Respiratory infections are common in pet birds. Symptoms of a respiratory infection include sneezing, discharge from the nose or eyes, coughing, difficulty breathing, tail bobbing, or lethargy. If your bird exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s important to take it to an avian veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do at home to help relieve your bird’s symptoms and support its recovery.
Causes
Respiratory infections in birds can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, including:
- Bacteria – Common culprits include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus species.
- Fungi – Aspergillus species are a common cause of respiratory disease in pet birds.
- Viruses – Avian paramyxovirus and avian influenza virus can lead to respiratory infections.
Stress, poor diet, dusty environments, poor sanitation, and introduction of new birds to a flock can predispose birds to developing respiratory infections. Deficient immune function may also play a role.
Providing Supportive Care at Home
While waiting to get into the veterinarian, there are a few things you can do at home to help support your bird:
Keep your bird warm
Birds expend a lot of energy keeping warm. An ill bird will have greater difficulty maintaining its body temperature. Make sure your bird is being kept at the proper temperature for that species. Avoid any drafts or direct air flow on your bird’s cage. You can cover part of the cage to provide some privacy and warmth.
Open the nasal passages
You can use a warm, humid environment to help open up nasal passages and make breathing easier. Take your bird into the bathroom while you run hot water through the shower so the room fills with steam. Keep the bird in the steamy room for 10-15 minutes a few times a day. Be careful not to burn your bird or get water directly on it.
Hydrate your bird
Sick birds often don’t eat or drink enough, leading to dehydration. Make sure clean, fresh water is always available. You can try offering foods with high water content like fruits and vegetables. Avoid dairy products which can increase mucus production. Electrolyte supplements can help replenish lost minerals. Talk to your vet about using pediatric electrolyte solution. Give your bird frequent opportunities to bathe as well.
Clean the cage
Dirty cages allow microorganisms to thrive. Clean the cage daily by removing droppings, uneaten food, and feather dander. Disinfect perches, dishes, and toys. Use bird-safe disinfectants and rinse thoroughly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scented products around your bird.
Diffuse essential oils
Some essential oils may help open airways, reduce inflammation, and inhibit bacterial growth. Always dilute oils before diffusing them around your bird. Good options include eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree. Check that the oils are safe to use around birds first.
Avoid stress
Stress weakens the immune system and can prolong recovery. Allow your bird to rest in a quiet, comfortable area. Keep handling to a minimum. Make sure the bird is getting adequate sleep. You can cover the cage at night to block out excess light and noise.
Nutritional support
Good nutrition provides the energy and resources your bird needs to recover. Make sure your bird has access to its normal diet. Supplement with soft, fresh foods if your bird isn’t eating enough on its own. Avoid seeds, which are difficult to digest. Contact your vet about using nutritional supplements if needed.
Medications
Your vet will determine the appropriate medications to treat your bird based on the cause of infection. Some commonly prescribed drugs include:
Antibiotics
Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Common medications used in birds include:
- Amoxicillin
- Doxycycline
- Enrofloxacin
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Antibiotics are usually given orally two times per day for 10-21 days depending on the drug. Give the full course as directed and do not stop early even if your bird seems better.
Antifungals
For fungal infections, antifungal drugs may be prescribed. Common options are:
- Fluconazole
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Voriconazole
Treatment is often needed for an extended period of several weeks to months.
Nebulization
Bringing medications directly into the respiratory tract via nebulization may be recommended. Saline, antifungals, antibiotics, and mucolytics can be administered by nebulizer under veterinary guidance. This allows the drugs to directly target the site of infection.
Anti-inflammatories
Reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract can relieve symptoms. Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as meloxicam.
Mucolytics
Drugs that help thin mucus secretions can make breathing easier. Guaifenesin is an oral mucolytic sometimes used in birds. Your vet may also recommend nebulizing a mucolytic solution.
Always follow your vet’s specific dosing instructions for any prescribed medication and complete the full course of treatment. Call your vet if you have any concerns about side effects or if your bird’s condition worsens during treatment. Let your vet know about any other supplements, herbs, or medications your bird is taking.
Home Remedies
While many internet sources recommend various home or herbal remedies for respiratory infections in birds, most do not have proven benefits and some can even be dangerous. It’s best to check with your vet before trying any home remedy. Some examples include:
Steam and humidity
As mentioned previously, a warm steamy environment can help open the airways and allow drainage of mucus. Take precautions against burns or overheating.
Salt water
Salt water nasal flushes may help thin mucus secretions. Use sterile saline only, not table salt. Have your vet demonstrate proper technique and dosage before attempting this at home.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often claimed to have antimicrobial effects. There is little evidence backing its use in birds with respiratory infections specifically. Small amounts can be given orally diluted in water, but check with your vet first.
Echinacea
Echinacea is believed to stimulate the immune system. There isn’t reliable data showing effectiveness for respiratory infections in birds. Very limited use may be acceptable, but check with your avian vet.
Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial properties, but can also cause anemia in birds. Oral garlic supplements should not be given to birds without veterinary guidance due to risks.
Colloidal silver
Colloidal silver has antibacterial effects but there is no scientific evidence supporting its use for respiratory infections in birds. It can cause discoloration of the skin and organs with long term use.
Honey
Honey may have minor antibacterial and wound healing properties. It should never be given undiluted due to risks of botulism. High sugar content also makes it unsuitable for birds long term.
Preventing Respiratory Infections
While we can’t eliminate the risk of illness completely, you can take some steps to help prevent respiratory infections in your bird:
- Perform routine cleaning – Disinfect the cage, perches, food and water bowls regularly
- Avoid dusty environments – Prevent build up of powder down, dander, feathers in living space
- Maintain proper temperature and humidity
- Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, spices, fragrances
- Have yearly well bird exams with your avian vet
- Quarantine and test any new birds before introducing them
- Minimize stress
- Feed balanced diet with variety of fresh foods
- Ensure adequate exercise and rest
Spotting respiratory issues promptly gives you the best chance of treatment success. Contact your vet right away if your bird shows any signs of illness. With supportive care at home and proper treatment, most birds fully recover from respiratory infections. Work closely with your avian vet and follow treatment instructions carefully to help your feathered friend get back to good health.
Conclusion
Respiratory infections can arise in pet birds for a variety of reasons. Bacterial and fungal organisms are common culprits. While waiting for veterinary care, you can provide supportive measures at home like humidity, hydration, rest, and good nutrition. Antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatories are often prescribed by avian vets to treat the infection. Home remedies are generally not recommended, and should only be considered under veterinary guidance. With prompt care, most cases can be cured. Prevention through nutrition, sanitation, and annual exams is key to reducing risk and maintaining your bird’s health.
