The sudden death of a bird is not unusual since it usually occurs. There are many common causes of sudden death in pet birds. It can be heartbreaking when your bird suddenly dies. Your bird might seem OK and in good shape but still, die suddenly. So what can cause a bird to die suddenly? The following article explains some things that commonly cause birds to die suddenly and some signs you can look out for.
The following are some of the common causes of sudden death in birds:
1. Stress
Birds get easily stressed due to new surroundings, a new owner, a small cage, or very loud music. Extreme stress can cause the bird’s heart to speed up. As a result, this may cause the bird’s sudden death.
2. Toxins
Exposure to harmful toxins over time can cause sudden death in your pet birds. The bird may show no sign of illness at all. Ensure the water and food you provide for your bird are clean and free from harmful substances.
3. Old Age
Old age can kill a bird suddenly if one of the vital organs fails. Some birds can live for a long time, while others can only live for about three years. Sometimes, the bird owner may notice abnormal behaviors in old birds. However, old age can sometimes kill a bird suddenly by shutting down the bird’s organ
4. Infections
An illness caused by bacteria or a viral infection can cause your bird to die suddenly. The birds can sometimes show symptoms of a disease. But since you cannot tell the severity of the illness by looking at the bird, you might be surprised that your bird has suddenly died.
5. Night Fright
Night fright may occur due to loud music or too much bright light, causing the bird to panic. Younger birds are more likely to die suddenly due to night fright. If you find out that your bird died with its eyes open, there is a high chance that its sudden death was caused by night fright.
On the other hand, parrots cannot die of night fright alone; therefore, if you find your parrot dead with its eyes open, it could result from eyelid muscles relaxing, causing the eyes to fall open.
6. French Molt
A bird can suddenly die due to a French molt, which most commonly affects younger birds. Some of the symptoms of a French molt are diarrhea, dehydration, and breathing difficulty. When these symptoms last for between 1-2 days, it can cause sudden death in your pet bird.
7. Accidents
However much you try to be cautious with your bird, accidents happen. Birds can die by accident because they hit their heads on a window or an object or fall from a high height. Additionally, birds can choke to death or get stepped on by people or other animals.
8. Egg Binding
A female bird may suddenly die if she produces an egg and it gets stuck inside her in the reproductive tract. When you notice any sign of egg binding, such as swelling of the abdomen, panting, or heavy breathing, it is advisable to seek medical intervention. Egg binding primarily affects older female birds.
9. Too Much Heat
High temperatures can cause heat stress in birds, which can further cause heat stroke and lead to sudden death. Provide ventilation and avoid leaving your birds in rooms that are too hot, especially during hot weather. Additionally, provide the birds with shades to shield them from direct sunlight.
10. Lack of Vitamins and Minerals
Birds require a balanced diet incorporating all nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Lack of proper nutrition can cause malnutrition in birds, which can consequently cause the bird to die suddenly.
Why Did My Bird Die with Its Eyes Open?
The possible reason your bird died with its eyes open is due to night fright. Night fright occurs when something or someone scares your bird at night, causing the bird to fall and suddenly die. Dogs barking, loud music and sudden movement of people are some of the causes of night fright
Does Stress Cause a Bird to Die?
Yes, stress causes a bird to die. The birds may be unable to calm down when they are highly stressed, thus causing an increased heart rate that can cause sudden death.
What Do I Do If My Bird Just Died?
When your bird has just died, and you are unaware of the cause, the first thing to do is to calm down and pick up the bird’s body. Store the body and contact the local health department. It is advisable to know the cause of your death to avoid the sudden deaths of your birds in the future.
If you know the cause of death of a pet bird, then you can go ahead and dispose of the body by either burying it or cremating it.
Maybe you are wondering whether it is OK to touch a dead bird. No, touching a dead bird without wearing waterproof gloves is not OK. Especially in the sudden death of a bird where you are not sure of the cause of death, it is advisable not to touch the dead bird.
What Are the Signs of a Bird Dying?
Even though pet birds may die suddenly, there are always some common signs of a dying bird that you should always be aware of so you can try and save it.
Common signs of a dying bird include:
1. Difficulty breathing
2. Shaking, shivering and trembling
3. Vomiting
4. Lack of appetite
5. Dull, discolored feathers
These are some of the signs a bird gives before it dies. Some birds go silent and spend time alone before they die. If you see any of these signs as a bird pet owner, you can always contact your veterinarian.
Why Do Birds Go Stiff When They Die?
When a bird dies, the muscles in its feet become rigid, causing stiffness. If you are unsure whether the bird is dead or just stunned, then checking the stiffness of the leg and feet is the best way to tell between a dead and a stunned bird.
Signs a Bird Is Dying of Old Age
Old age is one of the common causes of sudden death in birds. The following are some of the signs a bird is dying of old age:
1. Delayed molting
2. Faded/ dull feathers
3. Weight loss
4. Decreased appetite
5. Frequent infection
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