| Frequently Asked Questions | |
Yes, we recommend an annual physical exam to ensure your bird's health. Generally, birds do not need vaccinations. The main exception is birds that are taken to bird shows, where they come into contact with many other birds. Since you cannot know how healthy every other bird at a show is, your bird should be vaccinated as a precaution.
We recommend that all new birds be examined by an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will ask you questions about where you acquired the bird, what you are feeding it, if you have other birds, if you have noticed anything that concerns you, and so on in order to help you and your new companion get a good start on a long term relationship. The veterinarian will observe your bird's attitude and energy level, and then perform a thorough physical examination. This may include checking your bird's weight, body condition, eyes, ears, oral cavity, skin, feathers, as well as listening to its heart, air sacs, lungs, and sinuses. Depending on your veterinarian's assessment of your new bird and your level of commitment and investment in a healthy individual or flock, blood work, cultures and/or xrays may be recommended to further ascertain your new friend's health status. We typically advise a Complete Blood Count, a chlamydia titer, and a bacterial culture and sensitivity on all newly acquired birds that appear to be healthy. Sometimes we will advise a biochemical profile, or tests for Polyoma virus or Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease Virus, or Xrays -- it all depends on the age and condition of the bird.
Not necessarily. Healthy birds will molt (exchange feather coats) once or twice a year. Other causes of feather loss include skin disease, poor nutrition, fighting between birds, and feather picking. If there are bald patches or other signs of illness, your bird should see a veterinarian.
Yes, your bird is probably ill and should be seen by a veterinarian. A bird that is unable or unwilling to perch is generally not healthy. Fluffing for long periods of time means the bird is trying to stay warm and often is a sign of illness. Be aware, however that many birds will fluff their feathers from time to time for short periods. This is normal, and should not be a cause for alarm if the fluffing is short and the bird otherwise looks normal and responsive (perching, singing, playing, etc.).
In general, your bird's diet should include as much variety as possible, keeping in mind that you should stay with low fat, low salt foods. Therefore, your bird can share some of your dinner with you. It is probably better if your bird does not eat out of your mouth, however. This is because birds and humans have different kinds of bacteria naturally occuring in their mouths and intestinal tracts. Bacteria that is healthy for you could be harmful to your bird, and vice versa.
It depends. If you have other pets that might attack or play with your bird (dogs or cats), it is probably safer if your bird can fly. The risks of having a flighted bird are that they can fly through open doors and windows and escape; they can be confused by large picture windows and try to fly through them; and they can fly around the house and chew on houseplants, furniture, or window frames. For these reasons, flighted birds should be supervised whenever they are let out of their cages.
It depends upon what you mean by outside. It is generally not a good idea to take your bird out into the open without a cage or screened in area. Predatory animals can appear suddenly (seemingly out of nowhere) and startle or attack your bird. With or without such an animal, a bird that has never flown before can suddenly be 30 feet up in a tree, with little hope of coaxing it down. On the other hand, many birds benefit from the fresh air and sunshine available outside. It is safest to keep your birds "outside" on a screened in porch (where cats and birds of prey cannot get in) and inside a cage (because psitticines can easily cut through screening materials). Many birds are very happy to spend the warm days of summer in such an arrangement.
This is generally not a good idea, as many houseplants can be poisonous.
Although it seems obvious when written out this way, you have a female bird. It is often difficult to determine the sex of your bird by looking at it.
This really depends upon the particular bird and how fast the nails grow. Some birds will tolerate you filing their nails in-between trims with an emory board or nail file. Cement perches are available in pet stores and may help keep your bird's nails worn; however, the hard, rough surfaces of these perches can also harm your bird's feet (which they spend their entire lives on). If you try these perches: (1) make sure that they are they correct diameter for your bird's feet; (2) Do not make them the only perch option for your bird to stand on; (3) Position them lower in the cage so that they are less likely to be used during sleep or long resting periods.
