Birds are very good at hiding an illness and sometimes it's too late to save the bird by the time the symptoms show. The symptoms may be a slight clicking noise, loose droppings, or a fluffed-up appearance. As insignificant as these symptoms appear, they may indicate a serious problem with the bird. Here are some common red flags that may indicate the a bird is ill:

Change in Appetite

There will be a change in appetite, with either a loss or increase in food intake. The bird may also drink more water than usual. Dogs, cat, and humans can go a few days without eating and not suffer any ill effects. Birds are quite different because of their extremely high rate of metabolism. They need a constant supply of fuel to keep their body temperatures at the right level.

If a bird stops eating, it should be force-fed and kept warm until a veterinarian can be seen.

Change in Droppings

Abnormal or loose droppings can be one of the first clues that a bird is ill. The key is understanding what is truly abnormal, and what is just simple diarrhea or loose droppings.

Normal droppings of a seed-eating bird consist of a black or dark green firmer part, and a softer, white part. The droppings of soft-billed birds such as Mynahs and Lories are normally looser. The bird should have between 25 and 50 eliminations per day.

Illness can cause the droppings to become loose or change color. The number of droppings also decreases. This is why it is important to count the number of droppings daily when cleaning the cage. Fewer droppings can be the first indication of illness because it indicates the bird is not eating well.

Loose droppings are a fairly common occurrence in birds. It is a common mistake for a bird owner to see a loose dropping and assume that a bird has diarrhea. If the feces are normally formed within the watery dropping, there is just a lot of water in the urine. If the feces are very runny and lacking in any form or shape, then the bird probably has diarrhea. Here are some cause of both simple loose droppings and diarrhea:

Exposure to Bacteria

Birds can become ill and suffer diarrhea if exposed to a bacteria. Humans have the potential to pass on many types of bacteria to the bird. This is why hands must be kept clean at all times when handling a bird, its food, or even its toys. People who are ill should stay away from their bird since illness can also be transmitted through coughs and sneezes.

Dietary Changes

A new brand of birdseed, treat, or too much fruits or greens can cause loose droppings. Unfortunately, some pet owners feed their bird too many inappropriate table scraps that ore far too spicy for a bird. Medications can also cause digestive upset as well.

Chemicals

Chemicals can also cause loose droppings. Sometimes birds will react to the chemicals in tap water, and should be switched to bottled, distilled water. Certain aerosol cleaners or polishes sprayed anywhere near the birdcage may cause loose droppings.

Stress

Like people, the digestive system of a bird is sensitive to stress. A new cage location, a new family member, new noises, or any other change in routine can cause nervous diarrhea.