Articles

Winter and Your Pet Bird

By Barbara Pagano

With the onset of cold weather, there are a few important things to remember when it comes to caring for our feathered friends. Our windows are shut and the heat is on. We tend to be more cautious about protecting our birds from the cold, and yet not enough about the absence of fresh, clean air. With our windows shut our birds are forced to breath in many airborne pollutants, including their own feather dust, and the remnants of their droppings and food waste. Then there are regular household pollutants, such as smoke from cooking, woodstoves and fireplaces, and possible toxins from cleaning solutions. Some heating systems significantly dry the air in our homes. This too presents our birds with multiple health risks.

There are a few ways to protect our pet birds from the affects of being confined indoors. The most effective way, I have found, is to designate a room separate from our daily living quarters, one with a door to shut out these contaminants. I usually suggest an office or bedroom. Since most cooking is done and fireplaces are used during the evening, when the family is all home, I recommend a night room or bedtime room for our birds. This can be done, especially if our pet birds are acclimated to a cage in the ‘night’ room during the warmer months. Birds need an average of 12 hours sleep each night, and this method ensures proper sleep and cleaner air. The use of a good quality air cleaner, and a humidifier greatly benefits our birds’ mucus membranes, respiratory tract, feathers and skin. Interior humidity should range from 50-70% daily during the winter.

Misting our birds daily with warm clean water is essential to maintain good skin and feather condition. Cleaning the cage daily, while it is still damp (after misting your bird) helps prevent dust particles from becoming airborne. Many people worry about their birds becoming wet during the winter months, yet baths are essential for your birds’ health. I bathe my birds during the warmest time of the day, usually when the temperature in my home is set at its highest. Always avoid sudden, dramatic temperature changes whether your bird is wet or dry. You may notice your bird subsequently shaking or quivering after misting.& Its muscles and skin are constricting which increases its body heat at the skins surface, resulting in its feathers drying quicker. This is a natural defense since wet birds cannot fly, and flight in the wild is necessary to avoid predators.

Although it may seem tedious at times, our birds are completely dependant upon us to keep them healthy and happy. A bird’s skin and feathers act as sponges, soaking in all that it is exposed to. Keeping our birds’ environment clean is essential for the overall health of our birds. If your bird demonstrates any changes from its normal routine or behavior, please consult a qualified Avian Veterinarian.

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Second Hand Smoke-A Silent Killer

by Stephanie E. Todd, DVM

Parrots are among the most intelligent, fascinating, and entertaining of all pets. They quickly become involved in our daily routines. We interact with them as family members, laughing at them and being laughed at. They enjoy good food, music, and all of life’s pleasantries. Unfortunately for them, they may be exposed to our vices as well: fatty or salty foods, aerosolized toxins, and the worst offender of all, second-hand smoke.

Birds living with a smoker are at increased risk for heart disease, lung disease, infertility, contact dermatitis (skin and foot problems), and eye problems. The avian respiratory tract is uniquely designed to absorb as much oxygen as possible into the bloodstream.  The sinuses, trachea, syrinx, lungs, and air sacs also efficiently absorb aerosolized toxins like cigarette smoke.

The typical bird affected by smoke exposure has red nostrils, moist to serous discharge from the eyes or nostrils, sneezing episodes, and may develop secondary infections in the upper or lower respiratory tract. Parrots may develop red, sore feet after sitting on their owner’s arm or hand. This is a contact dermatitis in response to smoke residue that settles all over the owner’s body and hair. Smoke may also settle on the bird’s feathers and lead to itchy, dry skin or feather picking.

It is heartbreaking to repeatedly treat a pet bird for sinusitis, air sacculitis, or feather picking with the realization that the owner smokes.  More of my avian patients suffer discomfort, severe illness, and even death secondary to smoke than from any single naturally occurring disease.  Understandably, not everyone can quit smoking cigarettes. There are several precautions that can minimize a parrot’s potential smoke exposure:

Ø  Smoke only outside (air circulates freely through the house…do not think that you are helping by smoking in another room

Ø  Wash hands often

Ø  Wash hair often

Ø  Wear a 'smoking jacket' and remove it before coming back indoors

Ø  Use good oral hygiene

Ø  Use air filters, preferably HEPA

Ø  Bathe birds frequently and use bird shampoos occasionally to remove smoke residue from feathers

Ø  Maintain adequate humidity in winter, especially if you have a woodstove or forced hot air heat (note: woodstoves lead to many of the same health hazards as cigarette smoke!)

Ø  Maintain good nutrition and use full-spectrum lighting above your bird’s cage for 6-8 hours daily.  This will help to keep his or her respiratory tract healthy so that it is less affected by the smoke exposure

For further information on second-hand smoke, please contact your veterinarian or state department of health.

