Post on 25-Feb-2016
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Animal Science II-Animal Science II-Small AnimalSmall Animal
Birds-Unit HBirds-Unit H
Competency 19.00Competency 19.00Summarize the use of birds as Summarize the use of birds as
pets.pets.
Objective 19.01Objective 19.01 Summarize the characteristics of Summarize the characteristics of
major birds used for pets.major birds used for pets.
Parrot FamilyParrot Family Contains some of the smartest birds.Contains some of the smartest birds. Many species can be taught to talk, are Many species can be taught to talk, are
affectionate, and make excellent pets.affectionate, and make excellent pets. Members of the parrot family are Members of the parrot family are
known for their large beaks, especially known for their large beaks, especially the Macaws.the Macaws.
Includes Cockatoos, Cockatiels, Includes Cockatoos, Cockatiels, Conures, Macaws, Parrots, Parakeets, Conures, Macaws, Parrots, Parakeets, Lovebirds, Hanging ParakeetsLovebirds, Hanging Parakeets
Lories and Lorikeets (Parrot Lories and Lorikeets (Parrot Family)Family)
Brush-like Brush-like tongues used to tongues used to lap up nectar lap up nectar and pollen from and pollen from flowersflowers
Cockatoos (Parrot Family)Cockatoos (Parrot Family) Crest or tuft of feathers on the top of Crest or tuft of feathers on the top of
the headthe head Ability to mimic words and soundsAbility to mimic words and sounds Intelligent Intelligent Range in length from 13-30”Range in length from 13-30” Popular birds that make excellent Popular birds that make excellent
petspets Tame easilyTame easily
Cockatoos (Parrot Family)Cockatoos (Parrot Family)
Cockatiel (Parrot Family)Cockatiel (Parrot Family) One of the most popular pet birdsOne of the most popular pet birds About 12” long (the size of a small About 12” long (the size of a small
cockatoo)cockatoo) Commonly found in pet stores at a Commonly found in pet stores at a
reasonable pricereasonable price Gray cockatiels are mostly available.Gray cockatiels are mostly available. Ideal for beginners and youngstersIdeal for beginners and youngsters Easy to raise and affectionateEasy to raise and affectionate
Cockatiel (Parrot Family)Cockatiel (Parrot Family)
Blue and Gold Macaw Blue and Gold Macaw (Parrot Family)(Parrot Family)
Up to 30” longUp to 30” long Most alert and intelligent of all macawsMost alert and intelligent of all macaws Very curious and mischievousVery curious and mischievous Prices usually range from $600-$1000Prices usually range from $600-$1000 This species is one of the more popular This species is one of the more popular
macaws and most commonly seenmacaws and most commonly seen
Blue and Gold MacawBlue and Gold Macaw (Parrot Family) (Parrot Family)
Petz’ Conure (Parrot Family)Petz’ Conure (Parrot Family) Sold as a dwarf Sold as a dwarf
parrot in the USparrot in the US Primary color is Primary color is
greengreen Becomes very Becomes very
tametame Excellent petExcellent pet
African Gray Parrot (Parrot African Gray Parrot (Parrot Family)Family)
13” long13” long Primary color is grayPrimary color is gray Very alert, intelligent and Very alert, intelligent and
affectionateaffectionate Considered to be the best talker of Considered to be the best talker of
all birdsall birds Voice closely resembles a human Voice closely resembles a human
voicevoice
African Gray Parrot (Parrot African Gray Parrot (Parrot Family)Family)
Budgerigar-Budgerigar-budgie budgie (Parrot (Parrot Family)Family)
Most popular pet bird in the worldMost popular pet bird in the world Australian bird that gets its name, Australian bird that gets its name,
