A few months ago, my 10-year-old lovebird, Rainy, fell ill. Every morning, I let him and the other little ones fly out to play, and I carefully observe their eating and bathroom habits. One morning, as usual, I let them out, but I noticed that Rainy hadn’t pooped, which struck me as odd. How could he not have gone after a whole night? To make matters worse, he vomited up everything he had eaten the night before, and he looked very lethargic, refusing to eat.

I was extremely worried and immediately sought out a bird doctor. Unfortunately, the specialized vet was on holiday, and the other qualified vets were fully booked. Since birds can quickly become weak if they don’t eat, I had no choice but to consult another doctor. While this doctor couldn’t determine the exact cause of the illness, he was able to prescribe some anti-inflammatory medication for Rainy, hoping he could hold on until the specialized vet returned.

Fortunately, Rainy was able to see the specialized doctor when she returned. After an examination, the doctor discovered that Rainy’s digestive system was severely inflamed. Typically, birds can digest food within a few hours, but Rainy hadn’t been able to poop for over 12 hours. His weight had dropped from 57 grams to 43 grams, and his condition was critical, requiring immediate hospitalization for focused care. After four days in the hospital, Rainy’s condition improved, and he was finally able to go home to continue his recovery.

After a month of recuperation, Rainy’s weight gradually increased and has now returned to 57 grams.

As for the exact cause of Rainy’s digestive system inflammation, it remains unclear. The doctor speculated it might be due to his older age, picky eating, excessive seed consumption, or unclean food.

I’m sharing Rainy’s situation to remind fellow bird owners of a few key points:

1. Monitor Daily Health: Pay close attention to any small changes in your bird’s behavior. Regularly observe their activity levels, feather condition, and breathing.
2. Seek Medical Attention Promptly: If your bird shows signs of diarrhea, vomiting (not regurgitation), loss of appetite, or lethargy, seek a bird vet immediately. Delaying can worsen the situation, and early diagnosis can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.【HOW TO KNOW YOUR BIRD IS SICK?】
3. Control Food Portions: Avoid feeding your bird too many seeds; they should only be a treat. The daily food (like formulated feed, fruits, and fresh vegetables) should make up no more than 20% of their diet. Ensure a balanced diet to promote health.【MY BIRD LOVES TO EAT SEEDS ONLY, WHAT SHOULD I DO?】
4. Regular Weighing: It’s advisable to weigh your bird at least twice a week to monitor their health. Weight fluctuations are a crucial health indicator.
5. Maintain a Clean Environment: Clean the cage and feeding dishes daily to ensure a hygienic living space and reduce the growth of bacteria.
6. Establish Good Daily Habits: Ensure your bird has enough exercise and social time, as this is very important for their mental health.【SHOULD I TRIM MY BIRD’S WINGS?】
7. 【WHAT SHOULD YOU DO FOR YOUR BIRDS EVERY MORNING?】

I hope all your little friends can stay healthy and happy, accompanying us through every day!

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