BIRD HEALTH
We're glad to see that so many people genuinely care about their bird's health.
As you undoubtedly know, birds instinctively hide any signs of illness until it's almost too late to help them. That makes it even more critical that you check on your bird regularly for any signs of it not feeling well -- especially during the winter months. A few of the signs of illness in a bird might be:
1) keeping its feathers puffed up so it looks twice its regular size (could indicate that it is cold, is catching a cold, or has injured itself); or
2) its stools are runny (could indicate a respiratory or intestinal problem; could be that it ate too much fruit that day).
If you see anything unusual, we will be glad to take an initial look to see if it is serious. If it is simply a cold, we have over-the-counter medications that will take care of it. If it is serious, we will refer you to Bells Ferry Animal Hospital in Acworth, GA. They were listed in "Bird Talk" magazine as one of the two best avian vets in the nation. Their phone number is (770) 926-5311.
For more information on what to do and what not to do for your bird click here.
WARNING!
Do not commit these two fatal errors with your birds:
1. DO NOT use Teflon or other non-stick cookware if your bird is within 10 feet. Keep the fan on while cooking. These fumes can kill a large macaw within 10 minutes.
2. DO NOT spray Fabreeze brand deodorizer/cleaner in a house where a bird lives.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
SIX THINGS BIRD OWNERS DO TO
MESS UP THEIR BIRDS...
1. Buying a parrot on impulse, without information as to what to expect from that species.
2. Choosing a species based only on how much you want it, not on what would work best for you and your environment.
3. Ignoring the advice of experts when it comes to management issues such as diet and sleep needs.
4. Tolerating a behavior problem instead of doing something about it immediately.
5. Encouraging a parrot to dislike everyone but them.
6. Spending all your money purchasing a new parrot and not having enough leftover for proper caging and toys.
Excerpt from article by Liz Wilson, CVT,
from Bird Talk magazine. (Feb. '01)