We Know The Diseases Of Parakeets

Parakeets are wonderful animals that can live between 10 and 12 years. However, ensuring a long life is not an easy task: the diseases of these birds are many and varied.

Some affect the feathers or the beak and, therefore, are quite easy to manage. Others, however, represent a great risk to the life of these spectacular specimens. Some can even be contagious to humans.

Having information on parakeet pathologies is essential for their owners.

Infectious diseases

Like humans, parakeets can get infected. These are caused by fungi, viruses and bacteria. Among the best known are the Polyomavirus, candidiasis, salmonella and phlegm in the ingluvie.

Some diseases, such as Polyomavirus, only appear when these budgies are small. Well-ventilated and spacious cages are recommended to avoid this type of infection. If this  virus spreads, it can transmit many bacteria, although effective antifungal treatments exist.

One of the most serious ailments of this species is phlegm in the ingluvia. This develops when vegetables such as lettuce are not washed well or have pesticides in them. The main symptoms are: purple skin, depression, lack of appetite and a dirty beak. The animal could die in 3-5 days.

Pay attention to the state of the food you put in the cage,  especially if it is vegetables or wheat. If you notice that the bird has lost weight, is drinking a lot of water and that its coat has changed, go to the vet right away.

Infections caused by parasites

There are many organisms that cause disease in parakeets. For example, knemidocoptes mites travel through the air and affect the legs and beak of these animals. If a specimen has scales with small holes in these areas, it is because it has been affected.

There are also disturbances generated by endoparasites that live inside these birds. This type of disease causes decay, weakness, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

As you can see, many parakeet diseases affect their digestive system.  We therefore recommend that you monitor the state of the droppings, the mood and the eating habits of your birds.

Skin and feather diseases

Even the external appearance of the parakeets can be affected by some pathologies. This is the case of Ema syndrome, characterized by scabs and scratches in the wings. It also occurs when bloodstains start to appear in the affected areas.

Furthermore, the pollen louse is caused by an ectoparasite that develops in the lower part of the wings. Affected specimens feel itchy and tend to scratch with their beak, so the important thing is to maintain the bird’s hygiene and put alcohol in the affected area. Cleaning the cage is another fundamental aspect for prevention.

Parakeets can also have problems changing their feathers. This is known as a French and abnormal moult, which can be the consequence of other viruses, such as Polyomar.

Some parakeet diseases are the same as those of humans

Parakeets are prone to suffering from diseases known and experienced by all of us:  colds, diarrhea, fatty liver and constipation. In addition, the wings and legs can also be fractured.

The respiratory diseases that affect them are also similar to ours. These birds can suffer from asthma and bronchitis, as well as allergies. Some also have epilepsy.

Parakeets can also be victims of tumors or cancer. Veterinarians say they can appear from 2 to 6 years of age. The organs affected are almost always the kidneys, skin, digestive and reproductive systems.

Other diseases typical of the species

Mumps can affect any bird, but in the case of parakeets it is very special. It originates from a lack of iodine, which causes changes in the thyroid. The result: the animal’s song changes, becoming deeper.

Australian parakeet fever is deadly and can be passed on to people. The animal tends to isolate itself by secluding itself in a corner, to avoid infecting others so, if you notice such behavior, you need to worry.

Finally, it is important to underline that  one of the most serious diseases of these animals is depression, which is deadly for this type of bird: the animal stops eating and starts plucking its feathers, causing greater stress. If you don’t try to cheer him up, the bird will die in no time.