Bird Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a critical symptom in birds indicating severe gastrointestinal disease, infection, or toxicity. Unlike passing watery droppings (polyuria), true bird diarrhea means the stool itself is liquid, loose, or unformed. Due to their high metabolism and small size, birds can become critically dehydrated very quickly. Immediate consultation with an avian specialist is non-negotiable for a positive outcome.

Bird diarrhea is defined as loose, unformed, or watery fecal matter.
It is vital to differentiate abnormal vomiting from normal regurgitation.
Diarrhea is a sign of serious underlying infection, disease, or dietary imbalance.
The condition causes rapid, life-threatening dehydration and nutritional loss.

Why Does My Bird Get Diarrhea?

Diarrhea occurs when the lower digestive tract (intestines and cloaca) becomes inflamed, diseased, or cannot properly absorb water and nutrients. This inflammation can be triggered by various factors, making diarrhea a symptom, not a diagnosis. Common causes include bacterial or fungal overgrowth in the intestines, internal parasites (like Giardia or Coccidia), viral infections, and dietary issues such as spoiled food, an overly rich diet, or a sudden change in food type. Exposure to toxins or stress can also initiate a severe gastrointestinal reaction, leading to debilitating fluid loss.

Types of Bird Diarrhea

Infectious Diarrhea

Caused by pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, yeast (Candida), or protozoan parasites. These directly attack the intestinal lining, disrupting normal absorption.

Nutritional Diarrhea

Results from feeding too much fresh fruit or vegetables, foods with high water content, or an incorrect balance of nutrients. It can also stem from ingesting spoiled food.

Stress-Induced Diarrhea

Sudden environmental changes, fear, loud noises, or travel can cause a rapid physiological response in some sensitive birds, resulting in a temporary bout of diarrhea.

Systemic Disease Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be a secondary sign of serious organ failure (such as liver or kidney disease) where waste products build up in the blood, irritating the digestive system.

Symptoms of Bird Diarrhea

If you observe these signs, contact an avian specialist immediately.

Loose, Liquid Feces

The fecal portion of the dropping is not solid or coiled but is liquid or completely unformed.

Excessive Drinking

An attempt by the bird to compensate for the extreme fluid loss caused by diarrhea.

Weight Loss

Rapid thinning and loss of muscle mass due to the body's inability to retain nutrients and water.

Protruding/Inflamed Vent

The tissue around the cloaca may look red, swollen, or irritated from constant liquid passage.

Dirty Vent Area

Feathers around the vent (cloaca) are matted, stained, and wet, a condition known as "pasting."

Lethargy and Weakness

The bird is severely unwell, often sitting fluffed up at the bottom of the cage, sleeping, or refusing to interact.

Vomiting (Concurrent)

Diarrhea often occurs alongside vomiting, greatly increasing the risk of fatal dehydration.

Refusal to Eat

The bird ignores its food due to nausea, pain, or advanced sickness.

Prevention & Bird Care

Strict Hygiene

Maintain a clean cage, disinfecting food and water bowls daily to prevent bacterial or fungal growth.

Dropping Checks

Continue monitoring the droppings daily until they are consistently back to normal (solid feces, white urates, clear urine).

Diet Reintroduction

Reintroduce the normal diet slowly and carefully, following your avian vet's specific instructions.

Quarantine New Birds

Always isolate and have new birds examined by a vet before introducing them to existing flocks.

Heating

Provide supplemental heat if recommended by the vet to aid in recovery and energy conservation.

Bird Diarrhea FAQ

Diarrhea is when the solid, dark fecal part is liquid or absent. Watery droppings (polyuria) mean the clear urine component is increased. Both require a vet visit.

Yes, critically so. The combination of high avian metabolism and rapid fluid loss means severe dehydration can kill a bird in less than 24 hours.

No. Self-treating is dangerous and wastes precious time. Immediate, professional diagnosis is the only safe course of action.

Recovery time depends entirely on the cause. Simple dietary issues may resolve quickly, but viral or bacterial infections can require weeks of aggressive care.

Yes. Sudden changes in diet, spoiled food, or excessive consumption of very high-water-content foods can be the cause.

Yes. Similar symptoms may point to chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, or severe stress. Consult our other specialized treatment pages to learn more.