Keeping pet birds is super rewarding, and we all want our precious feathered ones to have the best life. So, as a responsible owner, you must research their care needs and understand how to keep them healthy. One way to be sure about your bird’s health needs is by speaking to a professional healthcare specialist, such as a vet. To help you get the most out of a clinical visit, here are seven crucial questions to ask your bird’s vet.
1. “Does My Bird Need Vaccines?”
Most pet birds don’t need routine vaccinations and overall, there aren’t many available. The most common vaccine for pet birds is against the polyomavirus. Many chicks are vaccinated against this disease as it is deadly and difficult to treat. A vet may sometimes recommend vaccines for avian influenza and chlamydia.
Pet birds generally don’t need an annual vaccine, but you should still take them for a yearly general health check with a vet. You can use the time to discuss what vaccinations are available and what ones are necessary. Your pet bird may need vaccines if you intend to travel with them.
2. “Do Pet Birds Need Parasite Treatments?”
Pet birds need regular parasite treatments against worms and mites. Parasites that affect pet birds aren’t life-threatening if you notice and treat them early, but are fatal if left untreated. You should always get a diagnosis from a vet before treating a bird for suspected mites or worms.
Here’s a quick overview of treating mites and worms in birds:
1. Mites – You must treat birds for mites and lice as and when needed. There are several bird mites, and the treatment depends on the type. Mite infestation symptoms include restlessness, feather loss, excessive scratching, breathing difficulties, and coughing. You may see the mites, and they also bite humans. You must also treat a bird’s living area when you treat them for mites.
2. Worms – Most owners deworm their birds once or twice annually. How often you worm a bird depends on their age, environment, and health status. A bird living in squalid, overcrowded conditions will need more treatments, for example. Signs of a worm infestation include worms in droppings, weight loss with an increased appetite, lethargy, poor appearance, excessive scratching, and appetite loss.
3. “What Are the Signs of Medical Emergencies?”
As a new bird owner, you must recognize when your bird needs medical help. Signs of medical emergencies in birds include:
- Trauma, such as excessive bleeding from wounds or broken wings, legs, or beak
- Burns
- Prolapse from the vent
- Seizures or paralysis
- Hyperthermia (symptoms include panting excessively and holding wings away from the body)
- Breathing problems
- Eye injuries
4. “What Are Common Pet Bird Illnesses?”
Some diseases affect certain bird species more than others, so you should talk to your vet about what diseases your pet could face. The most common pet bird illnesses include:
1. Polyomavirus is common in budgies, parrots, parakeets, and finches. It’s a deadly illness because it spreads fast and targets vital organs. Symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
2. Avian tuberculosis is common in parrots and is a deadly progressive disease that affects the liver and gastric tract. Birds may not show symptoms in the early stages. Later symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea.
3. Parrot fever is also known as chlamydiosis and is a severe infection transmitted through nasal secretions and droppings. Some birds are more resistant than others and parrots, canaries, and mynahs are more prone to it. Symptoms include depression, lethargy, heavy breathing, and nasal discharge.
If you suspect your bird has any of the above illnesses, seek veterinary advice immediately.
5. “What’s the Best Diet for My Pet Bird?”
The best diet for your pet bird depends on its species; each has slightly different requirements. Most of a pet bird’s diet should be breed-specific pellets with small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. You should always wash fresh fruit and veg before feeding them to remove pesticides, and you should take out the leftovers after a few hours. Rotten fruit and vegetables attract bacteria and mold, which can make birds ill.
The best treats for birds include seeds, nuts, and homemade or store-bought bird treats. Treats should only make up a tiny part of your bird’s diet. Feeding birds a seed diet isn’t recommended because they are fatty and don’t provide all the vital vitamins and minerals. Your avian must always have access to food and fresh water, and you should always introduce new food slowly to avoid gastric upset.
6. “Does My Pet Bird Need Dietary Supplements?”
Each bird is different regarding dietary supplements, and you should ask your bird’s vet for advice about giving them supplements. The most common avian supplements are calcium and a multivitamin. Most keepers give their birds calcium with a cuttlefish bone in their cage, which also files down their beak and provides environmental enrichment. You can also give birds supplements in powder form, diluted in their water. Supplements can boost vitality, and sick or stressed birds may need them. Birds also benefit from supplements during molting or if they are picky eaters.
7. “What Are Some Pet Bird Care Tips?”
Happy birds are healthy birds, and as an owner, you can reduce the chances of illness by providing a clean, stress-free environment for birds to live in. If you want your pet bird to thrive, stick to these care tips:
1. Ensure birds live in a clean environment, and regularly clean your bird cage.
2. Provide environmental enrichment for your pet birds.
3. Feed your birds a high-quality, balanced diet – don’t overfeed.
4. Ensure birds have enough space – overcrowding leads to stress and illness.