which means good bird or good food, which means good bird or good food, from the Aboriginesfrom the Aborigines
About 7” long with a primary color of About 7” long with a primary color of yellowish-greenyellowish-green
Can be taught to talk with proper Can be taught to talk with proper trainingtraining
Easy to care for, inexpensive petEasy to care for, inexpensive pet Eats food from floor of cageEats food from floor of cage
Budgerigar-Budgerigar-budgie budgie (Parrot (Parrot Family)Family)
Indian Ringneck ParakeetIndian Ringneck Parakeet (Parrot Family) (Parrot Family)
17” long with 17” long with tapering tail tapering tail making up about making up about half of its lengthhalf of its length
Pastel green colorPastel green color Excellent pet and Excellent pet and
good talkergood talker Price range from Price range from
$150-$500$150-$500
Lovebirds (Parrot Family)Lovebirds (Parrot Family) Hardy and long-lived birds that make Hardy and long-lived birds that make
excellent pets if obtained when very excellent pets if obtained when very youngyoung
Sometimes have a harsh voiceSometimes have a harsh voice Most common pet species is the Most common pet species is the
Peach Faced Lovebird (Rosy-faced Peach Faced Lovebird (Rosy-faced lovebird)lovebird)
Lovebirds (Parrot Family)Lovebirds (Parrot Family)
Toucans (Woodpecker Toucans (Woodpecker Family)Family)
Fairly rare as petsFairly rare as pets May cost $2500 or moreMay cost $2500 or more Very noisy birdsVery noisy birds About the size of a macawAbout the size of a macaw Extremely large bill, which can be Extremely large bill, which can be
almost as long as the bird’s bodyalmost as long as the bird’s body
Toucans (Woodpecker Toucans (Woodpecker Family)Family)
Perching BirdsPerching Birds Largest family of birdsLargest family of birds Almost 60% of all birds (5,100 of Almost 60% of all birds (5,100 of
9,000 bird species)9,000 bird species) Good singers known as song birdsGood singers known as song birds
Starlings (Perching Family)Starlings (Perching Family) Talking Mynah bird is in this group. It Talking Mynah bird is in this group. It
is a black bird with an orange billis a black bird with an orange bill Has the ability to mimic the human Has the ability to mimic the human
voice and other soundsvoice and other sounds Require lots of careRequire lots of care Cages must be cleaned daily because Cages must be cleaned daily because
Mynah birds have a diet of fruitMynah birds have a diet of fruit Prices range from $300 to $500Prices range from $300 to $500
Starlings (Perching Family)Starlings (Perching Family)
Canary (Perching Family)Canary (Perching Family) Very important petVery important pet Some are bred for their colorSome are bred for their color Others are bred for their singing Others are bred for their singing
abilityability Some are bred to have a crested top Some are bred to have a crested top
(feathering on the top of the head)(feathering on the top of the head)
Canary (Perching Family)Canary (Perching Family)
Whydah birds (Perching Whydah birds (Perching Family)Family)
Pronounced Pronounced WidowWidow
Have bright Have bright colors for 6-8 colors for 6-8 months and months and then fade to then fade to dull colorsdull colors
Finches (Perching Family)Finches (Perching Family) Small birds that are sociable in Small birds that are sociable in
naturenature Bengalese Finch is the most social of Bengalese Finch is the most social of
all birdsall birds Zebra Finch is the most widely kept Zebra Finch is the most widely kept
and bred finch in captivity.and bred finch in captivity.
Finches (Perching Family)Finches (Perching Family)
Objective 19.02Objective 19.02 Discuss the care and maintenance of Discuss the care and maintenance of
pet birds.pet birds.
