By Margaret A. Wissman, DVM, DABVP, Avian Practice
Photo Courtesy Molly Martinez, California
Take steps to remove items that could potentially contain lead and zinc from your bird's area. |
Clinical signs of lead and/or zinc poisoning in birds may include:
- lethargy
- depression
- decreased appetite
- chronic weight loss
- weakness (as evidenced by droopy wings)
- diarrhea
- regurgitation
- increased urination
- ataxia
- anemia
- blindness
- circling
- head tremors
- head tilt
- seizures or death
In some cases, especially in Amazon parrots and African grey parrots, there may be reddish urine, possibly due to plant pigments, called porphyrins, or perhaps hemoglobin. Zinc tends to cause problems targeting the kidneys primarily.
Common clinical signs include:
- increased urination
- increased water consumption
- GI problems (difficulty swallowing)
- depression
- weight loss
- diarrhea
- high blood sugar
- bluish mucous membranes
- seizures
- lack of coordination and death