What Are Bird Convulsions?

Caged birds are prone to convulsions, and in some cases convulsions may indicate impending death. Some birds that undergo convulsions return to their normal alert condition within weeks through treatment or on their own, but the convulsions may come back weeks or months later. Often, convulsions increase in frequency, and severity increases with each attack, eventually killing the bird. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your bird is having a convulsion.

  1. Symptoms

    • Bird convulsions are similar to human convulsions. It usually stares up suddenly as if it has heard some sound or has seen something. The wings lift a little and start moving rapidly as if trembling, and the muscles turn rigid. Feathers stand up straight and in some instances the entire body trembles. The legs move apart, causing the bird to fall from its perch. The bird will also be unconscious.

      As the convulsions die down after a few seconds, the bird regains consciousness. It stays put until it has recovered somewhat, which can take up to several hours. It will then struggle to a standing position and returns to whatever it was doing before the attack. Other signs that you may notice include the head falling back and the tail moving up or to the side suddenly.

    Causes

    • Lack of proper nutrition can result in convulsions. An inadequate supply of vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and amino acids can cause convulsions in young birds. Concussions resulting from hitting walls, objects or tight cage wiring can lead to severe brain hemorrhage, causing convulsions, often a symptom of impending death in such cases.

      Birds moving suddenly and rapidly around the cage, especially in fear when facing animals or unfamiliar people, can suffer convulsions; a sudden drop in oxygen levels in the train or breaking of blood vessels because of increased blood pressure are possible reasons. Improper handling of birds could also cause convulsions for the same reasons. Feed poisoning, bacterial infections and obesity are other likely causes of convulsions.

    Treatment

    • A thorough and professional examination is crucial for diagnosis. General treatment instructions include providing birds with a quiet, low-light environment. Your veterinarian may suggest a diet of nutritious and easily-digestible foods. Depending on the cause of convulsions, your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as antibiotics, sedatives and anticonvulsant drugs.

    First-Aid

    • If your bird shows signs of convulsions, first be calm and don't panic. Don't touch or move the bird. Make the bird room quiet and dark; shut off any noise by closing the windows and doors and ask others to leave the room. Check for any items in the cage that could injure the bird and remove them. Be there with the bird till the violent shakings brought down by the convulsions cease. Call your vet immediately. (See References 2 and 3)

    Some Tips

    • Avoid using Avitrol, DRC-1339 or other bird-control measures, says People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, as these cause intense convulsions in birds. If you come across a bird showing signs of convulsions, seek veterinary care immediately; transport the bird to the hospital after the bird stops shaking. If the veterinarian diagnoses poisoning, register a complaint with your animal welfare board or agency to initiate further investigation.