CagesCages For large parrot-type For large parrot-type
birds must be made of birds must be made of heavy-gauge metalheavy-gauge metal– Size ranges from 26” Size ranges from 26”
long x 20” wide x 20” long x 20” wide x 20” high for a single high for a single cockatiel to 6’ x 3’ x 3’ cockatiel to 6’ x 3’ x 3’ for a mynah birdfor a mynah bird
– Cockatoos, Conures, Cockatoos, Conures, Macaws, and Parrots Macaws, and Parrots need larger cagesneed larger cages
CagesCages Canaries, lovebirds, and budgerigars Canaries, lovebirds, and budgerigars
like the company of other birds and like the company of other birds and should not be caged singlyshould not be caged singly
Cages are usually smallerCages are usually smaller– 18” x 10” x 10” for a pair of 18” x 10” x 10” for a pair of
canariescanaries– 24” x 14” x 48” for a pair of 24” x 14” x 48” for a pair of
budgiesbudgies– 4’ x 4’ x 4’ for a pair of lovebirds4’ x 4’ x 4’ for a pair of lovebirds
CagesCages Finches need a rectangular cage to Finches need a rectangular cage to
allow long horizontal flight to imitate allow long horizontal flight to imitate their natural flight and reduce stress their natural flight and reduce stress from circular flight.from circular flight.
Finches need a larger cage than Finches need a larger cage than canaries and budgies.canaries and budgies.
CagesCages Macaws need a cage 3’ long x 2’ wide Macaws need a cage 3’ long x 2’ wide
x 3 ½’ high.x 3 ½’ high. A cage for macaws can be constructed A cage for macaws can be constructed
using 12- to 14-gauge wire with a ½” using 12- to 14-gauge wire with a ½” x 3” wire mesh.x 3” wire mesh.
Smaller wire mesh is needed for Smaller wire mesh is needed for outside cages to prevent mice, rats, outside cages to prevent mice, rats, and other birds from being a problem.and other birds from being a problem.
PerchesPerches Size and style depend on Size and style depend on
the birdthe bird Most store bought cages Most store bought cages
come with hard plastic come with hard plastic perches which may be perches which may be uncomfortable for birds.uncomfortable for birds.– If birds refuse to perch, If birds refuse to perch,
replace plastic perches replace plastic perches with wood perches that with wood perches that are more natural for birds.are more natural for birds.
PerchesPerches Larger birds like larger perches, Larger birds like larger perches,
smaller birds like smaller perchessmaller birds like smaller perches– Finches/canaries- ½” round perchFinches/canaries- ½” round perch– Budgerigars- ½” oval perchBudgerigars- ½” oval perch– Parrots- 1’ square perchParrots- 1’ square perch
PerchesPerches The perch for large The perch for large
parrot-type birds parrot-type birds must be replaced must be replaced as these birds as these birds destroy wood destroy wood perches. However, perches. However, the bird exercises the bird exercises its beak and stays its beak and stays busy in the process.busy in the process.
PerchesPerches Limbs and tree branches make Limbs and tree branches make
natural perches, but care must be natural perches, but care must be taken to insure they are free of mold taken to insure they are free of mold and pesticide residue.and pesticide residue.
PerchesPerches Tapered perches work well because Tapered perches work well because
they give the bird a choice of most of they give the bird a choice of most of the comfortable perching spot.the comfortable perching spot.
Water and Feed ContainersWater and Feed Containers Water containers need to be hard Water containers need to be hard
and easy to clean materials like and easy to clean materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steelglass, ceramic, or stainless steel
Gravity-type Gravity-type waterers that hang waterers that hang outside the cage outside the cage with a metal with a metal spout/tube spout/tube extending into the extending into the cage work cage work excellent.excellent.
Water and Feed ContainersWater and Feed Containers
Feed containers may be plastic for Feed containers may be plastic for smaller birds, but parrot-type birds smaller birds, but parrot-type birds need the same kind of material used need the same kind of material used for watering containersfor watering containers
Water and Feed ContainersWater and Feed Containers
ToysToys Prevent boredomPrevent boredom Large parrot-type birds need Large parrot-type birds need
stainless-steel chains with bellsstainless-steel chains with bells Smaller birds like canaries and Smaller birds like canaries and
finches can have mirrors, chains with finches can have mirrors, chains with bells, and laddersbells, and ladders
Cage LocationCage Location Location of cage must be Location of cage must be
out of direct sunlight, out of direct sunlight, free from drafts, in a free from drafts, in a place of constant place of constant temperature, and temperature, and protected from hazards protected from hazards like poisonous plants and like poisonous plants and pets.pets.
