Parakeets, also known as budgerigars or budgies, are popular pets around the world. They are relatively small parrots that originate from Australia. While parakeets are fairly hardy birds, they can develop certain illnesses and diseases. Here is an overview of some of the most common health issues seen in pet parakeets.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are very common in parakeets. These are typically caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Some potential causes include:
- Bacterial infections like mycoplasmosis
- Fungal infections such as aspergillosis
- Viral infections including paramyxovirus and polyomavirus
Symptoms of respiratory infections in parakeets can include:
- Discharge from the eyes or nostrils
- Sneezing and wheezing
- Labored breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Ruffled, puffed-up feathers
Bacterial and fungal infections can often be treated with medications prescribed by an avian vet. Viral infections may just need supportive care while the bird’s immune system fights off the virus. Maintaining good hygiene and reducing stress can help prevent respiratory infections in parakeets.
Psittacosis
Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever or ornithosis, is a bacterial disease that can affect parakeets. It is caused by Chlamydia psittaci bacteria. Parakeets can catch it through inhaling contaminated dust from bird feces or secretions.
In parakeets, symptoms of psittacosis include:
- Loss of appetite
- Conjunctivitis
- Ruffled feathers
- Discharge from eyes or nose
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
Psittacosis can be transmitted to humans, so prompt veterinary care is essential. It is treated with antibiotics in both birds and people. Preventative measures include quarantining new birds and maintaining clean cages.
Parasites
Both external and internal parasites can infest parakeets and cause health issues. Common external parasites include:
- Mites – microscopic parasites that cause itching, feather loss, and skin irritation
- Lice – wingless insects that feed on feathers and skin, leading to itchiness
Internal parasites may include:
- Roundworms – worms that live in the intestines and can cause weight loss and lethargy
- Tapeworms – segmented worms that steal nutrients and cause weight loss
- Protozoa like Giardia – microscopic organisms that disrupt digestion
Parasites are treated with medications, both topical and oral, prescribed by an avian veterinarian. Preventative steps include keeping the cage clean and not allowing exposure to other birds with unknown health histories.
Malnutrition
Parakeets require a balanced, varied diet to stay healthy. All-seed diets are deficient in important nutrients and can cause malnutrition over time. Symptoms of malnutrition include:
- Poor feather quality
- Lethargy and weakness
- Reduced immunity
- Weight loss
- Swelling over breastbone
- Beak or feather deformities in chicks
Malnutrition is prevented through feeding a nutritious parakeet diet containing:
- High-quality seed mix
- Pellets fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Chopped vegetables and fruits
- Occasional healthy treats like sprouts, cooked eggs, etc.
A vitamin supplement can help fill any nutritional gaps. Consult an avian vet if your parakeet already has symptoms of malnutrition.
Egg Binding
Egg binding happens when a female parakeet has trouble passing an egg. It is most common in calcium-deficient birds. Symptoms include:
- Straining to defecate
- Sitting fluffed up at bottom of cage
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
Egg binding can be fatal if left untreated. Seek emergency veterinary care if egg binding is suspected. Preventative measures include providing calcium supplements and ensuring proper diet and light exposure.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease, also called hepatic lipidosis, occurs when fat accumulates in the liver. Common causes include:
- Obesity
- Egg laying
- Malnutrition
- Toxins
Symptoms of fatty liver disease include:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness
- Weight loss
Supportive care and dietary changes can help resolve mild cases. Severe fatty liver disease may ultimately be fatal. Prevention centers around maintaining proper diet and weight.
Toxicity
Parakeets are sensitive to toxins in their environment. Sources of toxicity include:
- Fumes from nonstick cookware or candles
- Cigarette smoke
- Dust from cleaning products
- Mold from damp environments
- Pesticides
Symptoms of toxicity can include:
- Respiratory distress
- Neurological signs like seizures
- Feather plucking
- Gastrointestinal upset like vomiting
Remove suspected toxins from the parakeet’s environment. Supportive care such as oxygen therapy may be needed based on the bird’s symptoms. Prevent toxicity by using natural cleaning products and ensuring good air circulation.
