Happy National Bird Day! At the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics, we are fortunate to care for your beloved feathered friends. From parrots to chickens, waterfowl, and backyard birds, we are honored that you choose us to care for your companions. With warmer weather peeking around the corner, it’s an ideal time to address some important bird care topics.
An important topic in bird keeping is proper home care. Whether you’re a new bird owner or you’re adding a new flock member to your family, getting a bird is always exciting, but there are many factors to consider. Having a good relationship with a bird-savvy veterinarian is critical when you adopt a bird.
Bird care topics you should be sure to discuss with your veterinarian during your bird’s initial examination and at each annual visit:
- Proper diet – a proper diet is important for your bird’s overall health and well-being. Your veterinarian can help you decide which type of formulated diet is best for your bird.
- A clean environment – it is very important for your bird’s overall health that you adhere to the daily routine of cleaning their cage.
- Always offer fresh water – birds often use water for many purposes, including drinking and bathing and dipping their food, which often leads to dirty water over time. Refresh their water at least once a day to ensure it stays as clean as possible
- A proper sleep schedule – birds need consistency in their sleep routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Your bird should get several hours of undisturbed sleep each night, and the bedtime should be consistent each day.
- Clean air – birds have a very sensitive respiratory system. Make sure that none of your household items pose a potential threat to your bird’s health. Common household items that can be fatal to your bird include non-stick cookware, aerosol sprays, essential oils, and household cleaners. Consult your veterinarian about what household items are safe for your bird, and have an air purifier in any room where your bird spends time.
- Physical activity and enrichment – all birds need enrichment in their cages. Offer a variety of toys to keep their brain engaged, and work on training activities, such as target training, with your bird to keep them active and interested. .
- Regular bathing – baths are important not only for improving coat quality, but also for maintaining healthy sinuses and skin. Some birds bathe in their water cups by themselves, while others do not like baths and require a light sprinkling of warm water with a mister plant. Some birds actually like to join their flock in the shower to stay clean. Consult your avian veterinarian about the different bathing methods that are best for your bird.
- Annual vet visits – as prey species that have evolved to hide signs of illness to avoid being eaten by wild predators, birds are adept at disguising underlying health issues. Keeping up with regular vet visits (even yearly) so your vet can diagnose and treat any problems before they become significant is important.
Conclusion
Having a bird is a joy but also a great responsibility. Being an educated, responsible bird owner is key to having a healthy, long-lived pet. There’s a lot to know, and having a close relationship with a veterinarian, like those at the Veterinary Center, who specialize in bird care and are available for emergency consultations, is a great way to start. Our goal at the Veterinary Center is to educate pet owners to help ensure healthy pets. To schedule an exam for your bird so you can be sure you’re doing everything you can to help your bird stay healthy, contact us:
- Our clinic’s landline: 914-864-1414
- Our email: [email protected]
