Before you give it: is amoxicillin the right fit?
Amoxicillin suits a specific set of infections. A quick check first:
- Get a diagnosis first. A sick bird can hide illness and decline fast; an avian vet should confirm the infection is bacterial and that amoxicillin fits before you treat.
- Know what it’s used for. In birds amoxicillin is commonly used against bacterial infections such as paratyphoid (Salmonella), E. coli, and respiratory infections — not a broad “any illness” remedy, and not for viral or fungal disease.
- Bird dosing is species-specific. It is set by species and body weight by a vet who knows birds — it is not a scaled-down mammal dose, which is why an avian vet sets it.
- Watch a sick bird closely. Call your avian vet right away if the bird stops eating, sits fluffed and quiet, or worsens; birds decline quickly.
What amoxicillin for birds is
Amoxicillin is a broad aminopenicillin antibiotic1 prescribed for birds for a range of bacterial infections, including some skin, soft-tissue, and respiratory infections. In birds it is commonly used against paratyphoid (Salmonella), E. coli, and respiratory infections,2 and is widely used in pigeons and cage birds.3 Whether it is the right choice, and at what dose, is a decision for the prescribing veterinarian — based on the specific infection, your bird’s species, weight and history.
We are a licensed veterinary pharmacy. We dispense what the vet prescribes4 — we do not diagnose or set doses — and we will tell you plainly when amoxicillin is not the right fit for your bird.
| Active ingredient | Amoxicillin (trihydrate) |
|---|---|
| Strength | Capsules; the prescribing vet sets the strength for your bird |
| Also sold as | Amoxil (brand and packaging vary) |
| Drug class | Aminopenicillin |
| Form | Capsules |
| Intended use | Birds only |
| Availability | Prescription, not for human use |
| Delivery to | All 50 US states, contact us for other countries |
Amoxicillin dosing for birds: an avian vet sets it
Amoxicillin for birds is dosed by species and body weight and set by your prescribing avian veterinarian, based on the infection, your bird’s species and weight, and their health history. Bird dosing is species-specific and is not a scaled-down mammal dose,2 which is why a vet who knows birds sets it. We do not set doses, and this page does not list one. The label on your order reflects your prescribing vet’s instructions — follow it exactly and never adjust the dose yourself.
Side effects to watch for
Birds generally tolerate amoxicillin, but watch for reduced appetite, changes in droppings, or regurgitation. Because a sick bird can decline quickly, call your avian vet if the bird stops eating, sits fluffed and quiet, or worsens. Tell your vet about any prior drug reactions before starting.
⚠ Important safety notes
- Prescription medication. An avian veterinarian decides whether it’s appropriate and sets the dose — we never set one.
- Bird dosing is species-specific. Never scale down a dog, cat, or human dose; the correct dose is set by a vet who knows birds.
- Watch a sick bird closely. Call your vet right away if the bird stops eating, sits fluffed and quiet, has changed droppings, or worsens.
- One species’ medicine is not another’s. Never give a bird antibiotics intended for aquarium fish or another species; the wrong drug or dose can seriously harm your bird.
Cost & how to get it
There is no public cart or online payment step. You place a reservation, a veterinarian reviews it and writes the prescription if it’s appropriate, then our pharmacy sends a secure payment link before anything ships — so the veterinary review costs you nothing separate, and you pay only for the medication. If amoxicillin isn’t right for your bird, the order isn’t filled and you aren’t charged.
| Pack size | Price | Per capsule |
|---|---|---|
| 30 capsules | $29.99 | $1.00 |
| 100 capsules MOST POPULAR | $49.99 | $0.50 |
| 250 capsules BEST VALUE | $109.99 | $0.44 |
The per-capsule cost drops at the larger pack sizes — your vet sets the course length your bird needs.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription?
Yes — but you don’t have to arrange it yourself. A veterinarian reviews your order and prescribes it, then we dispense it legally. If it’s not right for your bird, the order isn’t filled and you aren’t charged.
What is amoxicillin used for in birds?
It is a broad aminopenicillin antibiotic used for a range of bacterial infections — in birds commonly paratyphoid (Salmonella), E. coli, and respiratory infections. Whether it fits your bird is the prescribing vet’s decision.
What dose should I give?
We don’t provide dosing. Bird dosing is species-specific and depends on your bird’s species, weight, and condition; it is set by the prescribing avian veterinarian. Follow the prescription exactly.
Do I get exactly what I see on this site?
We can’t guarantee a specific manufacturer. What you receive may look different, but the drug, strength, and ingredients match what the veterinarian prescribes.
How is my order shipped?
Orders ship in plain packaging with delivery in 10–14+ business days, tracked, to all 50 states. You’ll get status updates by email along the way.
Medical disclaimer
This site is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. A licensed veterinarian should determine medication selection, prescribing, dosing, and treatment for the individual animal. Never give a bird antibiotics intended for aquarium fish or another species; the wrong drug or dose can seriously harm your bird. All medications sold on this site are for animal use only and are not intended for human use or consumption.
Sources & References
- Merck Veterinary Manual, “Penicillins Use in Animals.” merckvetmanual.com (accessed 2026) Supports: amoxicillin is a semisynthetic broad-spectrum aminopenicillin active against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
- Soh HY, Tan PXY, Ng TTM, Chng HT, Xie S. “A Critical Review of the Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety Data of Antibiotics in Avian Species.” Antibiotics (Basel) 2022;11(6):741. doi:10.3390/antibiotics11060741; PMID 35740148. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (2022) Supports: bacterial infections in birds are commonly treated with antibiotics, and dosing is species-specific — extrapolating doses across species can give subtherapeutic results.
- “Tissue distribution of amoxycillin after oral and intramuscular administration to pigeons (Columba livia).” Avian Pathology 1986;15(4):663–676. doi:10.1080/03079458608436329. doi.org (1986) Supports: amoxicillin is absorbed and distributed systemically in pigeons after oral dosing — its use in a common companion bird.
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. Animal & Veterinary. fda.gov (accessed 2026) Supports: the prescription status of veterinary antibiotics.
