Answer

Hi XXXXXXXXXXXXX,
Thanks for your question. I'm sorry to hear that your parakeet is not feeling well.

Anytime we see a bird showing signs that aren't right, they are ill. Birds are masters about hiding the signs that they are ill so when we see abnormal signs, it is signficant. If you think about a parakeet in the wild, if she were weak and sleeping alot, she would probably get eaten. This is why they don't want you to know they are sick, it is just natural instincts.

The major concern I have is that you are saying her droppings are dark. This can be a sign that she is not eating enough or even the possibility that she has some digested blood in her droppings. If she will eat out of your hand, I would try to get her to eat something. Try treat type food like millet sprigs.

I would also make sure she is warm. A sick bird is not able to maintain their body temperature well. You can put a heating pad on the outside bottom of the cage (not the inside) and then cover the cage partially to keep the heat in. If she is staying at the bottom make sure the bottom of the cage is covered with paper towel or something similar so she is on something soft. You may want to offer a very low perch also. Make sure food and water is right by her so she doesn't have to expend alot of energy to get to it.

There are many possibilities as to why she may be ill. You mention she is female. Females can lay eggs without having a male around. They can become egg bound which can be life threatening. Birds can also have bacterial infections, metabolic issues etc. Since I'm unable to diagnose her online, it really would be best for her to see a vet as soon as possible. These little guys just can not go very long being ill and not eating before they die. The vet can do good supportive care like feeding, fluids and heat while they determine what is wrong with her. If you do not have a vet, please let me know where you live and I can possibly give you a referral. You can also go to www.abvp.com (find a diplomate) or www.aav.org (vet look-up) for listing of vets that work with birds.

I wish I could tell more about what you can do. I would not bother with any of the over the counter medications. These medications do not work and they are a waste of your time and money and will do nothing to help her.   

If you have any other questions, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best of luck with her.
Dr. G

Expert:	Dr. G
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	294
Answered:	9/12/2008

Bird Veterinarian

ABVP Avian Diplomate (inactive status), bird/exotic animal practice 15 years