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Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

11/01/2016

What are the Winter Safety Measures For Keeping Bird Pets Warm?

A problem that worries bird owners is heating the space for birds at their home. Some of them are interested to keep their tropic pets warm at 80 degrees in harsh winters, but not the entire house. Both problems can be solved.

In the poultry industry, farmers started using heating lamps for keeping chicks warm. As a result, breeders of exotic birds also started using them especially for brooders for baby birds.

It is true that a table lamp can provide some heat when needed, but heat dissipates when it is switched off. Moreover, it becomes ineffective during the nights of harsh winters.
The solution is bird-safe heat lamps which can be bought from sources who market them for this purpose. In the market, there are bulbs which are coated with polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE). This substance is also used in nonstick cookware which emits toxic fumes when heated. Infrared incandescent bulbs or incandescent bulbs are often used as heat lamps. They warm objects instead of surrounding air. Due to their unique red, they do not disturb sleep cycle of birds.

Ceramic heating elements do not emit light so they do not disturb the day/night cycle. The Pearlco brand infrared heat emitter is specially designed for animal use; it is available from 30 to 250-watt output range. It must be kept out of birds reach as it can get very hot. However, spatting water will not shatter the ceramic.
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Monday, October 24, 2016

10/24/2016

is My Cockatiel Too Fat ??

One of the main issues of a cockatiel being overweight is that sometimes a cockatiel will be fed people's food that are too fatty, like potato chips, sugary treats, cheese or excessive amounts of peanut butter. It's important that your bird has a well balanced diet. Also, not enough exercise can make your cockatiel not burn enough calories.
The places to check to see if your cockatiel is getting too fat are the thighs, the chest and the abdomen. If your tiel is only getting fat in one area like for example around the chest area, that might not be necessarily that your tiel is getting fat, but it could be an illness like for example a tumor.
"Feeding your cockatiel greasy food like potato chips is always a bad idea."
There are many illness associated with obesity in cockatiels like having problems breathing or avian diabetes.
If your cockatiel is too fat, we strongly recommend that you see the advice of an avian vet before putting your bird on any diet, this is to make sure that your cockatiel is not suffering from any other illness.
As always the information offered here is to provide guidance and is not intended to be a substitute for the good advice provided by your own avian vet. When in doubt always consult your own veterinarian.
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10/24/2016

Is my cocktail too skinny?

If you feel your cockatiel is too skinny but otherwise is alert, happy and healthy, you might want to look into a couple of possible causes.
Many new cockatiel owners do not realized that they need to refresh and clean their bird's seeds everyday. Cockatiels will not eat the shell of the seeds. Make sure your cockatiel always have new and complete seeds everyday.

"Cockatiels love millet and that is OK, but millet should only be use as a treat and not as a main source of a cockatiel's diet. Millet to cockatiels is like popcorn to humans."
If your cockatiel is very active, it might not be receiving enough calories in its diet. The best cockatiel diet is variety, do check our nutritional section for ideas about your tiel eating right.
If you feel that your cockatiel do have a proper diet and is eating but still is too skinny, you might want to see an avian vet, as it might be an underlying reason for certain illnesses like diabetes or parasites.

As always the information offered here is to provide guidance and is not intended to be a substitute for the good advice provided by your own avian vet. When in doubt always consult your own veterinarian.
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Sunday, October 23, 2016

10/23/2016

Is My Cockatiel Eating So Much

There are many reasons why your cockatiel might be eating more than usual, but most of the reasons are nothing really to worry about it.
If your cockatiel is very active, is laying eggs or is feeding young chicks, your tiel of course will eat more. Also, a low temperature in the environment will make a cockatiel eat more.

"If your cockatiel is eating a lot but is lethargic or you don't see a visual gain weight it could be a sign of illness. Check your cockatiel droppings to see if they are watery. Parasites can also make your tiel eat more than usual."
Did you know that a cockatiel can also suffer from diabetes? This could also explain why your bird might eat a lot but still acts lethargic. In cockatiels with diabetes, the problem evolves from the pancreas being damaged by infection or other secondary issues.
If you suspect that your cockatiel might have a serious illness associated with eating please do see an avian vet.

As always the information offered here is to provide guidance and is not intended to be a substitute for the good advice provided by your own avian vet. When in doubt always consult your own veterinarian.
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10/23/2016

Is My Cockatiel Drinking Too Much Water?


