General Bird Care
We will continue to update this page and add lots of interesting information to have on hand. So check back often!
Here is a list of toxic plants that can sometimes be found in a home. Please look over this list and see if any of these are in your home, and if so, take appropriate actions (remove plant totally or place in an area of the home that is off-limits to your companion).
*Amaryllis *Elephants ear
*Azalea
*Balxom pear
*Baneberry
*Bird of paradise
*Black locust
*Blue-green algae
*Boxwood
*Buckthorn
*Buttercup
*Calla Lily
*Caladium
*Castor bean (castor oil)
*Chalice vine
*Cherry tree
*Christmas candle
*Coral plant
*Daffodil
*Caphne
*Datura
*Deadly Amanatia
*Death Camas
*Delphinium
*Deiffenbachia( dumb cane)
*Eggplant
*English Ivy
*False henbane
*Foxglove
*Golden chain
*Hemlock water
*Henbane
*Holly
*Horse chestnut
*Hyacinth
*Hydrangea
*Indian turnip
*Iris
*Java bean
*Jerusalem cherry
*Jimsonweed
*Juniper
*Lantana
*Larkspur
*Laurel
*Lily of the valley
*Lobelia
*Locoweed
*Lords &ladies (cuckoopint)
*Marijuana
*May apple *Mescal bean
*Mistletoe
*Mock orange
*Monkshood
*Morning glory
*Narcissus
*Nightshades (all types)
*Oak
*Oleander
*Philodendron
*Poison Ivy
*Poinsettia
*Pikeweed
*Potato
*Privet
*Rhododendron
*Rhubarb
*Roseary peas
*Skunk cabbage
*Snowdrop
*Snow on the mountain
*Sweet pea
*Tobacco
*Virginia creeper
*Wisteria
*Yam bean
*Yew (american, english, japanese)
Taking "Rover" or "Kitty" to the vet for vaccinations to prevent certain diseases is something that we all accept as part of responsible parenting. Society has recently become aware that birds as well can contract and become susceptible to diseases as well with the news of the "Avian Flu" being mentioned everywhere. It is my greatest hope that you will never encounter any of the following diseases in your companion's lifetime. However, aside from routine vet check-ups, it is important to become educated in regards to avian diseases. Being informed will not only help prevent many of these, but will also increase your response time in the event that your companion should ever become infected. Early detection often is the one thing that can truly make a difference.
Giardia?
Giardia is a parasite that is found in the small intestine of infected birds, dogs, cats, humans, and other mammals. It is shed in the feces and is able to survive outside of the animal, with birds in such places as perches, food bowls, cage bars, play gyms, and water. People, birds, and other animals become infected when they ingest the parasite. Giardia occurs frequently in budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds, African Grays, and gray cheeked parakeets, although other species also become infected when ingesting the parasite.
Can I tell if my bird has Giardia?
Birds will often appear without symptoms, but can show signs of loose droppings, weakness, anorexia, depression, yeast infections. Some birds will start itching as a result and may tear out their feathers, sometimes screaming as they do, or act like they have fleas, most likely in their flank and leg areas.
Testing for Giardia
There are several tests for Giardia available and in use by avian vets:
1. Fecal Trichrome. Tests for the Giardia parasite itself. This test is usually sent out to a laboratory.
2. ELISA Tests. Tests for the antibodies produced by the bird to combat the parasite. Can be done in-house.
3. Other specialized tests are available, such as Crypto/Giardia IFA and fecal stain.
Note: We believe that the fecal trichrome test is the most reliable test for diagnosing Giardia. There is evidence of birds that have tested negative under other test methods and then test positive using the fecal trichrome. For the best possible results, collection of the first morning feces will provide the best opportunity to detect the parasite, since Giardia is not consistently shed in the feces. (For most larger birds this will be the "morning big one." For smaller birds, such as budgies and cockatiels, they don't have a "morning big one," so the important issue is to make sure that the sample is collected fresh, within minutes.) Collection of THREE samples over a period of 3 to 5 days is optimum for catching the organism.
