Our editorial team often hears from Galah owners worried about subtle changes in their bird’s behavior. Recognizing signs of illness early in a Galah Cockatoo is vital because these birds instinctively hide sickness until they are very ill. The most reliable indicators involve changes in droppings, feather condition, appetite, and energy levels.
Galahs are hardy birds, but they are prone to specific health issues like psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), aspergillosis, and obesity. Because their natural diet in the wild consists of seeds, grasses, and roots, captive Galahs on all-seed diets often develop vitamin A deficiency or fatty liver disease. Knowing what is normal for your individual bird is the first step to spotting trouble.
Changes in Droppings and Vent Area
Healthy Galah droppings have three distinct components: a green or brown solid (feces), a white or cream urate, and clear liquid urine. Any change in color, consistency, or volume can signal illness. Watery or completely liquid droppings may indicate diarrhea or kidney issues. Black, tarry droppings suggest internal bleeding, while yellow or lime-green droppings can be a sign of liver disease or chlamydiosis (psittacosis), which Galahs are particularly susceptible to.
Check the vent (cloacal) area daily. A healthy Galah has a clean, dry vent. Staining, redness, swelling, or matted feathers around the vent are red flags for digestive or reproductive problems. In female Galahs, a swollen vent can be a sign of egg binding, a life-threatening emergency.
Feather and Skin Abnormalities
Galahs are naturally heavy shedders of feather dust, but sudden excessive dustiness, bald patches, or broken blood feathers warrant attention. Feather plucking is common in stressed Galahs, but also can stem from skin infections or internal pain. Pay special attention to the face and head: crusty lesions or scaling around the cere, eyes, or beak may indicate PBFD or mites.
Inspect the skin during grooming. Redness, lumps, or scabs can be signs of bacterial or fungal infections. Galahs are prone to lipoma (fatty tumors) under the skin, especially if on a high-fat seed diet. A lump that grows quickly needs veterinary evaluation.
Respiratory and Behavioral Signs
Galahs are active, vocal birds. A quiet, fluffed-up Galah sitting on the cage floor is a classic sign of illness. Listen for respiratory noises: wheezing, clicking, or labored breathing. Tail bobbing with each breath indicates respiratory distress. Nasal discharge or sneezing can signal an infection, often aspergillosis in Galahs kept in dusty environments.
Behavioral changes like aggression, lethargy, or hiding are also key. A normally friendly Galah that suddenly bites or avoids interaction may be in pain. Decreased vocalization is a serious warning sign. Also, watch for vomiting or regurgitation not related to courtship feeding, which can indicate crop infection or poisoning.
Appetite, Weight, and Posture Changes
Track your Galah’s weight weekly with a reliable scale. A sudden weight loss of more than 10% is an emergency. Galahs may also stop eating or show increased appetite without weight gain, which can be a sign of diabetes or parasites. Check the crop: a slow-emptying or distended crop suggests crop stasis or infection.
Posture changes are subtle but telling. A Galah that perches with its wings drooping, legs splayed, or head tucked under a wing for long periods is unwell. Lameness or favoring one foot could indicate gout, arthritis, or a foot injury. In advanced illness, Galahs may have difficulty balancing or falling off perches.