Parasites in Parrots

Several internal parasites can affect parrots. Symptoms can include droopy wings, diarrhea, watery eyes and nasal discharge. If your bird is exhibiting any of these symptoms, take it to the vet immediately to be tested for parasites such as roundworm, tapeworm, threadworm and coccidiosis.

  1. Roundworms

    • Roundworms -- a common parasite in parrots -- infect the stomach and intestines but can lead to problems with other internal organs. Domesticated birds usually contract roundworms from contact with wild birds. Symptoms of infection include rapid weight loss and weakness. In severe roundworm infections, the digestive tract can be completely blocked and cause death. Veterinarians can prescribe a de-wormer, which is usually administered orally. If the infection is so severe that the worms are obstructing the digestive tract, often surgery is needed.

    Threadworms

    • Threadworms are small, hair-like parasitic worms that infect the small intestines of parrots. Symptoms of a threadworm infestation include loss of appetite, rapid weight loss and persistent bloody diarrhea. Threadworms are easily passed from bird to bird. The worms lay their eggs in the parrot's intestines, then the parrot releases the eggs in its feces, which is ingested by another bird. There is no known treatment for threadworms. The only way to prevent threadworm is through sanitation.

    Tapeworms

    • Tapeworms are most common in African Gray Parrots. This type of infection often do not show obvious symptoms, though the worms can sometimes be seen in the bird's feces. If the infection is severe enough, tapeworms can cause diarrhea. These parasites are most often contracted from other birds but can also be ingested if a bird eats insects such as slugs, spiders or earthworms. If a parrot is found to have tapeworms, a veterinarian can prescribe a de-wormer given orally or injected into the bird.

    Coccidiosis

    • Coccidiosis are single-celled parasites that infect the mucous membrane within the lining of the parrot's intestinal tract. They can cause swelling of the intestines which can lead to severe internal bleeding and even death. Symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, color change of the feces, blood in the feces, and behavioral changes. This infection can be prevented by adding a medication called coccidiostat to the birds' food.