Caring for a bird involves a significant amount of responsibility, especially when trying to keep your bird in good health. There are many behavioral symptoms that may help you to determine when your bird is suffering from a medical condition. Most birds only exhibit subtle symptoms or behavioral changes when they are being affected by a health condition, which may be your only clue that you should seek veterinary attention immediately. If your bird is sitting on the bottom of their cage, this can be an indication of a serious health condition that can require specialized pet care. Here are some of the most common reasons why your bird may be sitting on the bottom of their cage, and what you should do in this situation.
LETHARGY
In some cases, your bird may be sitting at the bottom of their cage while also exhibiting signs of lethargy. This can include inactivity, loss of focus, laying to one side and refusal of food or water. This is an extremely serious sign, and can be an indication that you need to seek the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Most birds only progress to this state of lethargy when they are in the advanced stages of an illness that inhibits their ability to function normally. As soon as you see your bird exhibiting signs of lethargy while sitting on the bottom of the cage, schedule an emergency veterinarian visit as soon as possible.
LEG OR FOOT INJURY
In some cases, a bird will sit on the bottom of their cage due to an inability to perch. This can sometimes be caused by a painful injury to their feet or legs. Try taking your bird out of their cage in order to inspect the condition of their legs, feet, toes and joints. Note any swollen areas, skin discolorations or visible injuries. Some of these injuries will heal with proper care, while others will require the intervention of a bird care specialist. If you notice any visible injuries on your bird’s joints, toes, feet or legs, it is best to see a veterinarian immediately.
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER
Occasionally, a neurological disorder will cause a bird to sit on the bottom of their cage. This can be accompanied by complete or partial paralysis, flapping, laying to one side, or a crooked appearance of your bird’s head. It’s best to note any of these symptoms if they are present, and try to bring your bird to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Unfortunately, neurological disorders are often not treatable in birds, unless they respond to therapy or medication. Some types of birds are more prone to developing certain types of neurological disorders, which puts them at increased risk for exhibiting the symptoms noted above. If you are currently keeping a type of bird that has a known susceptibility to neurological disorders, seeing your bird sitting on the bottom of their cage should always be cause for concern.
3 Responses to “Pet Bird sitting on the bottom of cage”
A few days ago, my bungie died at the bottom of the cage. I found it perching on the bottom of the cage. Me and my brother tried to move it but it refused. We put new food and water and put infront of the bird but nothing happened. It was standing still but I still saw it blinking and breathing. I left it alone for a few minutes trying to find out on the internet what was wrong. When I came back the bird moved in the center of the cage. Again, I tried to move it but it refuses to move. I come back again to see the bird laying on its side dead. Do you have any clue of what was wrong and why my bird behaved like that?
About a year ago an accident happened where my Cockatiel threw his foot in the clippers of the lady trimming his wings. He perches and sings and acts like a normal bird, eats and drinks regularly. But a few times each week I find him standing at the bottom of his cage. When I hold my hand out he climbs up and gets on my hand just like he normally would. Does this sound normal? Or is it something I should get checked out?
Yesterday I lost my precious little parrotlette to what seemed to my aviary vet who only had a chance to examine him for about two minutes before he passed away, a neurological disorder. The article I just read says some birds are more prone to neurological disorders than others. Are parrotlettes? The first one I purchased had seizures so the store owner took it back and gave me another but from the same clutch. This one only lived less than two years. He was full of life and very active and then suddenly, I found him paralyzed on one side. I would appreciate any information. I’ve been absolutely heart broken over this. He was so young and I didn’t see it coming, it just kind of kicked me in the knees. Thanks.