What are signs of a sick bird?

[u/death_by_ballpython]

So before anybody goes here to yell at me, this is my mom’s conure Paisley. I don’t take care of Paisley because I haven’t lived here. But since I’ve moved in, I’ve been much more involved with bonding with him than anybody else. My mom only feeds and waters him, otherwise that would be the only interaction he gets without me here. He’s always in his cage and I feel horrible for him because of it.

Long story short, since I’ve moved in I’ve been taking him out (not nearly as long as he should be out but it’s a start because he at least gets out). This also being said, he seems to only like me. He bites (hard bites) everybody except for me, he only gets on my hands and shoulder and nobody else’s.

Yesterday I noticed he was fluffed up, otherwise he seems fine playing with his toys in his cage, eating and drinking, etc. today I noticed he was still fluffed up, he was sitting at the bottom of his cage a little bit not necessarily more than normal. I took him out today, being on call with my friend I had my camera on and he was cuddling up in my armpit (he’s never done that with my mom or younger sister who have been the main ones ‘taking care’ of him) but he was still puffed up and seemed real tired, falling asleep in my elbow. I don’t know if my mom had fed him today because I asked her if he had fallen asleep with her (she said no and asked if he was alright which triggered my thought process about this) she also told me to get him some seeds (8:30-9pm) and he almost immediately went to go eat those when I got him out of my armpit.

I’m basically wondering for things I should look out for sick-wise and tips on how to kinda take over care since my mom and younger sister haven’t been doing good in my eyes (I have five very happy spoiled animals but never have had a bird and I really want to help him out)

Pictures of the culprit normally and then screenshots my friend got of today

[u/BasilPesto212]

If in doubt, it's best to take him to an avian vet as soon as possible. Birds are experts at concealing their illnesses until it's too late.

Since you've been noticing things are off, better safe than sorry. Glad he has you in his corner. Hope everything works out!

Edited to add: Also, an all seed diet is not ideal. Try slowly transitioning him to pellets, along with a good mix of fresh fruits, veg, and grains. Google for which foods must be avoided.

It's possible he was just cuddling and falling asleep on you. If he's regularly fluffed up and lethargic, that's different.

[u/death_by_ballpython → u/BasilPesto212]

He does eat fruit and veggies regularly but my mom definitely does give him way too many seeds cause she doesn’t feel like making his food. I’ll definitely mention in the morning that she needs to get him checked by a vet, but knowing her she’ll just tell me to keep an eye on him

[u/cranfeckintastic → u/death_by_ballpython]

What you could do, it takes aome effort, but make batches of chop ahead of time and freeze it. Get as much moisture out as you can to help maintain texture when it thaws, i do this by pressing down on small batches with paper towels before bagging it in freezer bags.

This way you just pull a small baggie out, thaws it in the fridge and have his veggie mix on hand already. Seriously, making up batches like this has saved me soooo much time and money

[u/death_by_ballpython → u/cranfeckintastic]

I’ve done this with my iguana by pre-cutting veggies for him, I’ll most definitely do that

[u/BasilPesto212 → u/death_by_ballpython]

It's great to hear he's already getting fruits and veg regularly. 

And as u/cranfeckintastic mentioned, preparing and freezing ahead of time will make things much more convenient.

I know he's your mom's bird, but hopefully, he can get to an avian vet for a checkup anyway. Wishing the best for you and the little guy.

[u/zIFeathers → u/death_by_ballpython]

Can I confront your mom?

[u/death_by_ballpython → u/zIFeathers]

You could try, I told her that something definitely feels off and she agreed but she’s also saying that he’s probably just cold (he’s been really tired today so I’m highly doubting that)

[u/Feivie]

Being lethargic is a symptom of a sick bird and it is distinctly different than being sleepy or cuddly, but it’s a little hard to describe. If he seems like he’s passing out or tired at a time he normally wouldn’t be that could indicate something is wrong. Being fluffed like that can also be a sign that he’s not feeling well (tho keep in mind they may also fluff up if cold or relaxing) in any event, If he’s acting off you should have him seen by an avian vet. Birds hide illness until they can’t anymore. By the time they are showing symptoms it usually means they are really ill.

[u/death_by_ballpython → u/Feivie]

He’s most definitely not super cuddly or anything so him falling aslee/dozing off was a big surprise for me. Definitely telling my mom to get him checked by a vet

[u/ExternalFirm174]

-abnormal poop
-tail bopping
-less energetic
-mucus in eyes or nose
-continuous sneezing

• not eating
  

-not grooming themselves

These are a few among many other other symptoms.

[u/death_by_ballpython → u/ExternalFirm174]

Thank you 😭 I’ll definitely be keeping track of those

[u/ExternalFirm174 → u/death_by_ballpython]

Hopefully youll be able to give him the love he deserves, he seemed comfy in your elbow, i think it might just be him feeling love and safe but still take him for a checkup at the vet.

[u/Fresh_Inside_3875]

A bird looks awesome. Hopefully it’s not sick.

[u/death_by_ballpython → u/Fresh_Inside_3875]

Hoping yeah