Ornamental birds are a beloved part of many people’s lives, adding beauty and vitality to homes and gardens. However, they can suffer from a variety of diseases that can affect their health and safety.

This article aims to identify common diseases of ornamental birds, such as: colds, respiratory infections, poisoning, and parasites. We will also discuss the causes of these diseases, ways to prevent them, and how to deal with them when they appear.

The most common diseases of ornamental birds and their causes

:Gastric dilation glandular

Gastric dilatation glandular disease commonly affects parrots, causing the glandular stomach (the area that contains digestive stones) to become enlarged and unable to digest food properly. It can be life-threatening if no treatment is taken.

:Causes of gastric dilation

The cause of dilation of the intestinal glands in birds is due to several factors, including:

Unbalanced diet: Eating too much fat increases the formation of digestive stones that increase the enlargement of the gastric gland, excessive consumption of seeds, and lack of dietary fiber and water.

Parasites such as tapeworms or bacterial infections such as salmonella also increase the chances of getting the disease.

In addition to genetic factors, which play a role in increasing the chances of infection.

:Prevention of dilated colon

To prevent gastric dilation in parrots, a healthy, balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables, and grains should be provided, in addition to reducing the intake of fatty foods.

The bird must also be provided with a suitable environment that includes enough space for movement and exercise. In addition to keeping the cage clean, and giving the bird regular dewormers.

:parrot fever

It is a serious viral disease that affects parrots, especially water parrots. This virus affects the bird's nervous system, causing severe neurological symptoms and sometimes the bird's death.

:Causes of parrot fever

The bird becomes infected with the virus in case of direct contact with the feces, saliva or blood of an infected bird, or through the bites of some insects such as: ticks and fleas.

:Parrot fever prevention

Prevention of parrot fever depends on following good hygiene measures, such as:

Wash hands regularly before and after handling birds.

Disinfecting and sterilizing feeding and drinking utensils.

Providing a clean and healthy environment for birds.

It is also advisable to reduce contact with infected birds and avoid sharing tools and equipment between healthy and infected birds.

Quarantine new birds for two weeks before introducing them to the rest of the birds.

:Beak and feather disease

Beak and feather disease is one of the most dangerous diseases that affect ornamental birds, as it attacks the bird's immune system and weakens it, making it vulnerable to bacterial, fungal and viral infection.