Daily Observations to Keep Your Bird Healthy Keeping your feathered friend healthy requires that you watch out for any problems and any changes from normal, including any changes in normal behavior. Be alert for any discharges, including those from nostrils, eyes, beak. Monitor the appearance of he droppings for changes in color or consistency. The vent should be clean with no matting of the feathers. The bottom of the feet should not have any wear points or sores. Watch for changes in the amount of food and water consumed. Observe the rate, rhythm and depth of several respirations and check to make sure there is no open-mouth breathing. If you observe any changes, consult your avian veterinarian immediately. Be alert for environmental stressors, as they can easily affect a birds health. If your bird becomes ill or has bouts of infection, consider whether any of the following apply. 1. lack of sleep: Birds need 10-12 hours of quiet sleep in a dark room nightly. If an area is always lit, a dark cover may be needed. 2. overcrowding: A cage full of birds may seem pleasing, but if the birds are fighting, picking each others feathers or falling ill, there could be too many. Reduce the number of birds if these conditions are present. 3. being hunted: A bird could be stressed if subjected to constant observation (staring). Companion birds are preyed upon by raptors and other animals and are sensitive to extended periods of a watchful gaze. They may also panic when a hawk flies by, especially if their cage sits directly in front of a window. Large objects like balloons or an overhead lamp above their cage can have the same stressful, frightening affect. 4. poor nutrition: Birds need clean water to drink and a balanced diet with fresh vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin A or beta carotene. When a bird is molting, it may also need additional protein and calcium-rich foods. 5. dirty environment: Birds are susceptible to molds and bacteria. Maintain a clean cage and cage items in a clean room. 6. over-stimulation. Birds need some "down time" to nap and preen. They shouldnt live in the busiest hallway or room all of the time. A sleeping cage in a quiet room may be helpful. 7. drafts: Air-conditioning ducts may chill a bird. Cages should not be placed too near the ductwork or near a heating vent. Consider an air purifier with hepafilter to reduce particulate pollutants.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 12:19:07 +0000
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