Pigeon Shivering: Possible Causes Explained
Understanding Why Parrots Shiver: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Chilly Surroundings: If your parrot's cage is placed in a cold area, and you haven't taken adequate measures to keep it warm, the bird may feel the chill and start shivering as a response to the cold.
2. Colds and Flu: Parrots can catch a cold or flu, especially during cold weather or strong winds. Additionally, if they're not dried properly after a bath, they might catch a chill, leading to shivering and a potential cold.
3. Sudden Shock: A parrot may shiver due to a severe fright, as it can trigger a physiological stress response in the bird.
4. Gastrointestinal Inflammation: If a parrot has an intestinal inflammation, symptoms like excessive stomach acid, poor digestion, and disrupted gut flora can cause discomfort and lead to shivering.
What to Do When Your Parrot Shivers?
When you notice your parrot shivering, first check the environment. If it's too cold, provide warmth immediately to prevent further chilling and potential colds. Enhance your bird's health by feeding it nutritious foods, electrolytes, and glucose.
In cases where the shivering is due to a fright, if the scare wasn't too severe, let your parrot recover on its own. The shivering should subside after a few hours, and its appetite should return to normal.
Should your parrot exhibit symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing along with shivering, it might be suffering from a cold. You can provide electrolytes or egg yolk powder to boost its nutrition and give it a small amount of sulfadiazine or silverbush cold medicine to alleviate the symptoms. If the runny nose is severe, use a cotton swab to gently clean the nostrils and apply gentamicin ointment or vegetable oil to help maintain clear breathing.
In cases of diarrhea along with shivering, start by feeding your parrot a small amount of probiotics and reduce its water intake. If the symptoms persist, consider giving it a small dose of tetracycline or doxycycline to help with inflammation and infection.
Understanding the reasons behind your parrot's shivering and how to handle them is crucial. Oxygen Pet Doctor reminds us: If your parrot's shivering persists for an extended period and significantly affects its appetite, it's essential to seek veterinary care promptly.