Digestive Problems in Birds: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Birds can suffer from a range of digestive problems that may be symptoms of other conditions or issues within their digestive system itself. Understanding the basics of these common ailments helps bird owners spot early signs and seek veterinary care promptly, ensuring their feathered friends thrive with proper treatment and care.

1. Recognising Digestive Problems in Birds

Digestive issues in birds often manifest through chronic weight loss, regurgitation of food, changes in appetite, and abnormal droppings. Noticing these signs early is vital as birds can deteriorate quickly without intervention. White lesions in the mouth, swelling of the crop, diarrhoea, lethargy, and ruffled feathers are also important indicators. Birds with weakened immune systems or those under stress are particularly vulnerable.

2. Avian Gastric Yeast Infection

Birds can be affected by a yeast known as Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, commonly called avian gastric yeast. This occurs mainly in birds with compromised immunity. Symptoms include chronic weight loss, regurgitation, excessive eating followed by decreased appetite, and undigested seeds appearing in droppings. Severity varies with the bird species and yeast strain; mortality rates can range from 10% to 80%.

Recovery requires veterinary antifungal treatment combined with immune support. Because this yeast can spread via droppings, quarantine and meticulous cleaning are essential to prevent transmission among birds.

3. Candidiasis (Thrush) in Birds

Candidiasis, or thrush, is caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Normally present harmlessly in small numbers in the digestive tract, it can proliferate in young, unweaned, malnourished birds or those on antibiotics that disrupt beneficial gut bacteria. The crop is often affected, showing swelling, mucus accumulation, and regurgitation.

White spots seen in the mouth, loss of appetite, and crop swelling are key symptoms in adult birds. Good hygiene—cleaning cages, nests, and feeding equipment regularly—helps reduce risk. In chicks, frequent emptying of the crop and feeding smaller amounts aids recovery. Veterinary antifungal medications may be prescribed for severe cases.

4. Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD)

Known also as Macaw Wasting Disease, PDD is a neurological disorder affecting various species including macaws, cockatoos, conures, and Eclectus parrots. It impairs the nerves controlling stomach muscles, causing the proventriculus to stretch and disrupting normal digestion.

Symptoms include chronic weight loss typically following increased appetite, regurgitation, and undigested food in droppings. The disease is usually fatal, with limited treatment options. Quarantine and thorough disinfection are critical to prevent spread through contact with contaminated droppings. Some anti-inflammatory drugs show promise but euthanasia may be necessary in advanced cases.

5. Gastrointestinal Parasites in Birds

Parasites such as Giardia, trichomonads, roundworms, and tapeworms affect birds with diverse symptoms including diarrhoea, nutrient deficiencies, feather plucking, and lesions in the mouth or digestive tract. For instance, giardiasis is common in cockatiels, lovebirds, and budgerigars, causing diarrhoea and feather damage.

Transmission occurs via contaminated food, water, or contact with infected birds or intermediate hosts like insects. Routine worming every three months is recommended for ground-foraging birds. Effective antiparasitic medications are available and should be administered under veterinary guidance.

6. Prevention and Responsible Care

To best protect your pet bird from digestive problems, maintain excellent hygiene by regularly cleaning cages, perches, and feeding utensils. Provide a balanced, species-appropriate diet avoiding seed-only meals which predispose to nutritional imbalances. Minimise stress and avoid unnecessary antibiotics to support the immune system.

Quarantine new or sick birds promptly to prevent contagious diseases. Early veterinary consultation is crucial at any sign of digestive distress for correct diagnosis and treatment, improving outcomes and welfare.

Remember, responsible ownership involves ongoing care, attention to health changes, and seeking expert advice. This ensures your bird enjoys a long, healthy, and happy life.