At some point, every bird owner will have to care for a sick or injured bird and keeping an appropriate extra cage and equipment on hand will ensure a speedy, safe recovery for the bird, while also preventing the spread of disease to other members of the avian flock.
“You can’t leave a sick bird on the bottom of the cage, exposed to droppings and possible injury from the other birds. Every bird owner should have a small cage that can be used to house and transport the bird to and from the vet’s office,” explained. Dr. Michael Levine, DVM. He added, “Separating an ill bird will also protect the rest of the flock. But you also have to be sure to thoroughly clean the main cage, toys and perches to eliminate the potential for spreading disease.”
The Cage
If a bird owner suspects that his feathered friend could be ill or injured, it’s good practice to immediately separate the ill bird from his flock, while providing special accommodations that will ensure safety and make it easier to provide supportive care.
The cage should be smaller than the bird’s normal cage to provide portability, while also allowing for limited movement that will be required for healing in the case of an injured bird.
A cage with a removable grate is ideal, as an injured bird or a bird who is weakened due to illness may not be able to negotiate the bars of the grate, leading to further injury.
Setting Up a Sick Cage
A sick cage should be located in a warm, quiet room that’s free of drafts and foot traffic, as the bird needs an atmosphere that’s conducive to rest and recovery.
For a seriously ill or injured bird, the grate should be removed or newspapers should be placed over the grate to avoid injury. Do not use sand sheets in a sick cage. Place paper towels over the newspaper to help absorb the moisture from droppings. Shredded paper towels or bathroom tissue placed in one corner of the cage can serve as a comfortable sleeping area, which is particularly important for a bird who is recovering from a fracture. For a bird who is bleeding, avoid using paper towels or tissue, as this can worsen blood loss. Avoid placing fabric in the cage, as bird toes can snag the fibers, leading to injury and loss of limb.
Place perches just above the floor of the cage to help prevent injury due to falls, which can occur when an ill or injured bird has difficulty perching. For a bird who is a bit more active while on the mend, adding in some favorite toys can provide entertainment and recreation.
Food and water dishes should be placed opposite the side of the cage from the bedding and perching area. A bird who is seriously ill or suffering from an injury like a concussion is more likely to fall and trip, resulting in spillage. There’s even a risk of drowning if the water bowl is too large, so avoid large, deep water bowls.
The cage should also be covered on three sides to prevent over-stimulation and drafts.
A heat lamp should also be provided for a recovering bird. The positioning of the heat lamp is vital to prevent over-heating. The light should be focused in one area of the cage (and only part of the sleeping area should be under the light). The bird must be able to comfortably move out of the light’s range if he becomes too warm.
