Does Your Bird Need A Check-Up At The Vet?
Birds are a common pet for millions of people around the world and yet many people still know very little about them. They are, after all, quite a varied type of animal with many different species popular as pets, and knowing the ins and outs of your pet bird is not as simple as it is with, say, a dog. Birds have much more subtle body language when problems arise, which is why it is so important that you, as their owner and caregiver, pay attention to these minor details. Here are a few signs that your pet bird needs a trip to the vet.
Feathers
Feathers can be a good sign of your bird's overall health. If your bird's feathers are looking dull, falling out, or have lost some of their lustre, then you might want to get them checked out by a vet. It may be a simple solution, like they aren't getting the right nutrients in their diet, or it could be something far more insidious, but the only way to tell is by taking your beloved bird to someone who can diagnose the issue correctly. Don't hesitate either, as the problem will only get worse as time goes by and your bird might be left with far fewer feathers than you anticipated.
Erratic Behaviour
Birds are often quite vocal, but in addition to their screeches and the chats they may have with you, they are also quite energetic when it comes to movement. They love bobbing up and down, shaking their tail or flicking their head around. If you see your bird making the same move over and over again, then it may indicate it has pain in that region. On the other hand, if your bird is not moving much at all, then that is also a good sign that something is amiss with their health.
Eyes
One of the best ways to tell if your bird is feeling alright is by looking into their large eyes. If you notice any discolouration, or if the eye is looking quite tired and not focusing on you or anything else, then you would be correct in assuming your bird needs a little help from someone with experience. Vets are very good at determining internal issues with birds while still being very gentle so that they do not feel any more discomfort than is necessary, so don't delay if you do think your feathered friend might have a problem you can't solve on your own.