Lead intoxication is a fairly common problem in pet birds.
Lead may be present in many places in the home, and birds allowed out of their cages may be accidentally exposed. Lead poisoning may occur as an acute or a chronic problem. Clinical signs of lead intoxication in psittacine birds may include lethargy, depression, anorexia, regurgitation, diarrhea, loss of balance, blindness, head tremors, convulsions and death. Some birds may develop anemia. Diagnosis of lead poisoning can be difficult.