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Common Conditions in Parrots

Client education from Adler Veterinary Hospital, Southwest Florida. These summaries are for general information and don't replace an exam.

Painted illustration of aspergillosis in a parrot

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection, usually of the air sacs and lungs, caused by breathing in Aspergillus spores from moldy food, bedding, or poor ventilation.

Painted illustration of hepatic lipidosis and atherosclerosis in a parrot

Fatty Liver & Atherosclerosis

Fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) are common in parrots fed high-fat seed diets with little exercise.

Painted illustration of avian bornavirus / proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) in a parrot

PDD (Bornavirus)

PDD is a disease of the nerves supplying the digestive tract, linked to avian bornavirus.

Painted illustration of psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) in a parrot

Beak & Feather Disease

PBFD is a viral disease (circovirus) affecting parrots, especially cockatoos, African greys, and lovebirds.

Painted illustration of feather-destructive behavior in a parrot

Feather Plucking

Feather-destructive behavior means a bird pulls, chews, or barbers its own feathers.

Painted illustration of psittacosis (chlamydiosis) in a parrot

Psittacosis

Psittacosis is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci.

Painted illustration of egg binding in a parrot

Egg Binding

Egg binding happens when a female bird can't pass an egg.

Painted illustration of heavy metal toxicosis in a parrot

Heavy Metal Poisoning

Heavy metal toxicosis is poisoning, usually from lead or zinc.

Painted illustration of hypovitaminosis A in a parrot

Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency is very common in parrots fed mostly seeds.

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