Budgie Stroke Recovery

Probably one of the worst nightmares you would never want to experience is witnessing your precious bird suffering from an illness.

Unfortunately, your parakeets can still acquire serious complications even though you are providing the best care they could have.

One of these complications is stroke.

Although it is a rare case for birds to suffer from stroke, there is still a possibility for them to suffer from this dangerous situation. 

It is important to know that there are two major types of strokes: cerebral and heat strokes.

One common reason for stroke is due to old age.

Luckily, there are some obvious symptoms that your parakeet will show that you can easily recognize such as falling, paralysis, blindness, and seizures.

Medications and extreme care is required to birds who have had a stroke to alleviate the symptoms and prevent its recurrence. 

What Causes Strokes In Birds? 

There are various possible reasons why birds suffer from stroke.

Before we tackle the reasons, it is important to know that there are two major types of stroke that are possible for birds to acquire: cerebral stroke and heat stroke. 

Naturally, heat stroke is caused by extreme heat that is unbearable for birds.

On the other hand, cerebral stroke is caused by a disrupted blood supply or flow to the brain.

This can be from other underlying conditions such as cardiovascular problems or mainly due to poor lifestyle of the bird. 

Here are the possible causes of strokes in birds: 

Unhealthy Lifestyle 

Birds that have a poor diet can typically become the reason for stroke.

This is due to the insufficient amount of nutrients they get which is highly critical to maintain their health.

Obese birds and lack of exercise can also ultimately cause a cerebral stroke as they are living an unhealthy lifestyle. 

Old Age 

Truthfully, old birds are more at risk than young birds.

This is because their brain cells and other bodily organs begin to deteriorate as they get older.

Stroke because of old age is more likely a natural event, but proper lifestyle can also help your birds to be healthier and prevent it from happening even when they are old. 

Diseases And Parasites 

Strokes can be caused by another underlying condition, such as cardiovascular problems.

One common example is when there is a hardening or narrowing of arteries, ultimately causing a disrupted blood flow.

Instances like this can be a primary cause of stroke for birds.

Another possible reason is because of parasites.

There are parasitic microorganisms or bacterial infection that can lead to neurological complications.

One best example is Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, which commonly affects parrots, cockatiels, and budgies. 

Budgie Stroke Symptoms 

Luckily, there are obvious symptoms that you can recognize when your budgie is suffering from a stroke.

Remember that stroke may happen anytime and it is important that you always monitor your precious bird’s at all times. 

Here are some of the common stroke symptoms that your budgie may show: 

Paralysis

Cerebral stroke will definitely affect your bird’s control over its body.

When you see your bird’s wings, toes, legs, and other parts of the body hanging limply, it may be a sign of paralysis.

It may even become completely limp and unable to move, so better to seek an avian veterinarian immediately.

Falling With Loud Screaming 

Stroke can strike anytime, whether your budgie is awake or soundly asleep.

See if they are suddenly falling from its perch and pay attention when your bird screams or makes weird noises that they don’t typically make.

Most of the time it is a sign of stroke. 

Blindness

Unfortunately, stroke can cause your parakeet to go blind.

Depending on the severity, they can be blind in one eye or both eyes.

If your bird is also staggering, twirling, and appearing to be unable to see, it is likely that they are suffering from a stroke. 

Check out my article – Is my budgie blind where I go into more detail

Seizures

Cerebral strokes cause seizures in birds.

This can also be accompanied by loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, or inability to stand on its own.

Seizures can last for a few seconds or even minutes.

How Can I Help My Budgie Recover? 

Parakeets, and other birds, may recover from strokes.

When an avian veterinarian determined that your budgie had a stroke, it is important to know that they now need extreme care to recover. 

Make sure that you won’t put your lovely bird back in its cage, since it is likely that they will not be able to stand or act normally for a period of time.

They will likely stumble and fall, so putting them first in a box with a soft towel would make them comfortable. 

Provide them a healthier and balanced diet to aid their recovery.

Proper nutrition would help them gain their strength and will ensure that they are taking sufficient nutrients in their body. 

Stroke will cause paralysis, so physical therapy might be needed to recover their disabled body.

It will help your parakeet regain its control and strength which is critical to let them live happily again. 

Can a Bird Recover From Ataxia? 

Ataxia is a neurological condition where birds are unable to control their muscles due to musculoskeletal or nervous system damages.

Unfortunately, damages are irreversible, so ataxia has no cure. 

Instead, there are certain medications that a veterinarian would give to your parakeet to help your bird live as normal as possible.

These medications can be fluid therapy, antibiotics or antifungal medications, vitamin supplementation, and even hospitalization. 

Wrapping Up

Birds can also have a stroke.

These strokes can either be due to high temperature or called the heat stroke, or due to disrupted blood flow in the brain which is the cerebral stroke.

There are certain symptoms that your parakeet might show, so make sure that you always keep an eye on them and let them live a healthy lifestyle as much as possible.