We are proud to say that there are only a few veterinary hospitals in Texas that see these different species in the numbers that we do. Not only that, but we work hard to provide them with the best care. We are recognized for the quality and dependability of care of these species as well. We know that for most of our clients, these pets are family. It is our mission to provide the best veterinary medicine has to offer.
The single most important thing you can do to keep your bird happy and healthy is to have a regular examination performed by one of our doctors and our experienced health team. Every pet bird should have an examination - semi annually is best, but at least annually. During this visit, we will check the bird’s body condition and weight; examine the eyes, ears, nose, and throat; the skin and feathering; palpate the abdomen; and listen to the heart, lungs, and airsacs.
We watch the bird’s every move, note how they respond, test their alertness, and evaluate their strength. It is also important to carefully discuss the bird’s diet, how it interacts with people, and evaluate the bird’s strength. If you think something might be wrong with your bird, something probably is wrong and we should investigate right away. The comment “You know, the bird really has not been acting right for a few weeks” usually foretells disaster. You should never miss an opportunity to have your bird examined. An examination today could find and allow us to prevent a problem tomorrow.
For housing, your bird prefers the largest cage you can provide, the larger the cage the better. Play areas can be provided on or around the cage or in other rooms. Play areas with perches of different size and shape perches, lots of stuff to chew on, and a few snacks can add to a bird’s quality of life. Your bird can be outdoors with supervision. Yes, believe it or not, birds are actually designed to live out of doors. Just be careful of cats, dogs, raccoons, hawks, and other predators. We recommend regular grooming including graduated wing trims so you are not chasing your bird frantically through the neighborhood. For cage materials and fasteners, avoid galvanized wire (zinc), old paint (lead), metal with rust or powder coatings. Stainless steel is best.
Cycle toys and other furnishings in and out of the cage and around the cage to enrich the bird’s environment. They don’t have to be new, just rotate them. Wooden toys are great to chew on. Leather, rope, dog toys, etc. Avoid frayed ropes or cloth since fibers can wrap around their toes and cut off circulation. Just about anything is OK as long as the bird is not frightened of it.
You are your bird’s dietician, so here are some helpful hints. Seeds are part of the diet. They are not the entire diet. Seeds are high in fat, low in calcium and vitamin A, and high in phosphorous. Seed only diets are harmful. Diseases related to hypovitaminosis A, fatty liver disease, and skin and feather problems result from poor quality diets. Sunflower seeds and peanuts should be offered only as treats. They are 50% fat. Peanuts are a source of Aflatoxins which can cause severe injury to the liver and even failure. Not all peanuts have this, but more is not better. Pellets provide balanced nutrition. Harrison’s is the gold standard. Harrison’s Adult Lifetime is the best. It is lower in fat, and is organic. Provide your bird with an assortment of fresh greens and veggies, especially high vitamin A foods. Watch the starches. Too much corn and pasta makes for a fat bird. There are always exceptions, such as a bird that is thin, stressed, or weaning – when lots of energy foods like cooked pasta, potatoes, rice, breads etc. are on the menu. Your bird should have a variety of different foods, and you should place the foods in many locations in and around the cage to encourage the bird to forage just as in the wild.
If you have a bird in the parrot family, please contact us for your copy of the Psittacine Diet Handout.
Dr Paul Skellenger is the Veterinarian for Veterinarian Care. us.
You can contact the doctors and staff at Research Pet and bird Hospital at Research Pet and Bird Hospital, 11679 Research Blvd., Austin, Texas 78759. Phone 258-2577, Fax 346-4571, Email researchpet@researchpet.com or go to our website at researchpet.com.
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