Birds are masters at hiding the signs of illness. They work hard to keep up a normal ap- pearance as long as possible, so by the time major symptoms are showing they have usu- ally been sick for awhile. We need to learn to look for the more subtle signs of illness in order to get a head start in correcting it.

EARLY SIGNS OF ILLNESS:

• Slight change in vocalization or eating habits.

• Dull feathers and color changes in feathers.
• Extended molt.
• Chewed, picked or broken feathers.
• Stained feathers around nares, vent, or eyes.
• Swelling, redness or feather loss around eyes.

• Crusty material in the nostrils.
• Excessive flakiness of the beak or skin.
• Excessive overgrowth of beak or nails.
• Sores or loss of scale pattern on the bottom of the feet.
• Favoring or lameness in limb.

These early symptoms may not require emergency medical treatment, but they are signs that something is going on and that your bird should be checked by your avian veterinarian.