Always give your cockatiel clean, fresh water every day and keep their water dishes clean all the time, it's recommended you change a cockatiel's water twice a day, one in the morning and one in the early evening. Filtered water will be best.
Cockatiels can drink about half to one teaspoon of water per day. Environmental temperature, stress, frequent flying, or diarrhea will increase your cockatiel's need for water. Salty foods can make your cockatiel drink more water as well.

"Cockatiels will consume more water if they are feeding their young. Some medications, like antibiotics, may cause your cockatiel drink more water."
Drinking too much water for a cockatiel can be an indication for other illnesses like infections, kidney problems and even avian diabetes.

Tips:

A cockatiel that looks good and happy and has no signs of illness should be OK and you should not worry about. If you believe your cockatiel might be sick or if you think that your tiel is just drinking too much water, see an avian veterinarian.
Please do check the temperature of the room where your cockatiel is or direct exposure to the sun, this could create excessive heat on your cockatiel and of course more water consumption.

As always the information offered here is to provide guidance and is not intended to be a substitute for the good advice provided by your own avian vet. When in doubt always consult your own veterinarian.
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10/23/2016

Is Not My Cockatiel Eating too Much?

One of the most common questions that we received from new cockatiel owners is about a cockatiel not eating very much or not eating at all. For cockatiel owners who have just brought a brand new cockatiel home from the pet store or a breeder, this is very normal.
A cockatiel that is new to its surroundings might be stressed because it's out of its "comfort zone" and familiar surroundings. Give your bird a chance to get accustomed to it's new environment, including its new cage and views. It's extremely important that you use the same food that the bird was eating at the store for the time being, cockatiels are notorious for getting accustom to particular type of feed.

"Other reasons why a cockatiel might loose its appetite are for example, if it's introduce to a new feed that the bird does not like, the temperature in a room, or a cockatiel that have lost his appetite due to grieving over the loss of a companion."
If you have had your cockatiel for a while, and see a decreased in the consumption of food intake you might want to investigated a bit further why. Just like humans, cockatiels do get upset stomachs and their appetite might be off for a day or too. If your cockatiel is not showing any signs of illness like being lethargic, not perching, being at the bottom of the cage or being fluff, you should not worry about it. If any of the symptoms mentioned before occurs, do take your cockatiel to an Avian vet as soon as possible.
A healthy cockatiel would not starve itself to death. Once they are hungry enough, their survival instincts will kick in for feeding.

As always the information offered here is to provide guidance and is not intended to be a substitute for the good advice provided by your own avian vet. When in doubt always consult your own veterinarian.
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Saturday, October 22, 2016

10/22/2016

9 Steps To Avoid ‘Unwanted Cockatoo Syndrome’

1. Educate yourself about cockatoos — before you make the decision to buy one.

Realistically assess your lifestyle, personality and household situation. Find out what you need to know about caring for a cockatoo, and be aware of the potential problems you might face.
“If you have an idea of what’s going to happen, you can be prepared for these situations,” said aviculturist and cockatoo specialist Katy McElroy. “People who buy a cockatoo knowing what they’re getting into — even if they don’t believe it could possibly be that bad — usually do a much better job with the bird, and there aren’t any major surprises.”

2. Look for a young cockatoo that has been raised to be independent and taught rules for living with a human “flock.”

Because cockatoos are needy, McElroy believes they often do better with people who are less needy. “People who love the independence of macaws and Amazons usually do beautifully with cockatoos,” she said. “So many people buy them because they want this super cuddly teddy bear, but they don’t teach the cockatoo anything else.”

3. If you’ve decided that a cockatoo is for you, choose the largest cage you can afford.

McElroy recommends a minimum 24-inch-deep by 36-inch-wide cage for one of the smaller cockatoo species, such as Goffin’s, and a minimum 30-inch-deep by 48-inch-wide cage for the larger cockatoo species like umbrellas and Moluccans.
“If you have them in a very large enclosure with lots of ways to exercise,” said Sam Foster, an avian consultant specializing in cockatoo care and behavior, “they can take out their frustrations by ripping and shredding and bouncing around inside their cage where they have lots of room — rather than you trying to resolve the issue when they get out of their cage, and they’re chasing you around the room.” This is especially helpful when you’re dealing with a hormonally charged male cockatoo, she said.

