Steve Hutchings Budgie Site

RESPIRATORY DISEASE

Breathing problems are very common sign in all species of birds. These can be sudden in onset and should be treated as a emergency.

Budgerigars can suffer from acute bouts of pneumonia but many are chronically diseased. pet birds only suffer pneumonia very occasionally. Exhibition birds are more prone - depending on the conditions that they are housed in. Proper ventilation is essential and extractor fans, open windows ( with added security ) or ionisers can help.

There is also a need to reduce dust levels in the buildings. Birds themselves generate dust, but sawdust and shavings can make the problem worse. In most cases there is a need to treat the individual, blanket treatment is only needed where the management is poor.

Correction of this is a far more wise approach long term. The best route of treatment is by injection to obtained a high level of drug quickly.

Canaries can suffer breathing problems due to a variety of causes, most commonly bacterial pneumonia's or air sac mites. The mites can be easily dealt with ( see parasites page ) once again bacterial pneumonia's end to be more chronical. Birds from both these categories tend to wheeze and can get worse when held for examination.

Parrotlike birds also suffer respiratory problems. in these the cause may be fungal, this is especially so in African Grey parrots. Environmental contamination is very important in these cases. I would recommend x-rays of all larger species to rule out other cases of breathing problems.

Our x ray facilities at the Drove enables far higher detail to pick up subtle changes in the birds lungs or air sacs these would not be detectable with many less modern machines. Treatment of parrot like does also tend to be on the individual bird. It is important to check out the birds vitamin A status. vitamin A is important in maintaining the birds defenses against infections.

All birds fed on a seed diet are likely to be deficient, clinical signs are not always readily seen but a good guide is the nature of the tissues in the mouth. Ways to increase the levels of vitamin A are threefold.

1. Increase the feeding of fresh pulses, fruit and vegetables to supplement the existing diet.

2. Add multivitamin preparations to the water or food.

3. Convert the bird over a complete diet

Recently a young African Grey, which was being hand reared developed respiratory problems. the bird was treated with appropriate antibiotics and is environment was changed. Ventilation in the brooder was increased and shredded paper was used as bedding ( in preference to shavings ) The problem has not recurred.

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