For most pet bird owners, witnessing a bird’s refusal to eat is usually a cause for concern. If your bird stops eating, this is usually an indication that they are suffering from a health condition. There are many health conditions that can cause a bird to refuse to eat some of which are life-threatening. Being aware of the reason your bird may stop eating is a very important part of pet care, since it will allow you to take the appropriate action. Here are some of the most common reasons why a pet bird may stop eating.
CHANGE IN ENVIRONMENT
In some cases, your bird may stop eating due to a change in their environment. If your bird has recently undergone a traumatic experience, the stress from this situation may be affecting their behavior. This is very common in birds that have just been moved to a new location, or in older birds that are sold to new owners. In order to help your bird to deal with stress, try to provide reassurance in the form of keeping up with your bird’s general care. Spend time socializing with your bird, and give them special treats (such as fruit) when they are out of their cage. Keep their cage clean and comfortable, while providing fresh water each day. If your bird is suffering from stress, they should eventually recover and start eating once again.
HEAVY METAL POISONING
There are many types of heavy metals that can be extremely poisonous to birds. The two most common metals that can cause poisoning in birds are brass (copper + zinc), lead, copper and zinc. These metals can be found in the composition of some bird cages, pet toys and even in some anti-rust and cleaning treatments.
LIVER DISEASE
Liver disease in birds is classified as being a progressive condition in which the healthy tissue of the liver is eventually replaced with fat. It’s usually in the moderately advanced stages of this disease that a bird will begin to exhibit visible symptoms. The symptoms of liver disease in birds involve loss of appetite, breathing difficulty, distended abdomen and some gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, etc). Most birds will also begin to display signs of malnutrition, such as loss of feathers, lethargy, changes in feather coloration or quality and skin problems. Liver disease in birds is able to be treated, though usually means that you will have to follow a specialized bird care procedure during the treatment process. Birds with liver disease require a special diet, nutritional supplements and constant supervision through their recovery period.
PROVENTRICULAR DILATATION DISEASE
The disease called “proventricular dilatation disease” is a health condition that can affect parrots, macaws and other types of birds. This condition causes a loss of appetite, poor digestion, weight loss, passage of undigested food in the feces, weakness and lethargy. In some cases, neurological symptoms such as seizures, paralysis and tremors may occur. The cause of this condition has been under research for many years, though is thought to be caused by a virus called Avian Bornavirus. There are at least five different variations of this virus, which makes treatment extremely difficult.