F.A.Q Budgerigars

What are the causes of diarrhoea in budgies?

The causes of diarrhoea in budgies include:

• Viral, bacterial, fungal and chlamydial infections. Psittacosis is a chlamydial infection 
• Dietary changes. More fruit can lead to more fluid droppings 
• Stress due to a reduction in the time taken for food to pass through the intestines 
• Parasites

There are many causes for diarrhoea in budgies, but one of the conditions that always has to be considered is psittacosis, a very serious disease in humans.

The clinical signs of psittacosis are wide ranging. Some birds affected with it appear quite healthy, but others in the acute stage of the disease can show some or all of the following signs:

• Marked depression 
• Ruffled feathers 
• Lack of appetite 
• Problems breathing 
• A discharge from the eyes and nose 
• Watery diarrhoea

Psittacosis is a very unpredictable disease and can be very contagious. It can cause serious illness in humans. However, people can work in pet shops for years without being affected!

The symptoms in humans range from mild flu-like symptoms to a severe generalised infection with complications that can affect the brain, blood and kidneys. The illness often begins with a chill, fever and headache in the front of the head. There is often a cough and occasionally there is diarrhoea. If untreated, the condition can lead to kidney failure and even death.

As you can see from this list of possible diseases, it is important that you take your budgie to a vet. If the vet suspects psittacosis, he will advise you about the condition, and may suggest that you go to your doctor to discuss the implications for you.