Pet Birds
Feeding pet birds the right foods is important for their health. A balanced diet based on sound bird nutrition recommendations is the key. Balancing a parrot’s diet from the beginning may prevent many health and behavior problems.
Bird Flu has infected several pet birds in Europe and Asia. Since it is an avian flu, if exposed, pet birds catch the disease much more readily than dogs or cats. Information is rapidly streaming in from many sources around the world as Bird Flu, H5N1 continues to spread.
There are more than 8000 species of birds alive today. There will probably never be an ideal diet for all bird species. However, for the average pet bird owner a general knowledge about basic nutritional concepts and feeding can be of benefit when decisions have to be made.
Very few caged pet birds have been found infected World Wide. At this point, the risk to most pets appears low IF proper precautions are taken.
There are many variables which can influence and even override the natural tendencies in parrots. With hand-fed babies, early socialization can have a tremendous impact on whether a parrot will have quality pet potential. Socialization is not just the number of birds or people the young bird relates to in its early development.
The pet birds in both of these reports were traced to a distributor in Mississippi. Although the distributor shipped birds of both species to each of the associated pet stores in Massachusetts and Tennessee on February 13, the stores were unable to determine the exact shipment date of the infected birds. A Veterinary Health Certificate is required for all pet birds imported into the United States.
One of the keys to a healthy bird is good cage keeping. Keep your bird’s cage clean by lining the slide-out bottom of its cage with newspaper (black and white only; colored ink can be toxic). Replace this lining every day.
A caged pet bird will probably not directly spread the disease to other birds outside the house in normal situations, but may be capable of spreading it to dogs and cats in the house which may then continue to spread the virus.
This is just a sampling of symptoms to look for in a sick bird but if your pet bird displays any of these signs it should see an avian veterinarian immediately. An avian veterinarian is someone who is experienced with birds. Many veterinarians will not see birds so call around until you find one.
This bird is in the parrot family and they have been kept as pets for over 400 years. There are nine species in all and they are native to Africa. Use the boxes below to add a lost or found pet bird or parrot to the map.
Continue to learn more about bird abuse and the pet bird industry. Ask local shelters and animal protection groups to include birds in their educational literature.
PELLETTED FOODS – There are a variety of pelletted foods now available for pet birds. As our knowledge of proper pet bird nutrition improves these diets become more nutritionally sound. Some companies have diets designed for the various species of pet birds.
Birds should be allowed out of their cages to fly around the house or to craw around the outside of their cage. When allowing your bird out of its cage make sure all windows are closed. Screens are essential for windows and doors.
One of the biggest problems bird owners have with their pets is the tendency birds have to bite. Birds bite for a variety of reasons, which makes breaking this bad habit a bit of a challenge. Luckily, it is often possible to stop birds from biting.
Small bird species, such as budgies, canaries, and finches, make wonderful pets for those who live in apartments or condominiums with limited space. While larger pets require extra room to romp and play, a small bird’s cage can easily fit into a cozier living space.
Pet birds are not likely to be a threat and there is a ban on importing birds to the United States from countries where the bird flu has been found so it is unlikely that an infected pet can be purchased from a reputable pet store in the U.S.
You may want to check out my other guide on: Pet Supplies Fish and Dogs Puppies for Sale.
adlabors
Blog Directory
Globe of Blogs
LS Blogs
My Zimbio