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Over the Mountain and Through the Woods…
Traveling with your Pet Bird

by Barbara Pagano

Always make certain your destination allows for and is expecting your bird (s). Before traveling, create a list of all your bird needs, including its food, its favorite toys and a complete copy of your birds medical records. Trim your bird’s flight feathers and claws. If you uncertain how to properly do so, please bring your bird to your Veterinarian.

Remove all air fresheners well in advance and thoroughly air out the vehicle.

Do not use fabric cleaner or any chemical in the vehicle prior to your trip.

Pre-warm your vehicle during colder months. When traveling with your bird, provide a clean, airline safe pet carrier for each bird. Whether it’s cold or warm outside, always line the bottom of the carrier with a clean white towel. This helps prevent injury from sudden jolts or stops, as it is easier for a bird to grip a towel, and it acts as a cushion the bird in the event of sudden jolts. White toweling allows you to easily inspect the bird (s) for blood loss should a trauma of any sort occur, for regurgitation, droppings and/or food consumption. I sanitize my white towels by washing separate in the hot water cycle only, without any chemicals. Fabric Softener can also be toxic. Be sure the towel isn’t tattered or any fibers pulled, as a bird’s claws and feet can become tangled. Place another towel around the outside of the carrier prior to leaving your home. This helps avoid drafts, and may decrease the level of anxiety your bird may experience. Birds can easily become terrified by the sight of moving trees and windshield wipers, passing trucks, and streetlights etc., so loosely place a thick cover or towel over any openings in the carrier. It may help to reassure and calm your bird by repeating its favorite phrases, by whistling, singing or playing their favorite songs while traveling.

Do not use toweling previously used for any housecleaning or hair dying. Clean multiple layering of paper towels would be better in this instance.

Remove feed/water cups, perches and any toys from the carrier. With your bare hands, check for and have removed any sharp or protruding edges within the carrier. Make sure the interior is completely smooth. Keep objects out of the carrier during travel.

Never place the carrier on your lap or the lap of any passengers, as a slight accident or sudden jolt could prove deadly to both human and bird. Place carriers between seats, on the vehicle floor or on the rear seat, and restrain with seat belts, if at all possible.

Provide small pieces of high water content fruits and vegetables to avoid dehydration. I loosely scatter my parrots pellets and grapes on top of the white towel during travel. If your bird doesn’t regularly consume fruits/vegetables, then occasionally stop and provide your bird with fresh, clean water.

Never leave any bird unattended in the car. If you are traveling alone, bring your bird (s) with you whenever you must leave your car. Before resuming with travel, again remove any dishes from inside the carrier.

Purchase or arrange an Avian First Aid Kit for your bird, and have readily available while traveling. Consult with your Vet about the necessity and application of emergency avian first aid, especially for the more commonly experienced broken Blood feather.

Do Some Research and locate veterinary clinics, including 24-hour emergency animal/bird hospitals both in route to and at your final destination.

Don’t expect Veterinarian Hospitals to be as readily accessible as the human counterpart, so again plan, plan, and plan ahead. Before leaving your home with your bird, recheck your list to assure you have all that you and your bird may need.

To avoid holiday travel hazards consider a professional (insured and bonded) Bird Sitters who will visit your home, or board your pet bird at a veterinarian office, especially if power outages are a concern. The above travel tips are suggested only and are based upon many years of personal experience. It is not intended as a substitute for Veterinarian advice or care.

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How Much Is That Birdie in the Window?

by Barbara Pagano

Not long ago bonding between man and parrot was unimaginable. For some it still remains inconceivable, unless of course you’re a parrot enthusiast. Many ‘Parrot People’ believe this interspecies relationship parallels no other. Some parrots communicate thought and emotion, possessing the cognitive capability of a three to a five-year-old human. The Pet Care Trust funded a research project, lead by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, an expert and author on parrot intelligence, to study the cognitive and communicative abilities of the African Grey parrot. This project sought to better understand their behavior and to provide insights on how to keep these parrots from screaming, feather picking, and other unwanted behaviors associated with parrot boredom.  In short, the goal of this study is to disseminate information to parrot owners so they may better understand and recognize parrot stress and alleviate the stressors parrots suffer in captivity. Dr. Pepperberg has commented that, "many owners give their parrots a few toys and leave them alone for eight to nine hours a day. But like children, they (parrots) need interaction." She stresses that "potential pet owners must be taught that purchase of a parrot is akin to the addition of a child of 3-5 years of age to their household." I would like to add to this that parrots do not grow up as children do, but remain as a 3-5 years old for an average life expectancy of 60 years. 