FeedingFeeding Most birds eat one of three things—Most birds eat one of three things—
seed, fruit, and/or nectarseed, fruit, and/or nectar
SeedSeed The vast majority of birds have a diet The vast majority of birds have a diet
of seedof seed– Cereal seeds—higher content of Cereal seeds—higher content of
carbohydrates compared to oilcarbohydrates compared to oil Canary seed, millet, corn, dehusked oat Canary seed, millet, corn, dehusked oat
kernalskernals– Oil seeds—higher in fat content than Oil seeds—higher in fat content than
cereal seed and lower in carbohydratescereal seed and lower in carbohydrates Sunflower, peanuts, safflower, pine nuts, Sunflower, peanuts, safflower, pine nuts,
rape, maw niger, linseedrape, maw niger, linseed
SeedSeed Usually bought in a commercial Usually bought in a commercial
premixed ration of cereal and oil premixed ration of cereal and oil seed that is formulated for certain seed that is formulated for certain bird species and provides balance bird species and provides balance and varietyand variety– Should be dry and free of dust and dirtShould be dry and free of dust and dirt– Moldy seed should never be fed Moldy seed should never be fed
(peanuts are very susceptible)(peanuts are very susceptible)
SeedSeed May be soaked in warm water for 24 May be soaked in warm water for 24
hours for young birds who may have hours for young birds who may have difficulty cracking the seed with their difficulty cracking the seed with their beak or for birds during the breeding beak or for birds during the breeding and molting seasonand molting season
Soaked SeedsSoaked Seeds Soaking stimulates germination which Soaking stimulates germination which
causes a chemical change that increases causes a chemical change that increases the protein content of the seeds.the protein content of the seeds.
Before feeding, rinse in tap water and Before feeding, rinse in tap water and examine for mold or fungiexamine for mold or fungi
Discard any soaked seeds not consumed Discard any soaked seeds not consumed within a few hours and clean containers within a few hours and clean containers before feeding more soaked seedsbefore feeding more soaked seeds
FruitFruit Consumed by Mynah, lories, and Consumed by Mynah, lories, and
lorikeetslorikeets Diet does not include seeds, grit, Diet does not include seeds, grit,
and cuttlefishand cuttlefish Soft bill pellets or foods from the Soft bill pellets or foods from the
pet storepet store Fruit—apple slices, grapes, Fruit—apple slices, grapes,
orange slices, and banana or orange slices, and banana or dried fruit can be feddried fruit can be fed
Mealworms are live food that can Mealworms are live food that can be fed alsobe fed also
NectarNectar Nectar and pollen are consumed by Nectar and pollen are consumed by
lories and lorikeetslories and lorikeets Powdered nectar is available from a Powdered nectar is available from a
pet store to mix with waterpet store to mix with water
Other Feed OptionsOther Feed Options Green plant materialGreen plant material Carrot tops, chickweed, dandelion leavesCarrot tops, chickweed, dandelion leaves Kale and spinach in moderation (too Kale and spinach in moderation (too
much green can cause diarrhea)much green can cause diarrhea) Avoid lettuce because it lacks nutritional Avoid lettuce because it lacks nutritional
valuevalue Wash to remove any pesticide residueWash to remove any pesticide residue Feed after it has warmed to room Feed after it has warmed to room
temperaturetemperature
Other Feed OptionsOther Feed Options Grit aids in the ventriculus in Grit aids in the ventriculus in
grinding food up since birds have no grinding food up since birds have no teethteeth– Soluble-oyster shell breaks down and is Soluble-oyster shell breaks down and is
a source of mineralsa source of minerals– Insoluble-crushed granite provides the Insoluble-crushed granite provides the
base for food to rub and work against to base for food to rub and work against to be ground upbe ground up
Other Feed OptionsOther Feed Options Cuttlefish bone (marine Cuttlefish bone (marine
mollusk)mollusk) Provides a source of Provides a source of
calcium and will readily be calcium and will readily be eaten by larger birdseaten by larger birds
Smaller birds may need Smaller birds may need cuttlefish shaved or chippedcuttlefish shaved or chipped
Particularly useful to female Particularly useful to female birds who need calcium for birds who need calcium for egg productionegg production
Handling and TrainingHandling and Training Allow birds to adjust to new locations Allow birds to adjust to new locations
for 2 to 3 days before any handling is for 2 to 3 days before any handling is attempted.attempted.
