likely to think "seizure" even though that isn't really what is happening.
What bird passed with us?
The only bird that we've had that passed with us was Zenith,a little budgie. As his passing came closer,I was holding him. He looked up at me,and gave a small "chirrp"-that almost sounded like a question- at least to me. I told him that it was all right,that he could go. After that, he stopped breathing,and was gone-very peaceful...
Do wild birds pass?
Some did the final wing spread and some did the "seizure" type action, but its different for every one. The ones we have to put asleep do go very peacefully wrapped in a towel and laid in a soft bedding.
Did Bokka have a seizure?
Bokka had a huge seizure, and many before he died a day later after his big one. And it was believed that Gra had a seizure before she died (I found her dead) and Sydney did have a seizure before passing (I was there) and it just seems like this is the norm for birds.