What can cause diarrhoea in lorikeets?

Question

I have had my rainbow lorikeet for a year. He is toilet trained and normally holds in his p**p for half an hour or so and expels it on command. Today he is having trouble holding on and is pooping small quantities without warning. I wouldn't be too concerned except that the p**p is much darker in colour - normally it is yellow, except today is is very dark brown.

If it continues I will take him to the vet, as I know how dangerous diarrhoea can be in birds. Until then, would anybody be able to advise me as to what could be the cause? Diet is one factor - we gave him a couple of currants yesterday which he had never eaten before.

Answer 1

I would suggest taking that bird to a vet immediately.  It can be very serious in birds.  There are a number of internal diseases that can cause that.

Answer 2

I agree take him to the vet straight away.

It's also not a good idea to make a parrot hang on 1/2 an hour to go to the toilet. That can cause health issues in the bird.

The better way to loo train is to teach the bird too poo on newspaper rather than waiting for your que. That way anywhere you place newspaper will let the bird if he needs to poo he can.

Rainbow lorikeets usually have extremely runny poo unless you have him on a solids diet? They're nectar eaters so should have runny poo. If his poo is normally solid you may need to change his diet.

Answer 3

If he is still acting okay, eating and playing, then I think he is okay. If in 24 hours his/her droppings are still like this, then I would go to the vet. It is more than likely the food you gave him.