Is your parrot moving side to side, but unsure of the exact reason? Get to know the causes of wobbling among parrots.
Is wobbling common among parrots?
Yes, most of the parrot parents have seen their parrots stagger.
Which type of parrot is commonly affected by wobbling?
Indoor or caged parrots
Poorly fed parrots
Traumatized or stressed parrots
Should I worry when my parrots wobble?
Yes, you should immediately seek veterinary care to rule out dangerous illnesses.
What body parts can I first examine when my parrot is staggering?
Brain, nerves, and muscles.
What are the common causes of staggering in parrots?
Zinc toxicity:
It’s the excessive accumulation of zinc in the blood via ingestion or inhalation.
How do parrots get zinc toxicity?
Eating metallic parts of the cage
Excessive zinc supplementation
Inhaling fumes that are rich in zinc
How do I know if my parrot has zinc toxicity?
Symptoms of zinc overdose in parrots are:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Staggering
Lack of appetite
Moving into objects
Twisting of the neck
How can I treat zinc toxicity in my parrot?
Withdraw the source of zinc.
Give activated charcoal
Administer zinc chelators.
Trauma
Brain injuries damage brain tissues and nerves, which impair the coordination between the brain, muscles, and other body parts.
How do parrots get brain injuries?
Parrots are from the wild, and poor capture methods cause injuries to the parrot in an attempt to escape.
Self-trauma due to stress and boredom
What is the best treatment for wounds among parrots?
Do x-ray imaging for brain injuries to see the extent of the damage.
Commonly prescribed drugs for injuries to parrots include:
Antibiotics
Antiinflammatories
Apply wound spray to skin injuries.
Vitamin E and selenium deficiency:
They help with proper nerve functioning.
What are the causes of vitamin E and selenium deficiency?
Feeding your parrot a diet with low vitamin E and selenium levels
Impairment of vitamin E and selenium absorption from the small intestines
Liver disease
Pancreatitis
How can I treat vitamin E and selenium deficiencies in my parrot?
Provide vitamin E and selenium supplements.
Treat the conditions that impair the absorption of vitamin E from the intestine.
How do I know if my parrot has vitamin E and selenium deficiency?
Difficulty walking
Muscle pain and weakness
Tingling
Bumping into objects
Other causes of staggering in parrots are
Old age
Brain tumors
Low glucose levels
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Vitamin D and calcium deficiency
Encephalitis due to bacterial or viral infections
Newcastle disease
Stress
Accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles
How can I stop my parrot from wobbling?
First, establish the primary cause of the staggering in your parrot; treating symptoms will only provide short-term relief.
The commonly prescribed treatments are:
Vitamin and mineral supplements
Provide glucose to weak parrots.
Activated charcoal
Proper ventilation
Antibiotics
Antiinflammatories
Liver tonics
Surgery to repair any damage or remove brain tumors
Environmental stimulation
Give a balanced diet.
Withdraw any suspected source of toxins.
In conclusion
Parrots in captivity are not resistant to diseases.
Immediately seek veterinary care for your parrot if you notice any abnormalities.
Contact us call / WhatsApp +256771909946 for free consultations on the current state of your pet
Don’t forget to read the related posts below and share them with other responsible pet owners.
Read about the causes and treatment of neck twisting in parrots
Read about the most common diseases for parrots in Uganda
