Health Issues
Stable or Cured?
Giving After Hours Emergency Advice For Birds There is one mistake that people with critically ill birds commonly make. They can’t tell the difference between stabilised and fixed. It happens, in part because they desperately want their bird to be ok. They will grasp at any sign that their bird is going to be ok…
Read MoreWhat Is Feather Destructive Behaviour?
Feather Plucking | Feather Destructive Behaviour | FDB Feather Destructive Behaviour occurs when a bird is intentionally damaging or removing feathers (usually but not always their own). There are multiple different types of feather destructive behaviours and it helps to identify exactly what type of destructive behaviour your bird is actually doing. Feather Destructive Behaviour…
Read MoreAbusing Veterinary Staff
Sometimes working in a vet clinic can break you. It doesn’t surprise me that the veterinary industry has a higher suicide rate than any other industry. There is a general attitude that vets are only in it for the money. That vets over-service and over-charge. The abuse veterinary staff receive continues to amaze me. The…
Read MoreHeat Stress In Birds
What is heat stress? Heat stress in birds is when a bird’s core body temperature is raised uncontrollably to a dangerously high level. A bird’s body temperature is normally between 39-43C/101-109F. If their temperature rises higher than this, it can quickly become a serious, often life-threatening problem. Birds are not like us, they do not…
Read MoreGaining The Trust Of A Bird That Permanently Needs Medication
I’ve found myself in the worst place to be when it comes to developing a healthy relationship with a bird. My Galah, Charlie, came to me from a decent home but had a rescue history prior to his last home which has left him prone to serious trust issues. Medicating a bird is difficult at the best…
Read MoreSetting Up A Hospital Cage For Your Bird
If there is one thing that my recent experiences with my galah Charlie has taught me – it’s the importance of having some sort of hospital set up on standby in case your bird ever becomes critically ill. Even if you are lucky enough to have access to an out of hours vet who can…
Read MoreThe Hardest Thing About “Owning” Birds
As I type this, the newest member of my flock, Charlie the galah is with his avian vet and I’m not sure that he’s coming home. I’m sitting next to my mobile phone waiting for news. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve checked to see if my phone is working. I know I…
Read MorePsittacosis/Chlamydia in Birds Explained
Recently there has been a spike in concern about Psittacosis as news has spread that Petsmart in the US have removed birds for sale from 500 stores after 16 birds (so far) have tested positive to the disease. For many, it’s the first time they’ve even heard of the disease and understandably it has them…
Read MoreHelp!!! My Parrot Swallowed My Earring!!!
After reading that heading, anyone familiar with my flock will immediately know that my Blue and Gold Macaw named Fid, has been at it again. If there is a way for him to get into trouble – he’ll find it. This week he added the title “Jewel thief” to his resume. Fid can do this…
Read MoreWhat To Do When You Find A Baby Wild Bird?
Baby birds are one of the most common wild bird rescue situations that I deal with during the warmer months. At the time I’m typing this, I’m literally waiting for the night to end and daylight to come so I can follow-up on a case I dealt with yesterday. It might be summer here in…
Read More