Offer a treat at regular intervals until it Offer a treat at regular intervals until it will take the treat through an open will take the treat through an open door cagedoor cage
Press a stick perch up against the Press a stick perch up against the bird’s chest above the legs to bird’s chest above the legs to encourage the bird to step up on itencourage the bird to step up on it
Handling and TrainingHandling and Training Once the bird is comfortable one Once the bird is comfortable one
may substitute a finger or hand for may substitute a finger or hand for the bird to perch onthe bird to perch on
Leather gloves may be needed for Leather gloves may be needed for larger birds that use their beak to larger birds that use their beak to climb to perchclimb to perch
Clipping WingsClipping Wings Wings can be clipped to restrict their Wings can be clipped to restrict their
ability to fly and prevent escapeability to fly and prevent escape PainlessPainless Primary and secondary flight feathers Primary and secondary flight feathers
are cut just above the base of the are cut just above the base of the feather shaft feather shaft
Cutting into the feather shaft will Cutting into the feather shaft will result in injury and bleedingresult in injury and bleeding
Clipping WingsClipping Wings The two outer The two outer
primary flight primary flight feathers are left feathers are left for aesthetic for aesthetic purposespurposes
Teaching to TalkTeaching to Talk Budgerigars, cockatiels, parrots, macaws Budgerigars, cockatiels, parrots, macaws
and cockatoos can be taught to talkand cockatoos can be taught to talk Young males are usually the best Young males are usually the best
learners and easiest to teachlearners and easiest to teach Remove distractions such as mirrors, Remove distractions such as mirrors,
toys, and feed during lessonstoys, and feed during lessons The same person needs to work with a The same person needs to work with a
bird on a regular basis. Usually women bird on a regular basis. Usually women and children are better trainers.and children are better trainers.
Teaching to TalkTeaching to Talk Lessons should be given at the same Lessons should be given at the same
time everyday.time everyday. Limit the length to about 15 minutes Limit the length to about 15 minutes
each dayeach day Use short phrases and words and Use short phrases and words and
slowly repeat themslowly repeat them
Competency 20.00Competency 20.00Use principles of bird Use principles of bird
management to create a management to create a healthy habitat for pet birds.healthy habitat for pet birds.
Objective 20.01 Objective 20.01 Discuss the major diseases and Discuss the major diseases and
ailments of birds.ailments of birds.
