Birds

Natural History There are 27 species of these New World parrots found throughout the savannah, palm groves, scrub forest and rainforest of Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean.  These parrots...

Myths and Facts  Disclaimer:  As of this writing, this is the most up-to-date information we have.  This disease is continually being studied and new information on prevention, treatment, and...

Baby starlings and sparrows are a challenge to take care of.  If you happen to find a baby starling or sparrow (or a baby bird in general) and do not know what to do follow the below rules: If the...

Natural History ​These playful little parrots are an ideal companion for apartment dwellers and those that love parrots but can not handle the loud screams of larger ones.  Budgies typically live...

Spanish monks in monasteries on the Canary Islands for started breeding canaries (Serinus canarius­) as far back as 1402.  Today’s canary fanciers pursue a wide range of activities, including...

Chronic egg laying is a very common problem in cockatiels, lovebirds, and budgies; and is seen in other species of pet birds including macaws, cockatoos, amazons, and African greys.   This problem...

University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Athens, Georgia Control of Viruses and Bacteria while Outside the Host The goal of maintaining any bird in captivity, whether it is a single...

Photos and edited by Susan Horton, DVM (Much of this article will also apply to all small Psitticines General Care of Cockatiels) Cockatiels, Nymphicus hollandicus, are small parrots native to most...

Natural History There are 21 species of these crested birds found throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia.  The name cockatoo is believed to mean vice, so named for their powerful curved...

Converting your bird to a pelleted diet is not always quick or easy.  When given free choice most birds will go for the fattier seed diet, especially if that is what they are familiar...

Feather picking can be one of the most frustrating conditions that a bird owner will experience. This condition is also an extreme frustration to the veterinarian because of the complexity of the...

(African Grey Parrots and Other Parrots) Parrots have been kept in captivity for generation as a fashionable home accessory.  Recent generations have kept these feathered mimics for their...

Here are several links to informative videos on how to hand feed Baby birds: Neonate Harrison’s formula feeding First Feeding Video Eyes Still Shut video I will continue posting good videos as I...

Listed below are some nutritious foods for you to incorporate into your family member’s diet.  Nutrition plays a major role in the health and longevity of any animal.  Keep in mind that moderation...

Katy A. Parr, DVM Viral diseases Beak and Feather Disease Beak and Feather Disease is caused by a virus which attacks the beaks and feathers of parrots.  There is no cure for this disease, and it is...

Kenneth Welle, DVM, AVBP (avian) The goals of physical therapy are to minimize the loss of range of motion (ROM), prevent changes in soft tissue flexibility, improve muscular strength, and...

Kristin Claricoates, DVM Animals sometimes eat inappropriate items that may have high levels of lead.  Things found around the house that may be high in lead include paint, linoleum, grease, lead...

Erica Mede, CVT Natural History There are 17 species of these large hook billed parrots found throughout Central and South America rain forest canopies.  The largest macaw is the Hyacinth and the...

Fresh and Natural Mash Diet by Alicia McWatters, M.S. We all want the best for our birds, and nutrition plays a vital role in their health, happiness, reproduction, and longevity. Whether we own...

Thank you to our friend Pat Pecora for these helpful suggestions Written by Carolyn Swicegood Email: Carolyn@landofvos.com Eclectus website: www.landofvos.com ​FOODS that are dangerous to parrots...

by Susan Horton, DVM History First described as Budgerigar fledgling disease in 1981, was called papovavirus It is a nonencapsulated DNA particle Avian polyoma viruses are apparently worldwide, but...

By Kristin Claricoates, DVM  Psittacine beak and feather disease is a contagious circovirus that can have two forms: an acute and a chronic form.  This disease can be passed on from the parents of a...

Kenneth R Welle, DVM, Dipl ABVP-Avian Pharangitis caused by spiral shaped bacteria, herein referred to as psittacine spiroform pharangitis (PSP), and is often found in cockatiels. Clinical signs...

Psittacine aggression is one of the more serious of behavioral problems for pet bird owners. The strong jaws and hooked bill of parrots can inflict serious pain and do substantial damage to the...

Harmful Plants (first source) Amaryllis – bulbs American Yew Avocado Azalea – leaves Balsam Pear – seeds, outer rind of fruit Baneberry – berries, root Bird of Paradise – seeds Black Locust – bark,...

by Pat Pecora Weaning is a gradual process in which babies learn to eat on their own.  Each baby is an individual so there is no set time table or schedule in which to wean, but rather something...

By E.R. Bennett, DVM Virtually all new-bird owners feed their birds a seed diet (sometimes supplemented with vitamins, minerals, fruits, vegetables, and other table food treats). This diet...

Going Home with a Wing or leg Injury, What You Need to Know  Special precautions should be taken to reduce that chance of further injury. The bird should not be returned to a cage or enclosure which...

What is a wing trim?  A wing trim involves cutting one to a few feathers from each wing to decrease your bird’s flight potential. It is not a way to completely stop your bird from flying. What can I...

by  Susan Horton, DVM A Lecture From Dr. Horton On Reproductive Female Psitticines The Reproductive Female Introduction Today’s talk will lightly cover the basic female avian anatomy, then discuss...

Kristin Claricoates, DVM  Zinc is required in small amounts for an animal to function well.  However animals sometimes eat inappropriate items that may have high levels of Zinc.  Things found around...