Why Do Parrots Die Suddenly?

Instinctive Behavior

• The reason why so many parrot owners do not know their bird is sick is a simple one -- their birds don't want them to know. Birds instinctively hide signs of illness and injury because in the wild this would draw the attention of predators. Predators will often observe their prey and target animals that have difficulty flying or walking. If signs of illness are obvious in a pet parrot, the animal has become weak and can no longer mask its pain or injury. At this point, emergency treatment is critical.

Diseases

• Parrots can carry a variety of diseases and only show subtle signs of illness or none at all. If a bird often comes in contact with other parrots at swap meets, bird club meetings and bird shows, there is a strong chance it will be exposed to viral, fungal or bacterial illnesses. Common ailments that can be carried by birds with no sign of infection are proventricular dilatation disease, psittacosis, Pacheco's disease, and psittacine beak and feather disease. Giardia is a protozoal sickness that can be spread through contaminated droppings. Keep bird-to-bird contact outside the home to a minimum. If a new bird is purchased, quarantine it in a separate cage and room for at least a month. Regular vet checkups can lead to early disease detection through weight checks and blood tests.

Physical Trauma

• One of the top killers of pet parrots is physical trauma. If a bird gets loose, it can fly into objects or be attacked by another pet. A parrot can suffer internal injuries that are not physically evident but will cause death within hours. Ruptured air sacs, brain bleeding from a concussion and internal organ bleeding are not uncommon if a scared bird flies into household objects. Even if a bird is not wounded by a dog or cat, contact with these animals' bacteria-laden saliva and claws can cause infection and death. Clip a pet bird's wings so it cannot fly inside the home. Never trust other pets around a bird. Also, birds sometimes inflect physical injuries on flock mates, so be sure to monitor rough behavior among birds kept in the same cage.

Fumes

• Parrots have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and can die quickly if exposed to toxic fumes and smoke. One of the most common fumes that cause sudden death in parrots is from nonstick cookware. These items are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon. If a pan with this coating is overheated, the fumes are emitted and can fill a room quickly. The fumes can also cause humans to become sick with flu-like symptoms. Teflon is also found on irons, heat lamps and drip pans. Common household cleaners release gases that can kill a parrot as well. Ammonia and chlorine bleach vapors cause severe respiratory reactions in birds. Natural gas leaks and carbon monoxide can kill birds long before the gases affects humans.

Poison

• Poisoning from foods and household plants can cause sudden death in parrots. Chocolate, avocados and caffeine-containing drinks can be deadly. Birds have a curious nature and may nibble on plants, some of which can be highly toxic. Oleander, philodendron, foxglove, azalea, yew, tobacco, elephant's ear and poinsettia are some common plants that are poisonous to parrots. If harmful plants or foods are ingested, the harmful substances are absorbed into its system within hours.

Other Causes

• Water deprivation can kill a bird within three days. This most commonly occurs when a bird is fed through a water bottle and the ball in the delivery tube becomes stuck. It is important to check a water bottle every day and make sure it is functioning properly. Overheating is another problem that can cause quick death in pet birds. Even though many parrots are from hot climates, they cannot handle being exposed to high temperatures for long amounts of time. Birds should never be left inside a car, even if the windows are down. Even a cage placed outside in the shade may end up in direct sunlight later in the day. A bird cage positioned near a window can also end up getting too hot. Unless a bird is able to bring its body temperature down through panting or bathing in cool water, it will seize and die.