Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Parrots that pair up well, mate, hatch eggs and feed their chicks are every bird-breeders dream. However, some such birds present us with a frustrating situation – just as the chicks begin to grow feathers, one or both of the otherwise doting parents begin to pluck at their chicks’ feathers. Bleeding [...]
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. In caring for birds at home and in zoos, I have found that having emergency care items on hand has often prevented minor mishaps from turning into disasters. Supplements that aid in preventative health care are also essential. Today I have assembled a list of products that parallel those used in public [...]
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Swollen areas and assorted growths are regularly seen on the otherwise hearty budgerigars (parakeets) and, less commonly, on other parrots, finches and softbills. Ranging from harmless to quite serious, these typically arise from trauma, abscesses, tumors, ruptured air sacs, hernias, cysts or egg-binding, but other -less obvious maladies may also be [...]
Hello, Frank here.
The possibility of a flea or mite infestation in one’s home is a very troubling concern…pet-owners’ fears about this have been the source of many distressed calls for assistance that I have received over the years. The good news for bird keepers is that external parasites are not all that common among our [...]
Avian Medical Emergencies: What to do if Your Pet Bird Receives a Burn Injury
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Birds at large in our homes, especially the ever-curious parrots, are at risk for burn injuries. If this happens, calm, quick and medically-appropriate action is absolutely essential if your pet is to survive.
First Step: First Aid
Areas burned [...]
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Overly-dry indoor air is a common throughout much of the US, particularly in the colder months when naturally arid air and house-heating systems are both at work. Bird and human skin can suffer as a result. Daily misting of your pets can help, but in some cases it might be wise to [...]
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
All too many birds are difficult to breed in captivity, but the opposite problem – chronic egg laying – is common to some popular species as well. It is most often seen in cockatiels and budgerigars, but is by no means limited to them.
Health Risks
A hen that produces multiple clutches on a [...]
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Cloacal prolapse can occur in any bird species (as well as in reptiles and amphibians) and is evidenced by moist or dried tissue protruding from the vent. It is frequently associated with egg-laying, and may occur before, during or after the process. A calcium deficiency is usually at the root of the [...]
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
The presence of whole, undigested seeds in a parrot’s stool is cause for concern. It is usually associated with hyper-motility of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract — in other words, food is passing too quickly through the system, and digestion is not taking place. The problem usually centers in the glandular stomach (proventriculus) [...]
Pet birds of all types can benefit from the branches, leaves and stems of wild plants and trees. Stripping bark, chewing wood and searching the leaves for hidden treats is very good for their well-being. In fact, I have long provided cut native browse to captives ranging from ants to ostriches to elephants, and most [...]
