Common Diseases in Canaries

Pox

• Canary Pox is a virus typically spread by mosquitoes, and therefore more common in outdoor than indoor birds. It comes in a dry form, which is the most common, and a wet form. The dry form affects the canary's skin, causing crusty lesions on the face, legs, feet, and other areas where the canary does not have feathers. In the wet form, lesions appear inside the mouth. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, weight loss, and listlessness. This disease can be fatal, but there is currently no cure. The bird has to be nursed through it, while your veterinarian will treat any secondary infections that might complicate the virus. The bird will need to be kept warm, given fluids, and encouraged to eat while it is recovering. Pox is contagious, so the canary will have to be separated from other birds, and will have to be monitored for signs of the disease.

Mites

• Mites are very small, and difficult--if not impossible--to see with the naked eye. There are several types of mites that affect canaries. Your bird may have feather mites if it has developed bald spots, or holes in the feather shafts. Red mites are sometimes visible as red dots, but they only come out to feed at night. Restlessness, itching, and feather ruffling are some of the other signs of these mites. Scaly mites are a type that usually affect the legs, feet and faces of older canaries, although young ones can also get them. As the name suggests, they cause scaliness on the affected areas.

  The final type to be aware of is air sac mites, which get into the trachea and lungs of the canary. If you see the bird opening its mouth when it breathes, or tail bobbing, indicating respiratory distress, your bird may have air sac mites. Mites are not fatal, but treatment must include both your canary and his environment. There are sprays and drops that can do the job without harming your bird; you will need to ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

Digestive Problems

• Any time your canary is having diarrhea, or appears bloated, it is time for a trip to the vet. There are many possible causes for stomach upset in canaries, including bacteria and parasites that can multiply in the digestive tract. These include Coccidiosis (a parasite) and Salmonella (bacteria). Both require prescription treatment. Your vet may also recommend an infant electrolyte solution as a supplement. A digestive disease that has been affecting mostly small birds on the east coast is called Megabacteria, but it does not respond to antibiotics or other medications. A bird with this disease will vomit food, and sometimes blood. It is often fatal, especially in female birds.

  You'll want to be aware that stress and poor diet can cause digestive problems as well, and that a little diarrhea does not necessarily indicate a terrible disease, but it is a good idea to have a veterinarian examine the bird, just in case.