CHILLS AND COLDS
A chill or a cold in a canary is recognized by the bird sneezing and sitting with its feathers puffed up. Sometimes there is hoarseness, and if the nasal discharge is very heavy there may be complete loss of voice, temporarily. The cold will usually work itself off if the bird is given reasonable care. Sometimes, however, if the bird is in a more or less rundown condition and the infection is strong, a more serious condition such as pneumonia will result quickly.
Keep the bird free from drafts, and locate the cage where the temperature is as even as possible and warm rather than cold. Return to a regular diet with plenty of green foods. If the room cools off at night, cover the cage and avoid awakening the pet at night. Test for the presence of mites. If some are found, treat as directed under “[Mites].” Observe the droppings and make adjustments in the food if they are not normal as explained under “Constipation and Diarrhoea” below.
In addition to ten drops of French’s Iron Compound in the drinking water daily, feed a teaspoonful of egg food, fresh each day.