Before you give it: is doxycycline the right fit?
Doxycycline suits a specific set of infections. A quick check first:
- Get a diagnosis first. Psittacosis and respiratory infections can look like other problems; an avian vet should confirm the infection and that doxycycline fits before you treat.
- Psittacosis is its wheelhouse. In birds doxycycline is the standard treatment for psittacosis (avian chlamydiosis) and is also used for some respiratory and other bacterial infections — not a broad “any illness” remedy, and not for viral or fungal disease.
- Psittacosis courses are long. Treatment often runs about 45 days and is done under veterinary supervision, because doxycycline can affect the liver over long courses — another reason a vet manages it.
- Keep the bird eating and drinking. Call your avian vet right away if the bird becomes lethargic, sits fluffed and quiet, or stops eating.
What doxycycline for birds is
Doxycycline is a broad, long-acting tetracycline antibiotic1 prescribed for birds. In birds it is the standard treatment for psittacosis (also called ornithosis or chlamydiosis),2 and is also used for respiratory and certain other bacterial infections. It is widely used in pigeons and cage birds. 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 prescribes5 — we do not diagnose or set doses — and we will tell you plainly when doxycycline is not the right fit for your bird.
| Active ingredient | Doxycycline (hyclate) |
|---|---|
| Strength | 100 mg per capsule |
| Also sold as | Vibramycin (brand and packaging vary) |
| Drug class | Tetracycline |
| Form | Capsules in blister packs |
| Intended use | Birds only |
| Availability | Prescription, not for human use |
| Delivery to | All 50 US states, contact us for other countries |
Doxycycline dosing for birds: an avian vet sets it
Doxycycline for birds is dosed by species and body weight and set by your prescribing avian veterinarian. This matters more in birds than in most pets, because dosing varies widely between species4 and doxycycline is the first-line treatment for psittacosis, which is typically a long (about 45-day) course.3 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. Doxycycline comes in 100 mg capsules.
Side effects to watch for
Birds on doxycycline may show reduced appetite or regurgitation, and it can affect the liver over long courses, which is one reason a psittacosis course (often about 45 days) is done under veterinary supervision. Make sure the bird keeps eating and drinking. Call your avian vet for lethargy, a fluffed-up posture, or a bird that stops eating.
⚠ 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. It varies widely between species; never scale down a dog, cat, or human dose. A vet who knows birds sets it.
- Long courses need supervision. Psittacosis treatment often runs about 45 days and can affect the liver; keep the bird eating and drinking and keep vet checkups.
- 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 doxycycline isn’t right for your bird, the order isn’t filled and you aren’t charged.
| Pack size | Price | Per capsule |
|---|---|---|
| 30 capsules | $34.99 | $1.17 |
| 100 capsules MOST POPULAR | $59.99 | $0.60 |
| 250 capsules BEST VALUE | $129.99 | $0.52 |
The per-capsule cost drops at the larger pack sizes — your vet sets the course length your bird needs (psittacosis courses are long).
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 doxycycline used for in birds?
It is a broad tetracycline antibiotic and the standard treatment for psittacosis (avian chlamydiosis); it is also used for respiratory and certain other 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.
Why is the course so long?
Psittacosis (avian chlamydiosis) typically needs a long course — often about 45 days — to clear the infection. Your vet sets the exact length and monitors your bird during treatment.
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.
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, “Tetracyclines Use in Animals.” merckvetmanual.com (accessed 2026) Supports: doxycycline is a broad-spectrum, long-acting tetracycline whose spectrum includes chlamydiae.
- Balsamo G, Tully TN Jr, et al. “Compendium of Measures to Control Chlamydia psittaci Infection Among Humans (Psittacosis) and Pet Birds (Avian Chlamydiosis), 2017.” J Avian Med Surg 2017;31(3):262–282. doi:10.1647/217-265; PMID 28891690. doi.org (2017) Supports: doxycycline is the recommended treatment for avian chlamydiosis (psittacosis).
- Guzman DS, Diaz-Figueroa O, Tully T, et al. “Evaluating 21-day doxycycline and azithromycin treatments for experimental Chlamydophila psittaci infection in cockatiels.” J Avian Med Surg 2010;24(1):35–45. doi:10.1647/2009-009R.1. doi.org (2010) Supports: a 21–45 day oral doxycycline course eliminated C. psittaci infection in cockatiels.
- 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: antibiotic dosing in birds is species-specific — dose extrapolation across species can give subtherapeutic results.
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. Animal & Veterinary. fda.gov (accessed 2026) Supports: the prescription status of veterinary antibiotics.