4. Cockatoos need to feel part of a flock.

So put the cage in your living room or other high-traffic part of the home, where the cockatoo can be a part of daily activity. Don’t put your cockatoo in a room by itself where it will feel isolated (unless it is in a separate, for-sleeping-only-cage at night).

5. Supply your cockatoo with a wide variety of good-quality parrot toys.

“Cockatoos love to play with their toys if they know how to do so,” said bird behavior consultant Michelle Karras. Show your bird what the toys do. Play with the toys yourself, and then see if your bird will follow your lead. Your cockatoo must learn how to amuse itself, so that it doesn’t always need you around to be happy.

6. Feed your cockatoo a proper diet.

Most veterinarians recommend a fortified pelleted-base diet, supplemented with cooked or raw vegetables, as well as some fruit, seeds and nuts. Be careful about feeding foods high in sugar or carbohydrates.
“Diet has a huge impact on behavior,” Foster said. “If you’re feeding a cockatoo a diet that’s high in carbohydrates or sugar, even natural sugar, the bird is probably going to be a lot more vocal and hyperactive — especially if it does not have enough outlets for exercise to burn up that energy it’s getting from the food it’s eating.”

7. Plan on at least 15 to 20 minutes of rigorous exercise with your cockatoo everyday.

Accustom your bird to wearing a harness and leash and take it outside for walks. Play a game of toss, fetch and catch with your cockatoo using a soft, lightweight object such as a Koosh ball or soft, stuffed toy. Teach your cockatoo to play basketball using a birdie-sized Nerf basketball hoop.
“When cockatoos get in enough exercise, they’re easier to live with because they don’t have all this excess energy to use up by screaming and carrying on — and they’re more content to just relax in their cage,” Karras said.

8.Allow for designated “scream” times.

Karras also believes that cockatoos should be taught a designated time when it is OK to scream, and then plan to have this “scream session” for the same time everyday. “Cockatoos have a real need to be raucous,” she said. By having regular scream sessions, “your cockatoo learns that it’s OK to make noise at a certain time. He’s able to get rid of excess energy, and you have control of the screaming.” A good time to do this is between 3 PM and 7 PM — before you are ready to wind down and relax in the evening.
To teach a scream session to your cockatoo, wait for when the bird begins to vocalize. Make sure it is within the time range when you want to encourage vocalizing.
“Before the bird is actually in a full-fledged scream and is just being vocal, put on some music that you know the bird likes, and literally blast it and get the bird going. The bird will start dancing and showing off and then start to scream,” Karras explained. “Play a song two or three times in a row, and then switch over to softer music and then lower it and then start talking the bird down and telling it that now it’s going to be quiet time and to settle down.” Offer some fresh food afterward.

9. Finally, establish limits and boundaries for your cockatoo.

Be consistent in enforcing those rules. “You have to have enough of a spine to be willing to take a cuddly Moluccan cockatoo off your lap and put it on a T-stand, and make it spend some time on its own away from you,” said avian veterinarian Brian Speer DVM, co-author of Birds for Dummies (IDG Books, 1999).
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Sunday, August 28, 2016

8/28/2016

Rhea, the oven-ready parrot: Bald bird wins the hearts of thousands after virus makes all her feathers fall out

This adorable featherless bird has won the hearts of thousands after a virus made her bald. 
The tiny lovebird Rhea suffers from Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), which made all her feathers fall out. 
She was rescued in July by Back Bay Veterinary Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, and has now been adopted by Isabella Eisenmann, who set up an Instagram account for Rhea which has shot her to super stardom. 
The tiny lovebird Rhea suffers from Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), which made all her feathers fall out
This adorable featherless bird has won the hearts of thousands after a virus made her bald
This adorable featherless bird has won the hearts of thousands after a virus made her bald
She was rescued in July by Back Bay Veterinary Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, and has now been adopted by Isabella Eisenmann, who set up an Instagram account for Rhea which has shot her to super stardom
She was rescued in July by Back Bay Veterinary Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, and has now been adopted by Isabella Eisenmann, who set up an Instagram account for Rhea which has shot her to super stardom
Isabella, 23, a graphic designer, said: 'At the beginning I got a lot of negative comments regarding her physical appearance'
Isabella, 23, a graphic designer, said: 'At the beginning I got a lot of negative comments regarding her physical appearance'
The vets shared her story on Facebook - and 23-year-old Isabella Eisenmann fell in love with Rhea, and decided to adopt the tiny featherless bird
The vets shared her story on Facebook - and 23-year-old Isabella Eisenmann fell in love with Rhea, and decided to adopt the tiny featherless bird
After she set up an Instagram account for her new pet it quickly went viral, and shes had besotted bird lovers from around the world reach out and send Rhea hand-knitted jumpers to keep her warm
After she set up an Instagram account for her new pet it quickly went viral, and shes had besotted bird lovers from around the world reach out and send Rhea hand-knitted jumpers to keep her warm

