Help - not sure what to do for what may be a sick parakeet

We rescued a parakeet that was dropped at a Petco back in 2005 so I'm not sure of his exact age. He's been a healthy bird with good eating habits and activity level, I also noticed a "looser" stool on his food dish yesterday when I changed his food.

Since last night I notice he is not eating and he just sits on a "branch" in his cage fluffed up and not doing much. I have always put vitamins in his water and we provide ample seed daily. Not sure what to do. With it being so cold out, is it safe to take him to a vet? Realistically, can a vet do much? If this is "the end" how can I keep him comfortable.

Most of my pet experience is in cats and dogs so this is a new one and there is NO useful information online. IF anyone knows how to care for them please let me know. OH, very important, I'm also PREGNANT so if there are things I should be aware of (I read some crazy article while searching for help about a woman who died from handling her sick pet bird)? DH is at work so it's just me right now with Birdie and the cats.

TIA!!!! Praying for Birdie.

Re: Help - not sure what to do for what may be a sick parakeet

Has his stool changed color at all? That could mean there's something going on with him. If his behavior has changed, I would take him to the vet ASAP. We have a sun conure and we've never had a problem with taking him to the vet when it's cold. We just warm up the car first and throw a towel over his carrier when we walk to the car. I hope he's ok!

Re: Help - not sure what to do for what may be a sick parakeet

No color changes in the stool although it is a little looser, but not watery (hope that makes sense). He did actually go to his food dish to eat a few times and I noticed some empty shells in his food dish which means he ate something... just not as much and he's lethargic and poofed up. We're keeping a blanket over the cage so as to keep him warm. By the time DH got home the Vet's office was closed. They may have saturday hours if it becomes necessary. It's just kind of weird.... but I will say his cage is covered but I hear him moving around. Tomorrow I'll try some soft music, he likes that and we haven't put it on during the day in a while. I'm just not sure if it's okay for me to handle him b/c of the pregnancy. I made sure to change his water too tonight and put in vitamins. He's never been like this and my experience with birds is limited.

Re: Help - not sure what to do for what may be a sick parakeet

Re: Help - not sure what to do for what may be a sick parakeet

I'm sorry, I have no idea.

Re: Help - not sure what to do for what may be a sick parakeet

Its very hard to tell when a bird is sick as they hide their illnesses

That being said, if you feel something is not right I would definitely take it to the vet to be checked out

As a pp said, just throw a towel over the carrier....that is what we do

good luck

Re: Help - not sure what to do for what may be a sick parakeet

I have had birds my whole life and I have learned that once you start noticing that the bird is sick usually it is too late to do anything about it. They hide their illnesses as an instinct so that other birds in the flock won't know they are sick. Once they are on the bottom of the cage fluffed up (too weak to stand on a perch) there isn't much time left. If the bird is still on the perch though you can try the vet although from my experience it usually doesn't make a difference except to stress the little guy out. If you are going to take the bird to the vet, take it asap. Don't wait any longer. Keep us updated.

Re: Help - not sure what to do for what may be a sick parakeet

I'm sorry to hear this! DH and I had a parakeet for about 3 or 4 years. Then all of a sudden it started acting strange, mostly "hiding" on the bottom of his cage or in the corner. After just a couple of days of that he passed away. I think that 3 -5 years is the typical life span for parakeets, but a vet might be able to help. Maybe try calling the vet and explaining the situation before actually bringing your bird. good luck!

Re: Help - not sure what to do for what may be a sick parakeet

Re: Help - not sure what to do for what may be a sick parakeet

Any updates?