Temperature
A healthy bird can tolerate temperatures that are comfortable to its owner. Sudden changes in temperature may be a potential threat to a sick bird.
Humidity
Pet birds can adapt to a wide range of humidity levels, although bird’s native to subtropical climates may benefit from occasional increased humidity.
Light and Fresh Air
Opportunities for supervised access to fresh air and direct sunlight (not filtered through glass or plastic) appear to be beneficial, as long as shade is available.
Hygiene is probably one of the most important things to consider when owning a bird. A daily cleaning of the cage floor, perches, bowls and toys help prevent problems. A weekly clean of the cage, wiping down the bars and all accessories also help minimise diseases and will keep your bird in good health. When cleaning the cage not all normal disinfectants are safe so its highly important you purchase a bird safe disinfectant and follow the instructions. F10 is a highly recommended bird safe disinfectant. The johnson's clean 'n' safe is also an approved cleaner.
Birds themselves are self cleaning animals but adding bird baths (minimal water) to the cage or misting with a spray bottle all aid with the condition especially whilst moulting, it also gives the added advantage of keeping feather dust at bay.
Sickness & mite can be fatal in birds if left untreated. First and foremost we recommend seeking help and advice from an avian vet. There are many things that you could do and products that are on the market to treat and prevent mites and illness. A few trusted favourites that I personally use, but please seek vet advice before use include S76 or moxidectin, both act against mites, worms, scaly face and all sorts of mite infestations. By adding this to there drinking or bath waters, it works both internally & externally. This means faster results which are more effective than using spot on treatments.
Most sick birds tend to fluff their feathers and often sleep with their head turned over their shoulder. These symptoms can be caused by hundreds of different illnesses. This isn’t much help for diagnosis but it is usually the first sign of illness. You will get to know your bird/birds routine and the first sign of something out of the ordinary is the time to act. Birds are experts in masking there illness due to there nature so time is vital. Our usual recommendation is to separate the sick birds if possible and put them into a warm environment. Products like Guardian Angel are brilliant for helping treat sick or stressed birds whilst seeking avian vet advice. This product will provide energy, help maintain the birds water balance, provide support for the digestive system and give the immune system a boost.
Supports the immune system which fight invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Supports the digestive system (pre and probiotics).
Contains electrolytes to help with dehydration risks.
Provides long lasting energy to help birds who are feeling off their food.
Ideal for use after using antibiotics.
Suitable for all cage and aviary birds including pigeons and poultry.
In water: 20g per litre or 1 level tsp per 150mls or 4 pinches per 50 mls.
**Any sick bird needs to be kept much warmer than usual**
Our best advice to keep your bird in top condition and health.
Nail's & Beak condition - Keeping an eye on the birds nail length is important, not only for the fact that sharp nails can become uncomfortable for owners but equally for the bird too. Unkept nails can affect perching. The best way of staying on top of this would be to add perching such as concrete, stone and shell. The beak is also very important to maintain, birds generally do this themselves and will use the perches listed above to help this. Clipping of nails is also an option but this should be done by a recommended bird handler or vet.
Feather condition - The best way to keep feathers bright, shiny and healthy is too give the bird regular misting. We recommend on doing this with warm clean water and in the morning so the bird has all day to dry. Some birds will use a bird bath and larger birds preferring the shower. However constant supervision with these is recommended to prevent drowning. Regular misting will also help the dust and keeping feathers in pristine condition. Another thing to note, feather condition can be affected if the birds are not on a good diet so it's important to feed a good quality seed, fresh fruit & veg. Birds moult regularly, this is completely normal but there are things you can do to help the process. Things such as misting, keeping warm and adding daily vitamins onto soft food.
Leg rings - Birds are rung with closed rings and split rings. A Closed ring is added at birth, when the chick is between 5-8 days old. A split ring can be added at any age. Closed rung rings hold information unique to the breeder, hatch number and hatch year. (It does not contain there date of birth.) Split rings can hold any details but is literally only an ID ring. Either can be removed, if desired. They are however made by legitimate companies that specialise in bird rings. Many breeders use them for the birds own identity. They should be checked regularly for accumulation of dirt or wounds beneath the band, or swelling above or below the band.
Wing clipping - Wing clipping should be considered carefully. Seeking professional advice is what we would recommend. Things to consider with wing clipping is that it is not a reversable process. Flight feathers are taken, therefore having to wait for the bird to moult and grow them back. This process can take up to 6-8 months. Wing clipping should be done on both wings and you would expect flight to be reduced but not completely flightless. This information is purely for advice and if wing clipping is what you're considering then you should be seeking veterinary advice.
Clipping is usually done for the following reasons. Taming and training.
Safety in the home & preventing injury. (Ceiling fans, windows, mirrors)
