Parakeets and parrots recognize poisoning in birds

Parakeets and parrots can quickly poison themselves in the household
A little inattention is enough to put birds in mortal danger during their free flight home. Because many things in the house or apartment are highly poisonous for parakeets and parrots. Therefore, owners should always be careful not to leave risky items such as fragrance lamps, colors or full ashtrays open. If the animal still has swallowed something or shows symptoms such as Disorientation or diarrhea, the veterinarian should be visited as soon as possible.
Causes are many
If birds fly freely at home, it can quickly lead to poisoning. The possible causes are many and varied, ranging from metal poisoning (for example, by lead bands in curtains, solder joints, zinc noses on aviary wire) over spoiled food to poisonous plants that are nibbled by the birds. In addition, there are a number of gases and vapors that are poisonous and therefore extremely dangerous for the small feathered friends. These include, for example, cigarette smoke, fragrance lamps, insect and impregnation spray as well as paints and colors. Likewise, carbon monoxide can cause poisoning by closed hearths or vapors from a heavily heated Teflon frying pan.

Recognize diseases in birds. Image: razihusin - fotolia

Poisoning often difficult to recognize
Accordingly, according to the animal welfare organization Peta, owners should always pay close attention to what they disclose and, above all, in the case of risky items such as pet foods. Take special care with medicines, detergents and scented candles. If a bird has nevertheless poisoned, that is often difficult to recognize, explains the animal protection organization further in the discussion with the news agency "dpa". Because depending on the cause, the symptoms can be quite different. Possible are e.g. apathetic behavior, diarrhea, vomiting, balance disorders, paralysis and tumbling; in other cases, the animals may head crooked or suffer from muscle cramps and respiratory distress.

If there is a suspicion of poisoning, the animal must be brought to a veterinarian as soon as possible, because any waiting can be fatal. On the way to the doctor, the bird according to the Association of budgerigar friends Germany e.V. (VWFD) should be kept warm and dark as possible, so as not to put him in additional stress. Excretions such as vomit or feces should be taken on the advice of the association as possible, so that they can be examined if necessary. (No)