Internal ParasitesInternal Parasites Rarely a problem with birds, however Rarely a problem with birds, however
some are possiblesome are possible– RoundwormsRoundworms– TapewormsTapeworms
RoundwormsRoundworms Contracted from ingesting worm eggs Contracted from ingesting worm eggs
in contaminated feces, soil, or food.in contaminated feces, soil, or food. Diagnosis is by observing feces for Diagnosis is by observing feces for
long, thin, white wormslong, thin, white worms Symptoms: blockage of the intestines, Symptoms: blockage of the intestines,
poor plumage, weight loss, diarrheapoor plumage, weight loss, diarrhea Several treatments are availableSeveral treatments are available
TapewormsTapeworms Contracted by eating an intermediate Contracted by eating an intermediate
host such as houseflies, fleas, ticks host such as houseflies, fleas, ticks or earthwormsor earthworms
Diagnosed by observing small, rice-Diagnosed by observing small, rice-like segments in the feceslike segments in the feces
Proper cleaning and sanitation Proper cleaning and sanitation practices are best preventionpractices are best prevention
Treatment is with piprazine, nicotine Treatment is with piprazine, nicotine sulfate and kamal powdersulfate and kamal powder
External ParasitesExternal Parasites Red MitesRed Mites Feather MitesFeather Mites Scaly leg mitesScaly leg mites
Red Mite
Feather Mite
Damage from Scaly Leg Mite
Red MitesRed Mites Appear as tiny red specks and feed on Appear as tiny red specks and feed on
blood of infected birds at nightblood of infected birds at night Causes restlessness, scratching, and Causes restlessness, scratching, and
picking at featherspicking at feathers Spread through contact with infected Spread through contact with infected
birdsbirds Adults may be dusted with a pyrethium Adults may be dusted with a pyrethium
powderpowder Clean and disinfect all cages and nest Clean and disinfect all cages and nest
boxesboxes
Feather MitesFeather Mites Cause a bird to chew or pick its Cause a bird to chew or pick its
feathersfeathers If feathers look chewed, or feathers If feathers look chewed, or feathers
are lost, look for small, gray-colored are lost, look for small, gray-colored moving specksmoving specks
Feed both night and dayFeed both night and day
Feather MitesFeather Mites Symptoms: restlessness, severe Symptoms: restlessness, severe
scratching, feather picking, skin scratching, feather picking, skin irritationirritation
Cages and equipment should be Cages and equipment should be treated with nicotine sulfate, treated with nicotine sulfate, malathion, or coumaphosmalathion, or coumaphos
Birds should be sprayed with mite Birds should be sprayed with mite sprayspray
Scaly Leg MitesScaly Leg Mites Mites that tunnel under the Mites that tunnel under the
scales on the legs of scales on the legs of budgies, lovebirds, and budgies, lovebirds, and canaries.canaries.
Have their entire life cycle Have their entire life cycle on the birdon the bird
Symptoms: White scaly Symptoms: White scaly deposits that become deposits that become thickened, enlarged, and thickened, enlarged, and encrustedencrusted
Scaly Leg MitesScaly Leg Mites TreatmentTreatment
– Use Vaseline or mineral oil to kill the Use Vaseline or mineral oil to kill the mites and loosen the depositsmites and loosen the deposits
– This also plugs the air holes used by the This also plugs the air holes used by the mites and causes them to suffocatemites and causes them to suffocate
– Additional treatment is by cleaning Additional treatment is by cleaning cages, perches, and equipmentcages, perches, and equipment
Bacterial Diseases-Parrot Bacterial Diseases-Parrot FeverFever
Also known as chlamydiosis or Also known as chlamydiosis or psittacosispsittacosis
Affects the liver and spleenAffects the liver and spleen Contracted mainly through feces and Contracted mainly through feces and
contaminated food and watercontaminated food and water Symptoms: nasal discharges, Symptoms: nasal discharges,
listlessness, appetite loss, weight loss, listlessness, appetite loss, weight loss, greenish-colored bacteria, labored greenish-colored bacteria, labored breathingbreathing
Bacterial Diseases-Parrot Bacterial Diseases-Parrot FeverFever
Treatment: birds should eat Treatment: birds should eat chlortetracycline-impregnated seed chlortetracycline-impregnated seed for at least 21 daysfor at least 21 days
Psittacosis can be transmitted to Psittacosis can be transmitted to humanshumans
