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Birds--General/Lovebird disease
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Question
My lovebird is acting strange, he is very weak and once every 5 seconds it closes its eyes. It can't fly as before also. I don't have money for the vet,so is there any general antibiotic I can give her.
Thank you
Hi, Sandra. Thanks for posting.
When it closes it's eyes, does he keep them closed? When a bird keeps closing it's eyes like this when it's not sleeping, it could be an indication of dehydration. Is your bird drinking normally?
There are lots of antibiotics available, but you shouldn't medicate your bird unless you know what the problem is so you provide the correct medication for the problem. In other words, if you give a bird an antibiotic that isn't designed to fix the problem, you are getting nowhere and the bird could suffer as a result. Therefore, you need to find out what is wrong with the bird and then give the appropriate medication to treat that specific ailment. Just giving any type of antibiotic may not cure what ails your lovebird. In addition, antibiotics require a prescription that only a bird vet can prescribe. Antibiotics treat bacterial problems...if your bird doesn't have a bacterial problem, an antibiotic won't work.
You need to get your bird to a bird vet ASAP (not a cat/dog vet, but a avian vet). Most vets will let you make payments over time if you talk with them about this first.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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