A look at health problems Cockatiel Most cockatiel health problems are the result of malnutrition or poor care. Many of these conditions are life threatening and can easily kill your bird before you can say something is wrong. Some of these conditions include polyoma, psittacosis, Pacheco's disease, and candidiasis. This article discusses some of these common health problems cockatiel.
Polyoma
Polyoma is a disease caused by a viral infection that usually target the younger birds. The virus can be transmitted through the dust of feathers, droppings and respiratory secretions. It can also be transmitted through eggs. It is better to have your pet vaccinated against the disease when they reach 40 days.
Psittacosis
Another disease common in cockatiels is psittacosis. It is also known under various other names such as parrot fever, and chlamydia. This condition is caused by a bacterium that can be transmitted through feces, nasal secretions and dust from feathers. Birds infected have symptoms such as shortness of breath, runny nose, lethargy, ocular discharge, dehydration and loss of appetite. Treatment includes antibiotics for 45 days and remove calcium from the diet.
Candida
One of the next common health problems cockatiel is candidiasis, a condition caused by yeast. As polyoma, it usually affects young birds because of their immature immune system. However, older birds with a weakened immune system can also develop the condition. The most common reason for birds to develop, because the use of antibiotics long term. However, chicks fed by hand are also particularly sensitive when the equipment is not properly sterilized.
Symptoms of candidiasis include depression, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If the yeast infection of the mouth and nose, then your bird will probably be a bad breath and white matter in the mouth. This disease must be treated with antifungal medications. Your bird should also avoid eating fruit and sugar, while it still has the disease.
Pacheco's Disease
Pacheco's disease is caused by a deadly virus. Birds often die suddenly. Signs of this condition is intermittent diarrhea, ruffled feathers, anorexia and lethargy. This disease can be prevented thanks to vaccination. However, some birds have been known to have a reaction to the vaccine.
Posted on February 7, 2010.
