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In cases where the illness is advanced, you will notice that the bird is shaky on its feet and tends to sleep a lot, especially with its head tucked under its wing. A preference to rest on the cage floor rather on its perch, drastic change in fecal color, labored breathing, constant discharge from the nose, eyes or mouth and excessive weight loss are other indications that your pet bird is seriously ill.

Crooked beak and/or crooked toenails are indications that the bird has been ill for a long time. If you notice any of these, show the bird to an avian vet immediately. Some symptoms are indicative of specific diseases. We will see what the more common symptoms are and what they indicate. As a bird owner, you should know to read the signs of Cockatiel illness. After all, early recognition of an illness increases the bird's chances of recovery. Cockatiel Diseases Symptoms and Diagnosis Health Aspergillosis When a bird's vocalization suddenly changes or stops, or if it begins to breathe through its mouth or shows signs of weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss or paralysis, it is quite likely that the bird is suffering from aspergillosis. This disease can progress rapidly and can be fatal. However, it must be remembered that many of these indications are quite common and do not necessarily mean that the bird is suffering from aspergillosis. Aspergillosis is a fungal infection. Young birds, and birds with a weak immune system are more vulnerable. The main reasons for the spread of the disease are poor cage sanitation, over crowding and poor ventilation and nutrition.

The disease can be treated in several ways. Medicines commonly used to treat the ailment, together with supportive care, are Amphotericin B, Itraconazole, Clotrimazole, Lamisil, etc. The actual treatment used will depend on the location and severity of the infection. Health However if any of these indications are noticed, it is best to refer the bird to an avian vet. Avian influenza, or 'bird flu' as it is more commonly called, is caused by the bird flu virus. It is a commonly occurring virus in wild birds and does not seem to have any significant adverse effect on them. However, the same virus has severe consequences for some domestic birds and often proves fatal. Cases of Cockatiel suffering from bird flu are rare, and the real effect of the virus on these birds is also not fully known. Indications of the disease are coughing and sneezing. The birds feathers become ruffled and its head appears swollen. Other indications are diarrhea and depression. The disease is infectious and is most often spread through saliva, and other secretions. It is possible for the disease to be passed onto humans through infected poultry. The danger of the disease spreading to humans is real. Therefore, there is a focused effort to make vaccines and make them Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Health generally available. The danger from parasites to pet birds is less than the danger to birds in the wild. The reason is the controlled cage environment. In any case, parasites are not such a grave threat. In Cockatiel, parasites cause feather loss and the bird will not be optimally healthy.

However, the presence of parasites is an indication that bigger problems are in the offing. It is better to nip the problem in the bud. The parasites that commonly affect birds are, scaly face and leg mites, red mites, Giardia, intestinal parasites such as tapeworms and roundworms. Other parasites are Coccidia and Trichomonas. The most common parasitic infection that companion birds suffer from is the scaly leg and face mite. This infestation manifests itself as lesions on the feet and legs, and sometimes on the cloaca. It also affects the tissues of the beak sometimes resulting in severe deformity. Avian Parasites Health The red mite or the blood-sucking mite is less common. This mite can cause severe irritation and anemia. Ivermectin, is the most popular drug for treating infestation of both types of mites. However, the chances of overdosing smaller birds is high. It is better to take the advice of an avian vet. If you find the bird infected with lice, dust its feathers with Carbaryl powder. Repeat the exercise after two weeks. Don't forget to clean the cage as well.

The type of roundworm that infests Psittacines is the Ascaridia platyceci. Signs of infestation are diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight, vomiting and anemia. Psittacines are also susceptible to infestation by tapeworms. Listlessness and diarrhea are indications of infestation. Both types of worms can be treated with Ivermectin, Fenbendazole and Praziquantel. Coccidian parasites are contacted by ingesting contaminated food and water. Indications of infestation are diarrhea, depression and loss of appetite. The presence of the parasite is determined by Health checking bird droppings for the presence of the parasite's eggs. Coccidia infections are normally treated with Sulfadimethoxine. Timely diagnosis makes treatment less difficult.