What to Do When Your Parrot Gets Sick: A Step-by-Step Guide

June 10, 2026

As a bird owner, seeing your feathered friend under the weather can be incredibly stressful. Parrots are masters at hiding their illnesses—a survival instinct from the wild. By the time you notice they are sick, they may have been unwell for a while.

If you suspect your parrot is sick, here is an immediate, step-by-step guide on what you should do:

Recognize the Warning Signs First, check for common symptoms of illness in parrots:

Fluffed-up feathers for long periods.
Lethargy, sleeping more than usual, or sitting at the bottom of the cage.
Changes in droppings (color, consistency, or frequency).
Loss of appetite or refusing their favorite treats.
Discharge around the eyes or nostrils, or heavy/labored breathing.

Provide Immediate Warmth and Comfort Sick birds lose body heat very quickly. Move your parrot to a smaller "hospital cage" if possible, and place it in a warm, quiet room (around 80-85°F or 27-29°C). You can use a bird-safe heat lamp or wrap a warm water bottle in a towel and place it near the cage. Keep the room quiet to reduce their stress.
Keep Them Hydrated and Fed Ensure fresh water is easily accessible right next to where they are resting. You can offer Pedialyte (unflavored) or a little bit of diluted apple juice to help replenish electrolytes. Keep offering their favorite soft foods, but do not force-feed them.
Contact an Avian Veterinarian Immediately Regular dog and cat vets may not have the specialized knowledge needed to treat birds. Look for an Avian Vet in your area right away. Call them, describe the symptoms, and arrange an emergency visit. Do not wait a few days to "see if they get better," as a bird's health can decline rapidly.
Avoid DIY Medication Never give your parrot human medication, and avoid buying random over-the-counter bird antibiotics from pet stores without a vet's prescription. The wrong dosage or medication can easily be fatal to such a small creature.