parakeet health

Question
hello i bought a parakeet a few days ago and i noticed when she goes to the bathroom the poop sticks to her feathers around her cloaca.  should this be something i should be concerned about?

Answer
Hi, Justin.  Thanks for posting!

Yes, this is something you should be concerned about.  It could just be the stress of being moved to a new home that is causing this.  However, if the bird's vent remains "messy" like you describe, you'll need to contact an avian veterinarian and have your new keet medically evaluated.  You could try a probiotic, which adds healthy gut bacteria to the intestinal system.  Keep a close eye on your bird for other signs of illness, such as sitting fluffed up on a perch when not sleeping, not eating, losing weight, etc., and contact an avian veterinarian immediately if any of these signs occur.  

Come back with any questions.

Chrys