As a layperson in avian research and medicine, I’m often behind the times, ever struggling to keep abreast of new information. Aside from the parrots I specialize in and basic parrot care and behavior, I reserve my advice for those better qualified. In my experience as an avian behavior consultant and as a breeder of parrots, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many people and developing wonderful friendships. The downside of my occupation is the mounting number of emails and telephone calls I receive from distressed parrot owners.

Parrot care is similar to childcare. Just as infants rely upon a caretaker for sustenance, intellectual stimulation and security, so do parrots. Without such continuity, parrots can develop insecurities and boredom, and may demonstrate behavioral problems such as screaming, biting, feather-picking, self-mutilation, etc. Most often these unwanted behaviors can all together be avoided.

Each type of parrot has different characteristics and requirements unique only to their species. No two species of parrots have an identical temperament. A Macaw differs from a Cockatoo, a Parakeet from an Amazon, as significantly as a dog differs from a cat. Unlike dogs and cats, parrots remain only a few generations removed from the wild and are not domesticated. Although parrots are being breed in captivity, tamed, and sold in the pet trade, they are still wild. Pet birds exhibit inborn behaviors that have evolved over thousands of years in the wild. Until parrot owner’s research and respond accordingly to the nature of their individual parrot’s species, the number of neurotic and homeless parrots will increase. There are many avenues for prospective and current parrot owners to enhance their knowledge. There’s an abundance of species-specific information available through the Internet, including support groups, bulletin boards and chat rooms. Avian Veterinarians, Avian Behaviorists, parrot related publications and bird clubs are also good sources of information.

Most people have good intentions, but need correct information to make an appropriate decision.  Sadly, impulsive decisions are negatively impacting the lives of countless parrots. As human beings we possess the awesome ability to experience emotion; love, kindness, compassion, elation, envy, joy, etc. But being human also means being fallible. More often we’re fallible when we make concrete decisions guided solely by emotion. I know my judgment is swayed every time I glance into the dark round eyes of a puppy beckoning me for a little love, as I see the longing in the face of a homeless, caged dog or I’m comforted by the tranquil cooing of a baby cockatoo as it thrusts it breast upon mine in a love embrace. Many pet bird purchases transpire because baby parrots evoke elation. With the caretaker promise, “I’ll feed, I’ll clean, I’ll learn, I‘ll play, and so on,” we return to our homes with the addition of a new and lifelong family member.

Socialized parrots need to be a part of their human flock. Bringing a parrot into the our living quarters for social visits, then returning him to a remote room or an isolating area can be sheer torture for this intelligent, social and emotional creature. Being caged, fed, cleaned after, provided some toys and only talked to isn’t enough to keep a socialized parrot healthy and happy, it is simply maintaining a parrot. It is estimated that African Grey Parrots are in three separate households within their first six years of life. These statistics aren’t promising when an African Greys life expectancy is 60 years. Humans have the ability to rebound from broken relationships, transferring loyalties from one relationship to another. Parrots have difficulty adjusting to changes within their regular surroundings or to their regular routine. Rarely do parrots fully recover from the severity of being constantly transferred from family to family. This revolving door usually leads to the parrots demise.

Before rushing into a commitment of parrot ownership, consider the intellectual and emotional aptitude of the parrot you are purchasing, and the personality traits unique to its species. Parrots need intellectual challenges and stimulation, and require social interaction and physical exercise. Some parrots have emotional and social needs comparable to a two-three year old human. Just like children, parrots bond closely to their caretakers, and become jealous over the new arrival of a family member, be it a human or another pet bird. Parrots also experience separation anxiety, confusion and emotional turmoil when disconnected from their caretakers. Parrots will act in ways natural to their species when they are excited, agitated, sexually mature, abandoned or confused. Often the cause of parrot stress is unwittingly our own behaviors. Often a well-loved, spoiled parrot will feather-pick, or constantly scream for the owner’s return. Sexual maturity can alter a parrot’s personality from a trusted companion to feared enemy. Parrot neglect, inadequate diet or insufficient natural lighting can lead a parrot to self-mutilate. Those who attest to the awesome relationship they have formed with their parrot are usually the devoted owners who conducted ample research and undertook realistic self-evaluations prior to selecting a lifelong companion parrot.

In an attempt to dispel the myth, that ‘pet parrots are easy to care for’, I often stress, "Parrots are like children, with only two differences: you can cage your parrot but not your child, and children eventually leave the nest, but parrots stay home forever!" I have parrots I expect will outlive me, and I expect to live fifty more years. Parrot ownership is permanent parenthood.

