Importance of Semi-annual Health Check-up
When a pet bird begins to show signs of sickness, it is much further along in its disease process than would be the case in a cat, dog or human. In nature it is very important for an sick bird to hide it’s illness. Wild birds that show signs of illness are shunned, and occasionally even attacked, by their own kind. For this reason, most species of birds are “programmed by nature” to hide minor aliments while they recover.
Early signs of disease in pet birds are simply not expressed. It takes the expertise and diagnostic tools of a skilled avian veterinarian to detect early disease in time to prevent complications and/or permanent damage. Additionally, frequent routine visits to an avian veterinarian will keep you up to date with current advice on bird care, and aviary management.
Basic Care
- Pet bird care should be a shared family responsibility.
- Find a species that fits your lifestyle before aquiring a new pet bird.
- Your bird’s cage should be spacious, secure, and cleaned frequently.
- Fresh water should available at all times, and and food should be changed at least daily.
- Keep bird cages in a safe location, away from dangers such as
- too much direct sunlight
- kitchen fumes (in particular, Teflon is very toxic to most bird species)
- cold temperatures
- predators
- Free Flight is good exercise. Secure your home from potential dangers before letting your bird fly around freely. Always monitor its flight.
- Clipping wing feathers is a safe and humane way to prevent pet birds from escape or injury.
- Know your pet bird – Any changes in normal behaviour could be a sign of illness.
- If your bird’s beak, wings, or nails require trimming, let a veterinarian or avian expert show you how to do it first.
- Most birds, especially very young ones, need attention for proper psychological development. Take time to play with them, especially during the “formitive period”.
- Plain seed mixes can lead to obesity as well as deficiencies in calcium and vitamins.
- Try to fee your bird formulated diets or at least provide a wide array of nutritional supplements (beyond just vitamins).
- All pet birds should visit an avian veterinarian at least once a year.
Basic First Aid Nursing
- Carefully monitor water and food intake.
- Change and save cage papers regularly.
- Count droppings (number per 24 hour period) and note changes in the colour and/or consistency.
- Keep a sick bird under high heat (varies according to species – generally 25 degrees C and above)
- Keep a sick bird under high humidity (90% or higher).
- Place food and water in several locations and on the cage floor.
- Most pet illnesses are true emergencies. Try to contact your avian veterinarian as soon as possible.
Illness
Illness can’t always be prevented. If you are very familiar with your bird’s normal behaviour, this will help you detect any deviation from the norm, which may signal an illness. Birds are well known for hiding their illnesses, and may continue to eat normally until close to death. However, activity, respiratory patterns, and/or droppings will usually change.
- Generally a bird is sick if it exhibits one or more of the following signs
- Sluggish and inactive behaviour
- Fluffed up appearance
- More rapid breathing
- Abnormal droppings
- Sneezing
- Vomiting (mirror induced or courtship regurgitation is normal for budgies)
- Favours one leg
- Makes unusual sounds while breathing
- Remember that a sick bird may continue to eat normally