Trauma
Parakeets are prone to trauma from accidents in the cage or home. Trauma may arise from:
- Flying into walls, windows, or ceiling fans
- Getting body parts like wings or legs caught in cage wiring
- Escaping the cage and getting attacked by predators
- Falls from heights
- Getting stepped on or sat on
- Attacks from other pets
Mild trauma may just result in bruising or superficial cuts. More severe trauma can involve broken bones, head/brain injury, or damage to internal organs. Seek veterinary care immediately if trauma occurs. Try to prevent accidents by parakeet-proofing the home.
Feather Destructive Behaviors
Parakeets sometimes exhibit feather destructive behaviors like plucking or chewing. This can arise from:
- Boredom and inadequate mental stimulation
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Skin infections or external parasites causing itching
- Compulsive disorders
Feather destructive behaviors can lead to self-mutilation injuries. Address the underlying cause to stop the behavior. Providing ample toys, exercise, companionship, and veterinary care can often resolve these issues.
Reproductive Problems
Breeding parakeets can experience various reproductive issues including:
- Egg binding – covered earlier
- Dystocia – difficulty laying eggs
- Prolapse – cloacal tissue protruding outside the vent
- Egg yolk peritonitis – yolk material leaks into abdomen, causing fatal infection
Reproductive issues may require medications or surgery. Spaying or neutering can prevent most reproduction problems. Allowing birds to breed should only be done carefully under guidance of an avian vet.
Airsac Mites
Airsac mites are microscopic parasites that live in a parakeet’s respiratory system. Heavy infestations can cause:
- Labored breathing
- Loss of voice
- Coughing/sneezing
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Cyanosis (blue color) of skin or mucous membranes
Airsac mites are diagnosed through microscopic examination of tracheal washings or swabs. They are treated with prescription medications. Good hygiene and quarantining new birds can prevent spread.
Bumblefoot
Bumblefoot is a bacterial or fungal infection of the foot. It causes:
- Swelling and abscesses on bottom of foot
- Necrotic black lesions
- Limping / reluctance to perch
Bumblefoot often results from uncomfortable perches. Treatment involves antibiotics and sometimes surgery. Prevent it through proper perch size and configuration.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a yeast infection that can affect parakeets. Common symptoms include:
- White plaques in mouth or crop
- Difficulty eating
- Crop stasis or slow crop emptying
- Regurgitation of food
- Weight loss
An antifungal medication prescribed by a vet is needed to treat candidiasis. Boosting immune health helps prevent infection.
Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is a fungal infection often involving the respiratory system. Symptoms can vary based on location but may include:
- Sneezing, wheezing, coughing
- Sinus discharge
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Neurological signs if infection spreads to brain
Aspergillosis requires antifungal medication or sometimes surgery. Prevent it by avoiding exposure to mold and keeping cage clean.
Cancer
Parakeets can sometimes develop cancerous tumors. Potential types include:
- GI tract tumors
- Reproductive organ tumors
- Skin or feather cysts
- Eye tumors
Symptoms depend on tumor type and location. They may include weight loss, lethargy, deformities, or straining to defecate. Diagnostic testing like biopsies are needed to confirm cancer. Treatment options are generally limited in parakeets.
Heart Disease
Parakeets are prone to heart conditions including:
- Atherosclerosis – hardened arteries
- Heart murmurs
- Congestive heart failure
- Fatty deposits in heart muscle
Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, lethargy, weight loss, cyanosis, and sudden death. Diagnostics like x-rays, bloodwork, and ECG are needed for diagnosis. Underlying conditions contributing to heart disease should be treated.
Some final thoughts
Parakeets are generally quite sturdy pets when cared for properly. However, they are susceptible to certain illnesses just like any other animal. Catching problems early and seeking veterinary care gives the best chance at effective treatment and recovery. Be observant of your parakeet’s symptoms, energy level, and daily habits.
Many diseases can be prevented through proper diet, sanitation, stress relief, and cage maintenance. Limit your parakeet’s exposure to other birds when possible. Provide ample opportunity for exercise and mental engagement. Follow an avian vet’s advice about nutrition, housing, grooming, and preventative wellness care.
With attentive ownership and prompt veterinary care as needed, parakeets can live many healthy, happy years as pets! They are a joy to care for and wonderful companions when their needs are met.