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Where to Begin When Buying a Bird

By Barbara Pagano 

After great consideration you have decided to buy a baby bird. You realize that both the time and financial commitment of parrot ownership may be significant, yet you are prepared to dedicate yourself to this responsibility. Now comes the equally complicated process of comparison-shopping for your baby bird. Nowadays baby birds are abundant, and choices are vast. As I assume you have researched which parrot type best suits your lifestyle, I also assume you will take great care in researching the various sources for baby birds before buying. In doing so, this article is intended to assist in searching for the best sources for baby birds; independently owned/operated pet stores, specialty bird shops, bird breeders, and professional hand feeders.

There are some steps, which may minimize the stress associated with searching for a reputable source of pet birds. Many different veterinarians are now treating exotic birds. If you cannot locate a local veterinarian who does so, you may find avian veterinarians on the Internet at www.aav.org. Ask your local avian qualified veterinarians to provide you with the names and numbers of their noteworthy parrot related business and breeder clients. Do ask to speak with the veterinarian directly as the office staff isn’t always permitted to make these recommendations. If the recommended stores or breeders do not carry the particular bird you want, ask them whom they recommend. I commonly refer potential owners to the same businesses and breeders in my area that my veterinarian has referred to me. Local Bird Clubs are also a good resource, as well as friends or associates who have purchased healthy, well-socialized pet birds. But do remember, the most competent referral for a healthy pet bird is from a veterinarian. There are many avian qualified veterinarians available from town to town, and state to state. Try not to become discouraged after only calling a few. Practicing persistence, patience and vigilance is often necessary to locate the most desirable bird. Out of state traveling is common when purchasing parrots, or special smaller birds. Many of my customers are from surrounding states. Which brings to mind the question of support services before and after you bring your new bird home.

Many of my customers remain in contact with me long after the parrots are placed in their homes.  On average I dedicate twenty hours with each new bird buyer before they bring their new bird home. Even so new owners find it difficult to remember everything, and new situations arise all the time. Most new owners require ongoing consults and reassurance. I have had families call after years with questions, or to provide me cheerful updates. So before you put the money down ask yourself if you are confident and comfortable with all of the following issues.

What support services does the seller offer? Is the seller in a rush, or willing to spend a few hours with you prior to your purchasing a bird? Does the seller offer you private time to contemplate this purchase, or does the seller hover and attempt to persuade you? How many times will you be able to visit your new bird before it is ready to come home? Will you have the sellers’ undivided attention while you visit? If for some unforeseen reason you cannot follow through with your commitment to this bird, will the seller refund your money and be appreciative of your honesty? What is the service charge (non- refundable deposit) should this happen? What if the bird has a congenital defect that could encumber its quality of life and/or longevity, or a non-treatable disease? If it does, will you have a choice of exchanging your bird for another of the same species and age, or a full money back guarantee? Has the bird been vet checked, or will an avian qualified veterinarian check it before you bring it home? Will you have the appropriate paperwork that coincides with this bird’s checkup? Is the bird guaranteed to be free of any illnesses, and/or will the seller be responsible for treatment of and all costs involved if the bird has a treatable condition? If an illness is present, will seller follow up with a visit to the vet to be certain the bird is restored to health prior to releasing the bird to your care?  Is the location clean and organized or cluttered and filthy? What foods will the bird be weaned to? How does the seller socialize these baby birds? Is the sellers’ time spread to thin to dedicate enough time to each individual bird? Do the baby birds shy away from human contact or welcome it? Will the seller assist you in choosing a cage and bird toys, even if you chose another company for these purchases? Can you set your cage up at the sellers’ location, to acclimate the bird to it, prior to being relocated to your home?

Contracts can be amended or revised to suit the buyers’ requests. As long as the seller dates and initials each revision or amendment to the original contract and provides you a signed copy, it is legally binding. It is standard for bird sellers to provide only three days (72 hours) for the buyer to have their bird seen by a veterinarian, or the health guarantee may become void. When you bring your new bird to your veterinarian, bring any information the seller provided you, and have as many tests done as your veterinarian recommends. This may be the only way to determine if the bird is completely healthy. Any delay in veterinarian testing, may nullify the health guarantee provided by the seller.

Many different services are made available by professional hand-feeders, bird breeders and reputable independently owned pet shops. The above expectations are not unreasonable and should not be treated as so by the seller. If you detect any reluctance then move on. Sharing your life with a bird is a lengthy and oftentimes a lifelong commitment. Comparatively, the seller is only dedicating a minuscule amount of time with you and your new bird. Be certain this brief time is quality time.

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