Birds make wonderful pets. There is a very wide variety of families and species of birds. Many types of pet birds are considered exotic pets as with the psittacines, or parrot type birds. While others are domesticated as with pigeons and chickens. Birds are warm blooded animals, or homeotherms, meaning they can regulate and maintain a constant optimal body temperature. This is an important fact in the home care of pet birds. Birds are much more sensitive to toxins and environmental pollutants than we are, so specific care and considerations need to be taken. Also their metabolic rate (metabolism) is higher than with mammals, so if a bird stops eating we know the illness is serious and the bird will die if not cared for very soon.

Because there are so many types of birds there is no one set of suggestions or requirements that can meet all the various species' needs. We can provide you with some general guidelines for their care however, which will give you a place to start.

Any new pet bird should be seen by Dr. Valese, who is experienced in avian care, for a wellness exam, a stool sample screen for parasites, and possibly some additional lab tests.

Birds are social creatures and enjoy attention from you, the owner.

• Keep water supply fresh and clean.
• Feed a high quality, toxin free, organically grown and produced formulated diet, such as the Harrison Bird Diet.
• Limit the supplementation of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Provide a bathing opportunity or misting each week.
• Use non-toxic tree branches as perches.
• Protect from predators such as dogs, cats, or birds of prey.
• Avoid young children.
• Avoid ceiling fans, overheated non-stick cookware, sand paper covered perches.
• Do not feed seed mixes exclusively, keep seeds to a minimum.
• No wood shavings.

Pet birds should receive an annual wellness examination by Dr. Valese. If you have a new bird or it’s been awhile since your pet bird has been examined, please call today to schedule an appointment.

How can I tell if my bird is ill? Birds are masters of masking illness as this trait is important for survival in the wild. Because of this, any signs of illness are usually only seen at more advanced states of the illness. If you see any of the following symptoms in your bird, call us right away.

• Decrease appetite or not eating
• Breathing rapidly or labored
• Feathers kept ruffled
• Overgrowth of beak or nails
• Loss of feathers
• Any obvious lumps, bumps, or sores
• Sneezing or any discharge
• Changes in stools – colors, consistency, amount
• Any changes from normal behavior of your bird