Bird Dehydration

Bird Dehydration

Causes
Dehydration in birds may be due to:

• Inadequate supply of water.
• Inability to drink due to damaged beak or tongue, infected throat, or damaged neck.
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Signs
Lethargy; poor appetite; hard, dry droppings; sunken eyes, and skin that do not slide easily over the breast (keel) bone can all be signs of dehydration.

Treatment

• Handle the bird gently and as little as possible.
• Give an electrolyte solution from a syringe or eyedropper. Obtain a commercial electrolyte solution or powder from your veterinarian. If unavailable, make up a solution of one teaspoon of glucose substitute powder to 100mls (1/2 cup) of water.

• Administer the solution at the rate of 1 to 2mls (1/3 teaspoon) per 100gms (4ozs) of body weight. The following body weights may serve as a guide:

– Canary 15-30gm (0.5— 1 oz)

– Budgerigar 30 – 55gm (1 – 2 oz)

– Lovebird 50 – 60gm (2 – 2.2 oz)

– Pigeon 300 – 450gm (10.5 – 16 oz)

• Take the bird to your veterinarian for the administration of fluids by crop feeding or by injection if you are unable to manage the bird

See more: TUFTED TITMOUSE