Birds are delicate creatures and masters at hiding when something's wrong. By the time they look ill, it's often already serious — which is why good bird care is mostly about prevention.
1. A seeds-only diet
Probably the most common mistake. Seeds alone lead to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. A bird needs balanced pellets alongside fresh vegetables and fruit — with a gradual, patient transition.
Fluffing is a sign
A bird sitting fluffed up and quiet at the bottom of the cage isn't "resting" — more often than not, it's ill. Don't brush it off.
2. Toxic kitchen fumes
Few people know this: non-stick cookware (Teflon/PTFE), when overheated, gives off fumes that are deadly to birds. Sprays, candles and smoke are just as dangerous.
3. Draughts & temperature
Draughts and sudden temperature swings easily bring on respiratory problems. Put the cage away from doors, windows and the AC.
4. Loneliness & boredom
Birds, parrots especially, are social and very clever. When they're short on stimulation they get stressed — and that comes out as screaming or feather plucking.
5. Delaying the vet
Precisely because they hide illness, don't leave it. Changes in droppings, fluffed feathers, less singing or eating — all of it says "let's see an exotics vet".