The following article by Dr. Don Harris, a reputable avian veterinarian, should be helpful if and when we suspect that our parrots might have a health problem...

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR BIRD IS SICK (1)
• Weight loss
• Unusual swellings, especially around the eyes
• Irregular discolouration of the feathers
• Feathers are "fluffed up"
• Random or generalized loss of feathers
• Scaling or crusting of the skin
• Increased temperature of feet or beak

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR BIRD IS SICK (2)
By: Don J. Harris, DVM
Birds in the wild instinctively hide illness in an attempt to avoid
predators who prey on sick or injured birds. Pet birds are also just as
effective in hiding illness as their wild counterparts, and it is up to
bird owners to recognize subtle behavioural and physical signs that may
indicate their birds are sick.

Behavioural signs may include:
.. Sleeping later in the morning than usual
.. Sleeping more during the day
.. Irritability
.. Unusually compliant or passive
.. Sitting on the bottom of the cage
.. Picking at food and/or not eating at usual times
.. Eating less overall
.. Vocalizing less
.. A change in the voice or hoarseness
.. Different breathing pattern
.. Making unusual sounds when breathing

Physical signs may include:
• Coughing or sneezing
• Discharge from nostrils (nares)
• Matted eyes
• Eyes are dull and closing excessively
• Matted feathers on the face and head
• Diarrhoea
• Black stools
• A change in the white part of the droppings to another
color such as red, yellow or green , passing whole seeds or undigested food in droppings.