Bacterial Diseases-Bacterial Diseases-BumblefootBumblefoot
A painful ailment associated with A painful ailment associated with staphylococcal infectionsstaphylococcal infections
Symptoms: feet and joints become Symptoms: feet and joints become hot and swollen with a thick, grayish hot and swollen with a thick, grayish white fluid, and not walking or white fluid, and not walking or clasping onto the perchclasping onto the perch
Prevention: suitable perches and Prevention: suitable perches and sanitationsanitation
Treatment: AntibioticsTreatment: Antibiotics
Bacterial Diseases-Bacterial Diseases-BumblefootBumblefoot
Viral Disease-French MoltViral Disease-French Molt Also known as Psittacine beak and Also known as Psittacine beak and
feather diseasefeather disease Attacks the immune systemAttacks the immune system Bird’s beak and nails may be soft, Bird’s beak and nails may be soft,
overgrown, and lose their pigmentovergrown, and lose their pigment Symptoms become evident at the first Symptoms become evident at the first
molt when new feathers do not molt when new feathers do not emerge or are deformed and break offemerge or are deformed and break off
Treatment is with Treatment is with vitamins, minerals, vitamins, minerals, and control of and control of secondary secondary diseases through diseases through sanitationsanitation
There is no cure There is no cure for this diseasefor this disease
Viral Disease-French MoltViral Disease-French Molt
Viral Disease-NewcastleViral Disease-Newcastle Respiratory difficulty (wheezing) is one Respiratory difficulty (wheezing) is one
of the first symptoms, followed by of the first symptoms, followed by tremors, wing droop, and a twisted neck.tremors, wing droop, and a twisted neck.
Imported birds are the main source of Imported birds are the main source of possible infectionspossible infections
Spreads rapidly with a high mortality Spreads rapidly with a high mortality raterate
Should be vaccinated to prevent the Should be vaccinated to prevent the diseasedisease
Nutritional Problems-GoiterNutritional Problems-Goiter Swelling of the thyroid glands in the Swelling of the thyroid glands in the
neck and interference with breathingneck and interference with breathing Major cause is iodine deficiencyMajor cause is iodine deficiency Seems to be a special problem for Seems to be a special problem for
BudgerigarsBudgerigars
Nutritional Problems-RicketsNutritional Problems-Rickets OsteomalaciaOsteomalacia An imbalance or deficient amount of An imbalance or deficient amount of
calcium, phosphorus, or Vitamin D3 calcium, phosphorus, or Vitamin D3 that causes deterioration or softening that causes deterioration or softening of the bonesof the bones
Symptoms: lameness, stiff-legged Symptoms: lameness, stiff-legged gait, constant resting in the squatting gait, constant resting in the squatting position and decreased growthposition and decreased growth
Treatment: Prevention is best Treatment: Prevention is best through adequate oyster shell or through adequate oyster shell or coarse limestone in the diet along coarse limestone in the diet along with vitamin D3 supplementationwith vitamin D3 supplementation
Nutritional Problems-RicketsNutritional Problems-Rickets
Nutritional Problems-Nutritional Problems-ObesityObesity
Too much food, not enough activity, Too much food, not enough activity, or seeds high in fator seeds high in fat
Bird owners need to avoid feeding Bird owners need to avoid feeding too many sunflower seed if obesity is too many sunflower seed if obesity is a problem for their bird.a problem for their bird.
Other Problems-Overgrown Other Problems-Overgrown ClawsClaws
Can result in injury if they Can result in injury if they become entangled in the become entangled in the cagecage
May be clipped with pet nail May be clipped with pet nail clippersclippers
Care should be taken to Care should be taken to avoid the pinkish streak in avoid the pinkish streak in the center of the claw (blood the center of the claw (blood vessel)vessel)
Other Problems-Feather Other Problems-Feather PluckingPlucking
Due to boredom, bad diet, lack of Due to boredom, bad diet, lack of bathing, or bird is in need of a matebathing, or bird is in need of a mate
Birds living indoors need regular Birds living indoors need regular bathing or spraying to encourage bathing or spraying to encourage preening and avoid feather plucking.preening and avoid feather plucking.
