Such is the nature of this disease. It has also been observed that one single bird may harbor Giardia for a long period of time before showing any signs of illness. So, when it comes to diagnosing the bird, trust the vet. All other birds that are exposed to the infected bird, or its droppings, must be treated. Some birds may never be cured of Giarida, and there could be an occasional flare-up. So, retreatment, retesting and follow-up testing all become an important part of managing this problem. Providing your bird with all this is very important: A) A secure environment B) Feeding a well-balanced, nutritious diet C) Excellent sanitation D) Minimizing exposure of other birds to the droppings Health Care of the infected bird (actually that is how Giardia spreads) Using a water bottle can help prevent recurrence While Giardia can be transmitted between birds, it is not contagious to humans or other pets, but . The Giardia that affects humans is another organism that apparently does not get the birds!!! Diarrhea and a “general air of lassitude” is what characterize this disease. The bird looks dejected, uninterested in almost everything, becomes unnaturally tame, and perches on its branch, with its head tucked under its wings, and all its feathers fluffed out. Doesn't sound too complicated, does it? But if you leave the malady unattended or uncared for, it could turn fatal for your bird. Feeding on items like mashed potato, sponge cake, and other such edible items, rich in sugar and starch, causes the liver to become overtaxed. This results in diarrhea. The disease may also be a part of the general chill. Enteritia Health Care Treatment involves warmth for the bird, and plenty of rest. The sick bird's cage should be draped on three sides with a sheet, and the cage must be placed near a fire, (the opened side of the cage to face the fire). Powdered bismuth carbonate must be sprinkled over the budgie's seeds and care should be taken to see that the seeds chosen are the ones that are easily digestible. Heat, in this case, is as necessary as bismuth, for a cure. A hospital cage, with electric lighting and heating, will perfectly suit the purpose. As the name indicates, this happens only in hens. And that too, mainly when the birds are mated earlier in the year with the days cold and the nights even colder. Therefore, as the old adage goes, prevention is better than the cure. To prevent egg-binding, feed the budgie a breakfast-cup full of seeds, mixed with a teaspoon full of cod liver oil. Treatment of egg-binding also involves heat. The bird can either be placed in a draped cage that is kept near fire, Egg-binding Health Care or be placed in a hospital cage where the temperature can be regulated . If there is an emergency, the bird should be wrapped in a warm towel, and held near fire. And when the budgie has partially recovered, it must be placed in its cage near a fire and be left alone. Eggs are expected to be laid, under these conditions. Budgies are prone to obesity, and when they become obese, may develop lipomas or benign fat tumors. The tumors may be found on the chest, the crop area, or most usually, the abdomen. |