Umbrella Cockatoo Diseases

According to Bird Channel, the cockatoo is susceptible to some of the same common illnesses that impact other species of birds; however, cockatoos do have a number of diseases they are more prone to than others. Knowing the possible disease that can impact your bird can help ensure you seek medical treatment when necessary.

  1. Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease

    • Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease is one of the most common disease encountered by cockatoos. According to Avian Web, it is far more common in white species, such as the umbrella cockatoo, than is in black species. It causes the bird's feathers to grow poorly and eventually all the feathers fall out. It also impacts the beak causing it to be weak. When the beak breaks, it is unable to heal itself. The disease is incurable and infectious, so it is best to keep healthy birds away from possibly infected birds.

    Proventricular Dilatation Disease

    • Sometimes known as Macaw Wasting Syndrome since it usually affects macaws, Proventricular Dilatation is a viral disease. It impacts the digestive tract of the bird. The nerve supply is damaged causing difficulty in food digestion. Since the food does not progress through the digestive tract, bacteria can grow there and cause infections. Occasionally, the disease can progress to a point where wall of the proventriculus bursts and the food moves into the bird's abdominal cavity. This can result in death. Since the disease can be transmitted between birds, it is best to keep sick birds isolated from healthy ones. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for it at this time.

    Fatty Liver Disease

    • Fatty Liver Disease is an ongoing illness that affects the liver of the bird. The normal liver tissue cells are replaced with fat instead. The liver becomes engorged and presses into the other organs of the abdomen. When this occurs the birds belly can become bloated. The liver can also press into the lungs as it becomes enlarged making it hard for the bird to breath. Diarrhea may also develop as a result of the change. The feathers of the umbrella cockatoo may turn yellowish instead of the standard white. It can also cause your bird's skin to become itchy. The beak area of the bird may become soft. As the disease progresses, your bird may develop seizures, disorientation or bleeding problems. This disease can be treated with plenty of sleep and a healthy diet.