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