The care of sick birds is often very difficult and requires much attention to details. Perhaps this is because so often the bird is extremely ill or has been ill for a long period of time before symptoms become apparent to even the most attentive owner. Birds have a survival instinct to "not act sick", lest they become prey for some other animal. 

WHEN YOUR BIRD IS SICK

Increase the temperature of the bird's environment to between 80-90 degrees. This can be done by using a heater in a closed room, draping a towel and then an electric blanket over the cage, an electric heating pad under the cage, an infrared heat lamp several feet from the cage or an incandescent light bulb close to the cage. The temperature should be checked frequently. If the bird holds its feathers close to the skin, has his wings spread away from its body, or is breathing heavily the area may be too warm. If a bird is too cold it will fluff up its feathers to try to stay warm.  Adjust the temperature accordingly.

The bird should be isolated from all other birds and as much of the commotion in the household as possible. This will reduce the stress on the bird and help prevent spread of the disease. You will also be better able to measure / monitor the water and food consumption as well as the droppings and overall activity of the ill bird.

Cover 1/2 to 3/4 of the cage or add a box to give the bird a place to hide and feel secure.

Remove grit from the cage. Sick birds will often eat strange things in strange amounts. They may overeat the grit and compound the problem.

If the bird is staying on the bottom of the cage then place the seed and water within easy reach. If the bird is not perching this may require putting seed on the floor of the cage and the water in a shallow dish.

Provide 12 hours of light and the same amount of darkness. Sick birds require much time to sleep yet the light is necessary to encourage eating.

Ill birds require added nutrition and vitamins yet they often will not eat readily. Some suggestions are:

• Try warm food such as oatmeal, scrambled eggs and vegetables (works best with larger birds).
• Use unsalted, shelled sunflower seeds (from a health food store).
• Offer any of the bird's favorite foods.
• Add sugar, honey or karo syrup to the water at 1 Tbsp per 1/4 cup water.
• Offer peanut butter in a small dish.

Give all medications and vitamins prescribed by the doctor.