Caring for a budgerigar

The Most Common Diseases in Parakeets

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 16, 2017
The Most Common Diseases in Parakeets

All animals suffer the risk of illness and they can suffer from illnesses which affect them to a greater or lesser extent. This is also true with parakeets, one of the most common birds in homes, which can be affected by various diseases and parasites. Whenever we see any symptoms in our pet, we should see the vet to diagnose what's wrong with the animal and to then administer the appropriate treatment. In this article on OneHowTo.com you can get an idea of the most common diseases in parakeets.

You may also be interested in: Common Diseases In Zebra Finches
Contents
  1. Catarrhal inflammation
  2. Asthma
  3. Bronchitis
  4. Epilepsy
  5. Fractures
  6. Paratyphosis
  7. Mites

Catarrhal inflammation

This occurs when the parakeet eats foods that have not been washed properly. The bird seems sad, turns a violet or purple color, develops a very relaxed crop with ruffled feathers and the bird then stops eating, but drinks quite a lot. The disease takes about 3-5 days to kill the parakeet. Unfortunately, it is incurable. To avoid this, feed your pet clean grain and well washed lettuce.

The Most Common Diseases in Parakeets - Catarrhal inflammation

Asthma

Chronic diseases characterized by difficult breathing are also common diseases in parakeets. This is a difficult disease to cure (sometimes impossible), but it usually does not cause death. It is important not to tire the parakeet, so it can breathe more calmly.

Bronchitis

As in the case of humans, it is a inflammation of the bronchi with mucous then lining the airways. It can be produced from germs, dust, etc. It is necessary to separate sick birds from other individuals to avoid infection and place the ill birdie in a well-ventilated but draft-free area.

Epilepsy

This condition is common in young birds because they are very vulnerable to this problem as they flit through the cage and eventually become paralyzed, and this prevents them from jumping and flying. It is an incurable disease.

Fractures

This occurs when the small bones in the bird's wings or legs are broken. Generally, there are no complications, but a bad weld could leave the parakeet lame.

The Most Common Diseases in Parakeets - Fractures

Paratyphosis

When parakeets are infected with this disease they become depressed. They stop singing. They keep their eyes closed and they breathe rapidly, among other symptoms. It will be necessary to isolate them, but unfortunately it takes very little for them to finally die.

Mites

These parasites invade and infest the very small under feathers of these birds because of poor hygiene. The main symptoms are ruffled feathers and the fact that the birds are restless.

The Most Common Diseases in Parakeets - Mites

If you want to read similar articles to The Most Common Diseases in Parakeets, we recommend you visit our Pets category.

Tips

  • If you believe that your parakeet is sick, take it to the vet.
Write a comment
What did you think of this article?
4 comments
Rating:
mark schroeder
My 2 male keets, have developed that long beak growth. What should I do? Thank you.
Mark
Rating:
Chris
How long does it take for a parakeet to die if it has epilepsy?
Matthew Nesbitt (oneHOWTO editor)
Hi Chris,

There are too many variables. They can have a long and happy life, depending on the severity of the condition.
Rating:
Vicky
Hi,

I have a question. The butthole of my parakeet doesnt look very healthy. It is dirty and bigger than normal. For a second I also saw something pink when I looked at it. For the rest he looks fine. He is clean and active. Does anyone know what this can be and if its serious?
Rating:
Tanya
I have a normal budgie for about 6 years now and I've had show budgies but who have all died but she out lives them. I think after a while they die because she feeds them and I'm quite sure she has some sort of virus or something in her crop that kills them off but not 100%. The last one couldn't eat the food anymore and just wanted to be fed by her and sat puffed up most of the time until he died, this is the case with all her partners.
1 of 4
The Most Common Diseases in Parakeets