Some people choose parrots over other pets thinking they will cost less and require less maintenance, but that’s not true. While birds don’t need walks in the park, they still need regular exercise.
Wild birds stay active by flying around and looking for food, but birds in captivity don’t have that privilege. What they do have is calorie-dense seeds in abundance, which can cause obesity.
You can’t tell if a bird is overweight because feathers mask body changes but they can’t mask breathing problems and other signs of obesity in birds.
Can Birds Get Overweight?
Absolutely! Obesity can affect any species, including some of the most popular pet birds, especially older birds because they’re less active. If your bird is 20% over their ideal weight, they’re obese. This can be influenced by genetics, hormones, exercise, and psychological factors.
Bird obesity is caused by caloric-dense high-fat seeds for the most part and can cause arthritis, fatty liver disease, heart disease, breathing problems, and lethargy.
Ignorance is another cause of obesity in birds because we don’t have much information on birds and their diets. This makes it harder for owners to feed their parrots properly.
That being said, it’s not surprising that captive birds suffer from obesity given that their wild counterparts fly long distances looking for food. Conversely, pet birds often live in small cages and eat too much food, which isn’t varied and contains artificial colors and preservatives.
Some species like Cockatoos, Budgerigars, and Amazons have a higher risk of being obese than others. Conversely, Caiques, Conures, and Macaws, rarely become obese, with exceptions like red-bellied Macaws, which need a calorie-restricted diet.
Like many others, I’ve been feeding my cockatiels only seeds because I thought that’s what parrots eat. But I just learned that most birds on this type of diet have a higher risk of developing nutritional disorders.
Hormonal problems can also make birds gain weight because they lower their metabolic rate. In Budgerigars, one of the best parrots for apartments, a lack of iodine can cause thyroid problems and weight gain.
You can prevent this by feeding your bird a special iodized seed mix and avoiding loose seed mixes from the pet store unless you also add tincture iodine in your bird’s water or provide iodine blocks.
Lastly, wing clipping can also accelerate weight gain in birds. Moreover, the cons of this process outweigh the cons, so we strongly advise against it. The same goes for spaying or neutering a bird.
How to Know if a Bird is Obese?
Obesity is one of the most common health issues in birds and is often visible through the following signs:
1. Breast muscle check: Look at your bird’s breast muscle, which covers a bone called the keel. The keel should be prominent, with rounded muscles on either side. If your bird is obese, the keel won’t be easily visible, and the chest will look fuller.
2. Fat deposits: Check for fat under the skin, especially around areas with fewer feathers, like the side of the neck. If you see a yellowish tint or have trouble spotting the jugular vein, your bird may have excess fat.
3. Breathing issues: If your bird becomes easily winded from minor activity, it might be due to extra weight.
4. Long beak: A beak that’s too long can indicate fatty liver disease, which is often caused by obesity.
5. Regular weighing: Weigh your bird regularly with a gram scale. Your vet should also monitor your bird’s weight during check-ups.
Dangers of Obesity in Birds
Parots make good pets but they can cause serious health issues like all pets. Let’s look at some of the dangers of obesity in birds:
Lipomas
These benign fatty tumors can appear on the chest, neck, or near the vent. They’re common in Budgerigars and Cockatoos. While usually harmless, they can grow large, hinder flight, and cause mating or hygiene issues. If they become very large, they might ulcerate, causing pain and bleeding.
Fatty liver syndrome
This condition results from excessive fat in the liver, often due to overfeeding and a high-fat diet. It can lead to liver enlargement, breathing problems, diarrhea, and clotting issues. If untreated, it can progress to liver failure and death.
Atherosclerosis
This involves cholesterol buildup in blood vessels and can lead to serious complications like sudden death, breathing problems, or paralysis. It’s especially common in African Grey Parrots and Amazons.
Infertility and egg binding
Overweight female birds may have reproductive issues, including reduced fertility and egg binding, where eggs become stuck in the reproductive tract.
Hernias
Excess fat can weaken abdominal muscles, leading to hernias where the internal organs protrude through the weakened area. This often requires surgery once the bird’s weight is managed.
Foot problems
Obese birds can develop calluses, sores, cracked feet, and infections due to the added pressure on their feet.
How to Prevent Obesity in Birds
First and foremost, bird owners should regularly weigh their birds and use the same scale for consistent monitoring. This can help detect sudden weight changes that can indicate health problems. They should also apply the following bird care tips:
Encourage exercise
Many bird enthusiasts often overlook the importance of space when choosing a pet bird. As a result, many birds end up confined in small cages and become obese.
To prevent this, provide a spacious cage and encourage flying. Mental stimulation is also important, so consider making bird enrichment toys for your feathery companion.
Manage the diet of your bird:
- Monitor seed intake carefully and introduce healthy treats for birds.
- Offer fruits and pulses in place of seeds for part of the day to diversify your bird’s diet.
- Use supplements if feeding a seed-based diet, but consult your vet to avoid over-supplementing.
- Birds on high-quality pelleted diets have a lower risk of obesity. Steer clear of pellets that consist only of crushed seeds.
- Limit fatty or fried foods and avoid chips and crisps.
- Feed dairy products like cheese sparingly.
Final Tips
All in all, obesity in birds isn’t uncommon and can shorten the lifespan of parrots. You can prevent it by switching from seeds to a diet with pellets or crumble, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
However, vets warn that a bird that’s addicted to seeds may refuse to eat and starve to death. That’s why you should slowly make this change with your vet’s help.
If you have a stubborn bird on your hands that won’t stop eating seeds, provide them for about 10 minutes twice a day and offer fruit and veggies the rest of the time.
