Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 10/25/2006

Question
Hi,

I am helping the local zoo with their cockatiel breeding programme and have been handfeeding their chicks from about 3 wks of age till they are about 5 wks - when they can be returned to the zoo for their feeds.

The problem is that 3 birds have suddenly stopped eating well and shown problems with their breathing. They then get a beak full of mucous and their breathing becomes even more laboured. All 3 birds have been put to sleep.

We took one of the birds to our local vet (we don't have an avian vet in our area) and it was given antibiotics, but they didn't help.

Are you able to shed any light on what the problem might be and what can be done to prevent it?

I have hand-fed about 36 chicks and the others all seem healthy.

Thanks.

Jo

Answer
Hi, JoPrice.  Thanks for posting!

The health problem is definitely respiratory-related.  The specific problem would have to be identified by a qualified avian veterinarian.  At the very first sign of illness (weight loss, labored breathing, not eating, etc.), the birds should have been seen, diagnosed, and treated by the avian vet.  It appears the illness wasn't diagnosed early enough in order to be able to help these babies, even though antibiotics were given.  Perhaps the correct antibiotic wasn't prescribed and/or given in the correct dosage for the correct period of time.

A zoo should have a certified, qualified avian veterinarian in order to handle their avian-related cases.  There may not be one in the local area, but if they keep aves, they need to find one they can use when they have birds with illnesses.

Birds hide illness until they can't hide illness any longer, and then it's usually too late for the bird by the time a human notices.  This is just how mother nature works.  An ill bird in a flock is a "come get me" signal to a predator and since the flock of birds doesn't want to "invite" a predator into their flock, the bird hides it's illness until it can't hide it any more.  This is where us humans come into play...we have to be knowledgeable enough about birds/the particular birds we have in order to be able to identify illness at the first signs, and then get the birds the medical attention they need.  Weighing baby birds every day and keeping track of their weight is essential, as weight loss is one of the first signs of illness.  However, keep in mind that some weight loss is normal when a bird is being weaned and/or trying to fledge.

I would have recommended you have the 3 sick birds necropsied (animal form of an autopsy) in order to determine their specific cause of death, and then take precautions as required.  I would guess that perhaps one of the babies got sick, then the illness spread to the others, and/or they were all made ill by something all 3 experienced together.

Sorry I couldn't help more.  This zoo really needs an avian veterinarian on staff or at least one who can treat birds who become ill.

Chrys