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WHEN should I take my bird to a veterinarian
NOW!
Most people who obtain a companion or aviary bird expect a long-term, rewarding relationship with their bird, and most species of birds should live many years. An avian veterinarian, monitoring your bird's health, can playa vital role in this goal.
How your veterinarian can help
Your avian veterinarian can advise you as to the characteristics of many bird species to help you decide which would be most suitable for you. Learning to identity obvious signs of illness will help you choose a healthy bird. Bird health is difficult to evaluate, and when you are looking at a variety of birds, knowledge of the signs of a healthy bird is a valuable asset. A quality bird source, be it a pet store or a private breeder, will welcome an informed shopper.
Post - Purchase exam: Start with a healthy bird
When buying a cat or dog, it is customary to take it to a veterinarian for a health check. This same health check is important for a newly purchased bird, not only to protect your financial investment, but also to protect other birds, pets, and people in the home. Many diseases are not obvious just by looking at the bird. Ask your veterinarian about screening tests for Chlamydia, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Inquire about vaccinations against viral diseases, which can be fatal to birds.
Learn how to best house and feed your new bird
Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate toys and cage accessories for your bird, as well as the type and size of the cage, food and "'water utensils. Discussing the variety and quality of available food choices will help you provide maximum nutrition for your bird.
Have a well-trained, responsive bird
Many avian veterinarians can assist with behavior modification or refer you to an avian behaviorist so you may truly enjoy the companionship of your pet. Birds need to learn that biting and other vices are not acceptable in the home environment' but at the same time, owners must have a realistic idea of what can be expected of a bird. Your veterinarian can explain normal and abnormal behaviors. The psychological well being of the owner and the bird are equally important.
Establish a baseline profile of your pets health
It is extremely important that the bird's health at the time of purchase be documented.
Annual Health Checkup
Disease in birds can be difficult to identify, consequently, an annual health check is essential in the prevention or early detection of illness.
Aviary bird or house-pet
Birds destined to be in a breeding situation require different handling than those that wilt be pets. Your veterinarian can make recommendations regarding when to purchase a mate for the bird, the new-bird quarantine period. or number of birds to be kept in one cage or aviary. Information on determining the sex of the birds and egg laying cycles is essential if you are to be a successful bird breeder. Your avian veterinarian can advise you on both. Another aspect of aviculture is knowing which birds, breed readily in captivity. If you want to raise birds right away, you want to select a species that is easy to breed.
AAV: Setting the standard in avian care
Avian medicine is a distinct field that requires training skill, and facilities equipped, to treat birds. The Association of Avian Veterinarians was established to offer this special education to veterinarians' and to provide them with the latest information to help develop their avian skills and knowledge. The AAV makes annual contributions to conservation and avian medical research, and provides a wide range of scientific literature for veterinarians to assist them with continuing education. AAV continues to reach out to veterinarians with an interest in avian medicine.
Finding an avian veterinarian
If you do not know of an avian veterinarian in your area, obtain, referrals from local bird clubs or from non-avian veterinarians - find out where they send their bird-clients!
Every bird owner should know:
Proper nutrition for the companion or aviary bird
Basic daily bird care
Housing and environment needs
Environmental enrichment (toys) - When to schedule checkup
Accident prevention
How to prevent the spread of disease from one bird to another
Emergency care
For more information on birds, ask your veterinarian for copies of the following AAV Client Education Brochures:
Feeding ˇ Aviaries ˇ Health Exam Psittacosis ˇ Symptoms ˇ Basic Care Hand feedingˇ Grooming Feather Loss Conservation Enhancing your Bird's Life Injury Prevention and Emergency Care Band, Tattoo, or Microchip?
AVOID
Sandpaper perches
Air pollutants such as. cigarette smoke, insecticides, and toxic fumes from over heated Teflon-coated utensils
Mite boxes or mite sprays
Easily dismantled toys such as balsa wood, small link chain items, toys with metal clips or skewers, toys with lead weights
Access to toxic house plants, stoves or fireplaces, ceiling fans, uncovered toilets, leaded glass, cats, dogs, or young children.
Access to cage substrate
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