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This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 13,840 times.
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects lovebirds and other birds in the parrot family. Unfortunately, PBFD is often fatal and there is no effective treatment other than providing support during the illness. Sadly, most lovebirds suffer from complications from the disease, while a few may recover. By offering supportive care to affected birds, identifying PBFD, and preventing PBFD, you give your bird the best chance of recovery.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Offering Supportive Care to Affected Lovebirds
Quarantine sick birds. PBFD is extremely contagious to other birds. To keep your flock healthy, isolate your sick lovebird. Because PBFD can live in your cage and on accessories move any remaining birds to a new environment.[1]
Move your sick lovebird to a low-stress environment. Keep your PBFD-affected lovebird in a quiet area free of stress so it can rest. Reduce noise and keep other pets or loud children out of the room. If your lovebird has any favorite toys, make sure those are at hand so the environment is reassuring.[2]Advertisement
Avoid handling your sick lovebird excessively. Being too active can tire your sick lovebird, which is already fatigued. Dial back on play sessions so your pet can focus on rest and recovery. It may also help to keep any perches low to reduce the risk of your tired bird falling.[3]
Provide a balanced diet. Consult with a veterinarian to select a diet that provides good nutrition to your lovebird, especially if it is sick.[4] A lack of nutrients may deplete your bird’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to advanced PBFD. Many seed-only diets are high in fat and do not provide adequate nutrition.- An ideal diet for lovebirds is 75-80% pellets and 25-20% fruits and vegetables. Seeds should be reserved for treats.[5]
- Note that avocados are toxic to birds.
Place a heating pad under your bird’s cage. Lovebirds with PBFD may have trouble keeping themselves warm because of feather loss. To help your lovebird stay comfortable, place a heating pad under its cage.[6] Use a wall thermometer near the cage to achieve an optimal temperature of 85-90 degrees F (29.4-32.2 degrees C).
Get your lovebird’s beak trimmed. PBFD can cause your lovebird’s upper break to become long and overgrown. An overgrown beak can make it difficult for your lovebird to eat properly and get adequate nutrition. Take your pet to an avian veterinarian for a beak trim; the vet can sedate your lovebird to make it more relaxed during the trim, if necessary.[7]- An upper beak that is the right length should align with the lower beak rather than curve over it.[8]
Take your bird to the vet to address any PBFD-related injuries. Lovebirds with PBFD may get abrasions or cuts on their skin as a result of sharp, broken feathers. Take your lovebird to the veterinarian to treat any scrapes, as open wounds can be prone to fungal or bacterial infection. Your vet can clean any injured areas and prescribe medication to help the skin heal.[9]Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Identifying PBFD
Look for abnormal feather growth. Examine your lovebird, looking carefully for kinked or abnormally short feathers. Feathers of birds with PBFD may even grow in curly.[10]
Look for signs of feather breakage. Notice if that your lovebird’s feathers break with normal activities like preening and flying. Lovebirds with PBFD have feathers with brittle shafts. Progressively, your bird may also appear more and more bald as its feather follicles become less active with each molt.[11]- When you change your lovebird’s cage liner, take note of any broken feather bits that have accumulated in the pan.
Look for a deformed beak. Take note of any splits or cracks in your lovebird’s beak. PBFD also causes the beaks of affected lovebirds to become overgrown, especially the upper beak. If you notice this, take your bird to the vet right away, as a deformed beak may make it difficult for your lovebird to eat normally.[12]
Look for mucus green droppings. Some lovebirds with PBFD develop mucus-like droppings with a green tint. When you change your lovebird’s cage liner look at the droppings for any changes in color or texture.[13]
Observe any changes in your lovebird’s temperament. Lovebirds who are typically good-natured may become depressed or listless upon getting PBFD. If your lovebird seems disinterested in play or talking to you, take it to the vet for a check up.[14]
Take your lovebird’s age into account. Young lovebirds are at risk for an acute form of PBFD during their first feather formation. After their down feathers fall out, the developing feathers of these PBFD-affected birds do not come in properly. The feathers may break and fall out or even bleed, creating a risk of secondary infection.[15]- Most birds diagnosed with PBFD are under two years old.[16]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Preventing PBFD
Have your lovebird vaccinated as soon as 2 weeks old. Take your lovebird to the vet to receive the PBFD vaccination as soon as possible once the bird is two weeks old. If your lovebird is showing signs of PBFD, consult your vet, as the vaccination can make symptoms worse if the bird already has the infection. Since there is no treatment for PBFD, preventing the disease is the best course of action.[17]
Purchase lovebirds from reputable breeders. Only buy lovebirds from breeders you know and trust rather than online sources or pet shops. Breeders are most likely to provide up-to-date vaccinations and care for your lovebird. Request the full medical records of any birds you buy, and take new animals to the veterinarian for a physical exam right away.[18]
Quarantine any new birds for 3-4 weeks. PBFD can incubate for up to 3 weeks without symptoms. Given this time lag, it’s best to quarantine any new birds for 3-4 weeks before introducing them to your flock. PBFD is extremely contagious, and separating your new lovebird will protect your existing birds in the unlikely event your new pet is sick.[19]
Sanitize the cage area daily to prevent the spread of disease. Sweep or vacuum the area around the cage, and then sanitize it with a bird-friendly disinfectant to prevent the spread of PBFD. Lovebirds have very fragile respiratory systems, so it is important to use a bird-safe solution, such as Aviclean. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to disinfect the cage area thoroughly.[20]- You need to be meticulous about your hygiene, including your clothing. Change your clothing when moving between birds to prevent accidental cross infection.
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Tips
- Lovebirds with PBFD that are well cared for have an average life expectancy of six months to two years.[21]Thanks
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Warnings
- Rarely PBFD can spread to the lovebird’s central nervous system causing tremors and seizures.[22]Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=1918
- ↑ https://www.beautyofbirds.com/sickbirdcare.html
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/lovebirds-feeding
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid=1390
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ https://www.beautyofbirds.com/PBFD.html
- ↑ https://www.beautyofbirds.com/PBFD.html
- ↑ https://www.beautyofbirds.com/PBFD.html
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ https://www.beautyofbirds.com/PBFD.html
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1794&aid=2837
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2592
- ↑ https://www.goldcoastbirdvet.com/pbfd-birds-can-often-be-helped.html
About this article
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 13,840 times.
Co-authors: 8
Updated: July 4, 2020
Views: 13,840
Article SummaryX
To treat lovebirds with psittacine beak and feather disease, put healthy birds in a new cage, since PBFD is extremely contagious. You should also move your sick lovebird to a quiet location, free from noisy pets and children, so it can rest. Since your lovebird will be tired, reduce how often you play with it. Additionally, feed it a healthy diet of 75 percent pellets and 25 percent fruit and vegetables to make sure it gets enough nutrients. If your lovebird is losing feathers, place a heat pad under its cage to help it stay warm. Make sure to take your lovebird to the vet if you see cuts or abrasions on its skin, which can easily get infected. For tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to spot the symptoms of PBFD, read on!
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 13,840 times.
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