Yes — a seizure in a bird is an emergency. A bird that falls off its perch, twitches, flaps uncontrollably, or loses awareness needs immediate care. Common causes include heavy-metal poisoning (zinc or lead from cage parts and toys), low blood calcium (especially in African grey parrots), infection, and other toxins. Keep your bird safe from injury, keep it warm and dark, and get to an avian or emergency vet right away.
## What a seizure looks like The bird may fall from the perch to the cage floor, flap or paddle uncontrollably, twist its neck, or lie dazed and unresponsive after. Some episodes are brief, others repeat.
## Common causes in birds - Heavy-metal poisoning — zinc or lead ingested from cage clips, toys, or fittings is a leading cause. - Low blood calcium (hypocalcaemia) — particularly in African grey parrots. - Other toxins, infection, head trauma, or organ disease.
## Keeping your bird safe Do not try to hold a seizing bird. Instead, make the cage safe: remove or pad hard perches and toys it could strike, lower any high perches, and place soft towelling on the floor. Dim the lights and reduce noise. Once the seizure passes, keep the bird warm, dark, and quiet, and transport to the vet — the underlying cause (metal poisoning, low calcium) is often treatable when identified quickly.
Get to a vet immediately if you see any of these
- An active seizure or repeated fitting
- Falling off the perch and twitching or paddling
- A seizure after chewing metal cage parts or toys (heavy metal)
- Back-to-back seizures or not recovering between them
- Dazed, weak, or unresponsive after the episode
Common questions
Could my bird's cage or toys cause seizures?
Yes. Zinc and lead from cheap cage clips, chains, and toys cause heavy-metal poisoning, a leading cause of seizures in pet birds. Use bird-safe stainless steel and have any suspected case treated quickly.
Why are African grey parrots prone to seizures?
African greys are especially susceptible to low blood calcium, which can cause seizures. A calcium- and vitamin-D-appropriate diet and sunlight or full-spectrum lighting help; a vet can test and supplement.
My bird had one brief seizure and seems fine now — still a vet?
Yes. Even a single seizure needs investigation because the cause (metal poisoning, low calcium, a toxin) can recur or worsen. Have your bird seen promptly.
Sources
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice, and cannot diagnose your pet. It does not replace an examination by a licensed veterinarian. When in doubt, treat it as an emergency and contact a vet or your nearest 24/7 emergency clinic right away.
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