The good news about Giardia is that it is treatable. If your bird tests positive, seek assistance from your vet. Any treatment should ALWAYS be done through your avian vet.
Chlamydiosis (Psittacosis)
What is it? It is a disease that affects a wide variety of bird species. It is also transmissible from birds to humans. Since the human disease is usually associated with parrots (including parakeets), physicians often call the infection "parrot fever". Nationwide, between 100-200 human cases are reported annually, although the actual number of cases is probably much higher.
What causes it? It is caused by a tiny organism. It is usually spread by inhaling the organism from dried feces.
What are the symptoms? They can include one or more of the following: ruffled feathers, depression, diarrhea, discharge from the nares and eyes, poor appetite, rapid weight loss, and death.
How is it treated? Infected birds require treatment under veterinary supervision.
How to prevent it: Keep cages, dishes, toys, and the bird area clean.
More to follow
Avian First-Aid
Most homes and all businesses have a first aid kit somewhere. Some individuals even have them in their cars. All bird owners should have an avian first aid kit. Having one already together can make things much easier in the event that emergency does happen.
The things that your kit should contain:
Veterinary clinic number and directions to the clinic. A travel cage. Phone number of your local poison control. Scissors and other instruments used for cutting, Q-tips, tape, sterile gauze, roll of gauze, antibiotic ointment, Betadine or chlorhexidine (Novalsan) to clean wounds, Styptic powder or sticks to help stop bleeding, pliers or hemostats, heating pad, bottle, or lamp to help maintain the bird's body heat, towels of appropriate size for the bird to provide padding or restraint, and a medicine dropper or feeding syringe.
Common Injuries
Here are some home care instructions for common injuries. A vet should always be consulted before you attempt to do anything you are not experienced in doing.
Blood Feathers can cause what appears to be a lot of blood loss. They are relatively easy to treat. Pack the broken shaft with styptic powder or flour. Apply minimal pressure with a gauze or tefla pad while traveling to the veterinarian. At the clinic, the veterinarian will probably pull out the bleeding shaft. If you have been shown how to do this, it is something you can do at home. The bleeding normally stops after the shaft has been removed. Cat or dog attack can be terrifying to your bird and always requires assistance from a veterinarian. If a bleeding wound results, at home apply direct pressure with a gauze pad, but do not restrict breathing. Because mouths and teeth carry infection-causing bacteria, wounds must be cleaned and treated by your veterinarian. Even if no wounds are visible, your bird can easily have experienced an internal wound. Look for broken bones. If a wing is broken, wrap both wings loosely to the body with gauze, and then tape to prevent further injury from wing flapping. Do not tape tightly or the bird will not be able to breathe. If skull or leg bones are broken, do not attempt to treat at home as further damage may occur. Handle your bird calmly, and keep her quiet and warm, to avoid adding to her stress.
Small wounds or superficial abrasions can be cleaned at home with betadine or hydrogen peroxide. Use a tweezers to remove any dirt or feathers. Then apply a small amount of anti-bacterial ointment. It should heal within a couple of days. Do not allow the bird to pick at it. In case of deeper cuts or wounds, seek veterinary advice as further treatment may be necessary.
Bleeding from the tongue can be serious. To help prevent injury, check the cage regularly for loose wire, broken toys, or other sharp objects, and watch your bird carefully when she is out of her cage. Because her tongue contains many blood vessels it may bleed profusely if injured. Seek veterinarian attention immediately. Never apply styptic to her tongue.
Bleeding toenails are easy to treat with a styptic stick or powder. The bleeding should stop within a minute or so. If the bleeding does not stop, take your bird to the veterinarian.
Breathing trouble can occur for many reasons. First, check your bird's nostrils for blockage. If mucous is present, wipe it away with a damp cloth. Next, look for other blockages such as seeds or dirt. Because the operculum, a small part of the birds anatomy inside of the nostril can easily be mistaken for a foreign body, have your veterinarian examine and remove any suspected blockage. Panting or open-mouth breathing can be caused by overheating due to fright, exercise, environmental temperature, or illness. Overheated birds can develop heatstroke. In these cases the bird may also hold its wings outstretched from his body, pant heavily, and even collapse. Allow the bird to remain quiet in a cooler place. Mist the bird with cool water and have it stand on a cold wet towel. Don't cool the bird down too fast. Contact your veterinarian to determine if further treatment is needed.
