How to Care for an Underweight Bird

If your bird is underweight, it may mean the pet is not ingesting enough calories to maintain proper weight. Caring for the bird may be difficult if you cannot find the underlying cause of the weight loss. In many species, if you can feel the breast bone protruding, this indicates that the bird is underweight and may be ill. Knowing how to recognize signs of an unhealthy bird will help rule out illness as the cause of the low weight.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the label on your bird food for the proper amount to feed the underweight bird. The low weight may be a result of not providing enough feed for your feathered friend. Try changing the food to a different brand if the bird shows no interest in its feed.

    • 2

      Ask yourself if the bird's environment has changed recently. A change in the surroundings, noise level or other elements may cause a lack of appetite in the bird. If you recently moved the cage, try moving it back to where it was before. This may stimulate the bird's appetite.

    • 3

      Watch for signs of illness in your bird. Some indications that your bird is ill are a lack of focus and alertness, wet nose or eyes, and an unsteady gait. Other signs of illness include lack of eye clarity, loss of feathers in spots and difficulty breathing. If any of these signs are present, take the underweight bird to a vet who treats avian pets.

    • 4

      Inspect the bird's droppings for changes in frequency or appearance. Runny feces or a decrease in the amount of droppings may indicate an illness that needs a vet's attention.