Isabella, 23, a graphic designer, said: 'At the beginning I got a lot of negative comments regarding her physical appearance.
'I didn't really care, and wanted to make people understand that different is beautiful.
'I really wanted people to learn to accept her, and most importantly I wanted those who are different to accept themselves, just like Rhea accepts and loves herself.
'I have been reached out to by many people from all over the world who have birds with PBFD - reading their stories and knowing there are other people out there that also gave birdies a second chance gives me hope.
'I've also received many beautiful sweaters for Rhea to keep her warm - because she has no feathers she gets cold, so keeping my apartment really warm is very important and covering her cage with a thick blanket every night is a must.'
Animal lover Isabella, who also has a pet dog, said she fell in love with unusual bird Rhea, who is two-and-a-half years old and just two inches tall, from the moment she saw her - despite her rare illness
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Animal lover Isabella, who also has a pet dog, said she fell in love with unusual bird Rhea, who is two-and-a-half years old and just two inches tall, from the moment she saw her - despite her rare illness
Isabella, pictured with Rhea, said: 'I've also received many beautiful sweaters for Rhea to keep her warm - because she has no feathers she gets cold, so keeping my apartment really warm is very important and covering her cage with a thick blanket every night is a must.'
Isabella, pictured with Rhea, said: 'I've also received many beautiful sweaters for Rhea to keep her warm - because she has no feathers she gets cold, so keeping my apartment really warm is very important and covering her cage with a thick blanket every night is a must.'
'I am just thankful to every person who has put their time and effort into making Rhea's life better - the letters, messages, sweaters and toys I receive give me hope that there are great people everywhere,' said Isabella
'I am just thankful to every person who has put their time and effort into making Rhea's life better - the letters, messages, sweaters and toys I receive give me hope that there are great people everywhere,' said Isabella
Animal lover Isabella, who also has a pet dog, said she fell in love with unusual bird Rhea, who is two-and-a-half years old and just two inches tall, from the moment she saw her - despite her rare illness.
She said: 'The day I got her was the best day ever.
Rhea was rescued in July by Back Bay Veterinary Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts

Rhea was rescued in July by Back Bay Veterinary Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts
'PBFD attacks the feather follicles, the beak and claw matrices of the bird, causing progressive feather, claw and beak malformation and necrosis.
'Rhea's version of the disease is fairly mild for now - she has no issues with her beak or claws, yet.
'The other thing about her is that she can't fly, but she's so stubborn and keeps trying - she's not afraid of anything.
'Her bubbly attitude and happiness for life amazes me and everybody who meets her - it's like she has no idea she's sick.
'She's definitely a role model.
'I'm an animal lover at heart and soul, so when I adopted Rhea my friends and family weren't surprised.
'Unfortunately there is no cure or treatment available for this disease, so there's nothing I can give Rhea to make her better.
'I am just thankful to every person who has put their time and effort into making Rhea's life better - the letters, messages, sweaters and toys I receive give me hope that there are great people everywhere.' 
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8/28/2016

Parrot Sicknesses

Diseases of the digestive system: Bulimia
The bird eats without stopping, it eats quickly, it loses its weight and its plumage keeps bristling.
Causes: premature weaning, Parasites (red fledge).

Hepatitis
The bird that has hepatitis is sleepy, sad, plumage ball (at times) depending in loss of appetite or bulimia cases. It usually has diarrhea. It sometimes has trouble in breathing due to enlarged liver compressing the other organs.
These symptoms may be accompanied by enteritis. In this case growth and may end by death.
Causes: too rich in fat Food. (Groundnut, sunflower etc.)

