It is quite common to walk into a pet store and see many smaller bird cages made from plastic or thin metal. Such cages are quite inexpensive and give a potential new bird owner the idea that purchasing a cage is not a major investment. That may be true for smaller birds. But such cages … Read more
A frequent concern heard from bird owners is the inability to get birds interested in eating vegetables. Because vegetables contain vitamins and nutrients considered essential to a bird’s health, refusal to eat such foods can be very frustrating for bird owners. I had never had to deal with such a situation until this last spring, … Read more
Paramyxoviruses are enveloped RNA viruses that hemoglutinate red blood cells. Nine serotypes (PMV-1 – PMV-2) exist based upon the species or type of birds from which the virus was isolated and the location of isolation. PMV-1, 2, 3 and 5 can cause illness in psittacines. Numerous strains of PMV-1 exist, some of which are very … Read more
1. Sources of virus. Exotic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) can infect a wide variety of bird species. Parrots and other psittacine birds are especially dangerous because they can carry exotic Newcastle disease virus and show no signs of disease. Most infected chickens and turkeys will die from this disease but can also spread the virus. NDV … Read more
One of the most disheartening things a bird owner can experience is having a bird who plucks his feathers or mutilates himself. The first step is to see a veterinarian to determine if the cause is medical. Having ruled this out, the cause is then most likely behavioral. It may be lonliness, boredom, or lack … Read more
Once a bird is diagnosed with Psittacosis, certain essential steps must be taken.If one bird in a group is found to be infected, it is reasonable to assume that all birds in the same air space have been exposed. Even though all exposed birds will develop chlamydiosis, it is strongly recommended that they be treated. … Read more
Is plastic a safe product for my bird? Are there any unnatural chemicals used? I have read about phthalates, is that still used in plastic? Will my bird swallow plastic? Will plastic pass safely through if accidentally swallowed? Will my bird like playing with plastic? Why use plastic toys for my bird? What are some … Read more
In brooding chicks there are many things to consider. This article will cover different types of brooders, the best temperatures to brood chicks, the effects on the chicks as a result of poor environmental conditions, how to set up the brooder, how best to brood the chicks for the best weight gain and how to … Read more
Summer is here and many of you are planning your summer vacations. A big dilema many of us face is what should we do with our birds when we go away. Should we take them or leave them home? This depends upon how you are travelling and how long you will be away. If your … Read more
How do you limit the independence and increase flight safety of those zooming, jet-plane Indian Ringneck babies once they learn how to maneuver and evade? An effective tool I use during the socialization process for young Indian Ringnecks is the use of a “progressive” clip that gradually reduces their flying ability. Once they have taken … Read more