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Question

my canary has started to produce very loose droppings although I feed him the same mixture as usual

Submitted: 448 days and 23 hours ago.
Category: Bird
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Age: 6; Male; Breed: canary bird

Already Tried:
changing brand of mix

Posted by John 448 days and 23 hours ago.

Info Request

Hello,

I have a few questions:

Are the dropping loose all over or only in certain areas?

Urate= white creamy part
Urine= the usually watery part
Stool= the firm part usually green to brown

Has there been any recent stress or changes to environment?

Any recent exposure to chemicals?

Any addition to a fruits or vegetables in past 48 hrs?

thanks,
John

448 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

Droppings are only white in watery part --- no green or brown now at all.

Cage needs cleaned twice daily as floor covered in these droppings for about 4/5/weeks

no recent stress,

no exposure to chemicals

no fruit or veg at all at the moment

Accepted Answer

Ok well the white part is the urates. The urate is the bi- product of the kidneys. Generally as long as it is white its normal. The watery part that you are describing is the urine. The thing that is concerning though is the lack of stool in the droppings. The stool is the solid part, which is usually a brownish to greenish color. The issue is that there should be some stool every time the bird defecates. So if you aren't seeing any stool this can be an indications of more serious underlining issues such as a GI issue, or decreased appetite ( which could be caused by something major.

 

Most species of birds mask there clinical signs. What this means is that a bird will not show any signs of illness until they are nearly clinical. To make a comparison a human with a upper respiratory infection will show physical signs of illness such as red puffy eyes, scratchy throat, etc. A bird on the other hand will not show any of these physical signs. This is often referred to as flock behavior. In nature birds that show any signs of illness are segregated from the majority of the flock. The ill bird is not allowed to eat, drink, and often forced to keep a distance. This segregation usually ultimately leads to the bird being picked of by a predator. And this behavior generally applies to all species of domesticated birds. One must also understand that even though the bird is a solitary bird, they still will consider the owner to be a member of the flock.

 

My reccomendation would be to take him to a qualified avian vet. He should be able to wait till Monday. But I would monitor him very closely meanwhile. Look to make sure he is eating, drinking, vocalizing, no nasal or oral discharge, and is breathing clear.

 

Also most likely you take him to the vet, they will keep the stress on him to a minimum. Canaries stress out very easily during restraint and illness.

 

Lastly, make sure you locate a qualified avian vet. If you need help locating one let me know. I will be more then glad to help you find one.

 

Well good luck

 

John

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Expert: John
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 66
Answered: 8/16/2008

Exotic Animal Specialist

Head Exotic VT for large mixed animal practice, Coordinator for the humane Foundation for Animals.

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