Enteritis
The bird has diarrhea and abdominal pain. Feathers situated around the cloaca are soiled and it is usually very fiery red colour.
Possible presence of blood in the droppings.
The bird’s abdomen is congested, and purplish.
It drinks a lot and it lose weight fast. Enteritis often hoes in parallel with hepatitis.
Causes: Ingestion of contaminated or fermented seeds, too many vegetables or too much pate with eggs.
Respiratory diseases:
The bird has breathing trouble. It does not eat and it sometimes vomits. It gradually loses weight and becomes dull plumage . It may have diarrhea. These symptoms are not characteristics. Diagnosis is established at the autopsy. Slow growth to death.
Causes: Fungus white (Aspergillus fumigations ) that develops on the lungs and air bags.
Ingestion of contaminated seeds on which the fungus are developed.

Mycoplasma Respiratory Diseases
When affected the bird keeps scratching its head with its paw or against a perch. Its breathing is noisy with small short gasps.
Nasal discharge and abscesses in the eyes may occur. The eyelids may be stuck by dried pus. Rapid and fatal growth.
Causes: Intermediate germ between the virus and the microbe, or P.P.L.O. Contagious illness.
Parasitic diseases:
Difficult breathing accompanied by light groans and sudden head movement.
Slow growth.
Causes: mite that lives in the trachea in lungs. It feeds on the blood.
Thrush
Appearance of white spots in the mouth like mildew.
The bird is in a ball, sleepy and cannot eat; IT e may have diarrhea.
It loses weight.
Causes: Fungus that grows in the mouth, which can grow the crop.
Disappearance after treatment with antibiotics.
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Thursday, August 25, 2016

8/25/2016

Parrots' Medicines and Vitamins

Among the efficient medicaments for birds in general, including parrots  ARE   :
First of all : OMNI-VIT
 
It is a medicine containing vitamins and amine salts. 1 g in 250 ml of water is given to birds.

Second: FERTI-VIT
 
It contains the same substances as the mentioned above medicine with more addition of H o vitamin and it is used during marriage.

  Third: MUTA-VIT
 
It is used when the feathers are growing to strenthen them and make them look natural and healthy.

Fourth: calci-lux
 
It contains calcium, which birds need  before and while marrying. 4 g in 250 ml is served. The amount is doubled while marrying.
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Thursday, August 4, 2016

8/04/2016

What are the Winter Safety Measures For Keeping Bird Pets Warm? (2)

Safety measures
It is vital to keep birds away from lighting tubes, bulbs, heating elements, switches and cords because they can cause injury. Water spattering can shatter hot bulbs. Incandescent and hot bulbs must be kept outside bird’s reach. Heating products and lighting are beneficial when used carefully. Therefore, they should be used according to manufacturers’ instructions.

1- It is important to monitor temperature of ceramic heat elements around birds. In winter, they are usually left on all day which can make them very hot. Birds should not be able to reach them.

 2- Unfortunately, heating devices like space heaters and gas fireplaces can cause tragedies with pet birds. Just like nonstick cookware, some space heaters have components which are coated with polymers having PTFE (polytetrfluroethylene). They emit fumes on heating which are deadly to birds. It’s wise to contact manufacturers when making a purchase.

3- More information can be sought from Consumer Product Safety Commission about household appliances on these numbers: 800-638-2772 and 800-638-8270 (For hearing impaired people).

4-  Electric heaters with exposed heating elements and fuel-burning space heaters are not recommended for homes with birds. Such heaters can cause fire hazards.

5-  A radiator-style electric heater with no heating element is very safe. People have used them for 20 years and no problem took place.

6-  Vent-free fireplaces are also not recommended for bird rooms. They are similar to gas stoves, but they indoor vents than outdoors.

7- The pet birds should have access to fireplace. During winter, some bird owners run a fire close to bird room due to which fumes mix into the air.

8- It is very safe if pet owners install smoke and carbon monoxide detector in their home and make sure the birds are not overheating. Signs of overheating are panting, neck extended and wings held away from body.
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Monday, August 1, 2016

8/01/2016

What are the Winter Safety Measures For Keeping Bird Pets Warm? (3)

Increase humidity
Low temperature is not the only problem for pet birds. In winter, more dander emanates from the cages of pet birds. The bird looks dusty, and there are more feathers on the floor. It is true that African grey parrots, cockatiel and cockatoo emit a unique white powder, but if the bird’s feathers look dull low humidity is the problem. Due to heating in winter, the indoor atmosphere becomes very dry which can be harmful to sensitive birds.
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