Burns require fast attention. Run cold water over the affected area for several minutes. Then dry the area gently with gauze and apply cold compresses. If the burn is severe or extensive, your birds may go into shock. Symptoms can include weakness, rapid breathing, pale mucous membranes, and possibly collapse. For all burns, call your veterinarian. He or she will determine whether a clinic visit is necessary and will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Chills resulting from external and internal causes, or both. Your bird will literally shiver. First, determine the cause of the chilling. If it is due to illness or injury seek immediate veterinary attention. If it is due to environmental conditions such as power outage or drafts, fix the problem or relocate the bird. To warm your bird use a heat lamp or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Take extreme care to not burn the bird. Monitor the air temperature to avoid overheating.
Poisoning can easily be fatal. If the toxin is inhaled such as fumes from a Teflon pan, remove your bird to a well-ventilated area. If your bird had external contact with a poison, such as insect sprays, bathe the bird immediately. If the bird ingested a toxin, such as a plant or a household cleaner, get the name of the toxin. Any time poisoning is thought to be a possibility, the veterinarian or Poison Control Center will need to know the name of the toxin, the active ingredients, the weight of the bird, how much was consumed, when the exposure occurred, and any symptoms the bird currently is showing.
Here are some wonderful veterinarians that will help you ensure the care of your animal is the very best. Veterinarians, if you would like your name listed here please contact us.
Dr. David Friddle//Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital//2107 Marlboro Street//Birmingham, AL 35226//(205) 823-6002
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Dr. Priscilla Dressen//North Star Veterinary Clinic//4848 South College Avenue, Suite B//Fort Collins, CO 80525//(970) 282-9719
Dr. Kris Ahlgrim/885 Lupine Street, Unit C/Golden, CO 80401/303-279/9182
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Dr. Donald Delon//Avalon Animal Hospital//2585 Cruse Rd, Ste F//Lawrenceville, GA 30044//(770) 822-5551//www.petdoc.com Idaho Illinois Dr. Pete Sakas//Niles Animal Hospital//7278 N. Milwaukee//Niles, IL 60648//(847) 647-9325 Dr. Angela Lennox//Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic//9330 Waldemar Road//Indianapolis, IN 46268//(317) 879-8633//www.birddr.com Dr. Ellen Cook//Cicero Veterinary Clinic//210 South Peru Street//Cicero, IN 46034//(317) 984-9327 //www.cicerovet.com Iowa Dr. Lori Cherney//Den Herder Veterinary Hospital//974 Home Plz//Waterloo, IA 50701//(319) 232-5292 Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Dr. Susan Lewis//All Creatures Animal Clinic//3382 Washtenaw Avenue//Ann Arbor, MI 48104//(734) 973-1884 Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey Dr. Todd Wolf//Companion Animal Hospital & Avian/Exotic Clinic//460 Route 46 West//Parsippany, NJ 07054//(973) 227-7500 Dr. Anneliese Strunk//Red Bank Veterinary Hospital//197 Hance Avenue//Tinton Falls, NJ 07724//(732) 747-3636 Dr. Michael Doolen//Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital//225 Monmouth Road//Oakhurst, NJ 07755//(732) 531-1212//www.oakhurstvet.com New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Dr. Hillmer//Oak Hills Veterinary Clinic & Bird Hospital//1212 Wallace Rd. NW//Salem, OR 97304//(503)581-8161 Dr. Marli S. Lintner//Avian Medical Center//15952 SW Quarry Rd.//Lake Oswego, OR 97035//(503) 635-5672 www.avianmedicalcenter.net//avnckelly@yahoo.com Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Hawaii
Indiana
Kansas
Minnesota