If given a proper diet, a clean, well maintained environment and routine veterinary care, birds are extremely hardy animals, able to withstand stress, hardship, and an occasional management oversight. In this less than perfect world however, it is necessary to prepare for something short of the ideal. Certain accidents, illnesses and conditions routinely occur with birds and as a responsible guardian, it is critical to know how to handle them. Activity level decreases when a bird is sick or hurt. Just as we don't feel like running around the house singing and playing when we are sick, neither do our birds.
Energy is utilized for combating infection and healing.
If a bird is very sick, it stops being active and animated, and becomes dull and listless. It may sit on the bottom of the cage or may remain in the same spot on its perch. Droppings may be scant indicating the bird is not eating, or may all be located in the same area, suggesting the bird is not moving around. Again, it is important to know what to expect from your bird. Some birds like an afternoon siesta, or may simply be exhausted after a particularly exciting day watching outdoor birds and playing with its toys or mate.