A careful search should be made for a potential source of the toxin in the area where the birds can roam. With botulism, the body appears normal on a post-mortem examination, however the toxin can be detected in blood taken from live, severely affected birds. The test to identify the toxin takes several days. There is no specific treatment for botulism. Most affected birds will die.
Death occurs due to paralysis of the muscles needed for breathing.
Birds that have ingested only a small amount of toxin may survive, but they need careful nursing until the toxin wears off. The birds cannot swallow, so do not try to give them food or water. Putting food or water in the mouth, for example with a syringe, will cause pneumonia because it will end up in the lungs. Wait until the birds are able to lift their heads and make clucking sounds before offering water. Protect the birds from the sun and from other birds or animals that might attack them.