Preening is the process that a bird Preening is the process that a bird goes through in cleaning and goes through in cleaning and trimming its feathers with its beak.trimming its feathers with its beak.
BathingBathing Regular bathing and spraying Regular bathing and spraying
reduces feather dust and dirt and reduces feather dust and dirt and cuts down on mitescuts down on mites
BathingBathing Small birds (budgerigars, canaries, Small birds (budgerigars, canaries,
finches, mynah birds, lories, finches, mynah birds, lories, cockatiels) prefer to bathe in a cockatiels) prefer to bathe in a container. container.
A container may be placed in the A container may be placed in the cage at regular intervals for 30 cage at regular intervals for 30 minute time periodsminute time periods
BathingBathing Larger birds need to be sprayed with Larger birds need to be sprayed with
a fine mist from a plant sprayer.a fine mist from a plant sprayer. The mist should be allowed to filter The mist should be allowed to filter
down onto the bird rather than being down onto the bird rather than being sprayed directly on the animal.sprayed directly on the animal.
The bird does not need to be The bird does not need to be saturated, but gently sprayed 2 or 3 saturated, but gently sprayed 2 or 3 times per week.times per week.
Symptoms of ProblemsSymptoms of Problems Sleeping on two legs may indicate the Sleeping on two legs may indicate the
bird is uncomfortable or ailing. Birds bird is uncomfortable or ailing. Birds normally sleep on only one leg.normally sleep on only one leg.
A bird who fluffs its feathers out is A bird who fluffs its feathers out is usually chilled and trying to obtain body usually chilled and trying to obtain body heat.heat.
If feces is runny, a digestive ailment If feces is runny, a digestive ailment may be the problem.may be the problem.
Not flying around and lack of activity Not flying around and lack of activity may indicate sickness.may indicate sickness.
Symptoms of ProblemsSymptoms of Problems Eye discharges or continually closed Eye discharges or continually closed
eyes are an indication of cold, etc.eyes are an indication of cold, etc. Wheezing, noisy, or irregular Wheezing, noisy, or irregular
breathing may be a sign of a breathing may be a sign of a respiratory problem.respiratory problem.
Not eating or very little eating Not eating or very little eating indicates a loss of appetite that is indicates a loss of appetite that is often associated with illness.often associated with illness.
Prevention of IllnessPrevention of Illness Select a healthy bird.Select a healthy bird. Place bird in a dry, warm, draft-free Place bird in a dry, warm, draft-free
placeplace Subject the bird to little stressSubject the bird to little stress No other animals should be aroundNo other animals should be around Quarantine and observation period of Quarantine and observation period of
at least 3-4 weeks before introducing at least 3-4 weeks before introducing to other birds.to other birds.
Sanitation is extremely important—Sanitation is extremely important—should provide fresh food and water.should provide fresh food and water.
Keep perches and cages clean.Keep perches and cages clean.
Prevention of IllnessPrevention of Illness
Bird Cage Vacuum
At the First Signs of IllnessAt the First Signs of Illness Cage temperature should be Cage temperature should be
maintained between 85-90 degrees Fmaintained between 85-90 degrees F– Move the cage to a warmer location if Move the cage to a warmer location if
neededneeded– Adjust the temperature of the cage with Adjust the temperature of the cage with
a light bulb near the cage or a heating a light bulb near the cage or a heating pad under the cagepad under the cage
Provide 2 to 3 Provide 2 to 3 perches so that the perches so that the bird can find the most bird can find the most comfortable comfortable temperaturetemperature
Partially cover the Partially cover the cage to prevent draftscage to prevent drafts
Provide quick energy Provide quick energy fluids like sugar fluids like sugar water, honey water, water, honey water, or orange juice.or orange juice.
At the First Signs of IllnessAt the First Signs of Illness