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.