Ideally, bird owners should take their pet birds to the vet at least once a year for checkup. In some cases, emergency vet visits may be necessary. In this video, Dr. Laurie Hess talks about some common bird behaviors or actions that may require a veterinarian’s attention. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8upVvk5ufO0 Watch When To Take Your Pet Bird …
What do I do if my bird is plucking out feathers? Is over-preening a sign that my bird is sick or unhappy? Preening feathers is a normal bird behavior. Molting is normal. However, aggressively picking feathers to the point that the bird has bare spots or uneven plumage is cause for concern. Our avian expert, …
In the midst of this health crisis, our lives have been turned inside out, and we are all just trying to maintain normalcy. Given the craziness we are all experiencing right now, our pets are a source of comfort for us, but we fear for their health, as well as for our own. I am …
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) In veterinary school, most students receive very little training in the field of bird care. Therefore, most new graduate veterinarians are ill-equipped to care for this unique species. To truly understand how to provide medical and surgical treatment to birds, veterinarians must complete, at minimum, a …
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) “My bird has never been sick before, so I’ve never needed to bring him to the vet.” This is what I often hear from bird owners when I ask them whether their pets have ever been treated by a veterinarian. In fact, all birds should have …
Alabama Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital 2107 Marlboro StreetHoover AL 35226(205) 823-6002 Auburn University 1010 Wire RdAuburn AL 36832 (334) 844-9966 North Alabama Cat & Bird Veterinary Clinic 1110 Main St EHartselle AL 35640(256) 773-0844 Arizona Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic of Arizona 1911 S Lindsay RdMesa AZ 85204(480) 706-8478 California AEVC (Animal Emergency Medical Center) 3511 …
A pellet contains a balance of all the essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, that seeds lack and that your bird needs to stay healthy. Pellets also are lower in fat than seeds so that they are better for your bird’s liver and cardiovascular system. Why are pellets best for your bird? Pellets …
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Just as people like to choose the foods they eat, birds prefer to pick their own food. By offering food with a variety of colors and shapes, eating becomes more appealing to your bird. The pellet conversion method “Birdie’s Choice” has proven successful for small birds, …
“Birdie’s Choice” Conversion Method: Give Your Bird the Power Read More »
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) There is a misconception among pet bird owners that because wild birds eat seeds, pet birds should. However, this is not the case. A wild bird’s lifestyle is completely different than your pet bird’s, and that must be taken into consideration for your pet bird’s best interest. …
Facing the Facts: Companion Birds Don’t Need Seeds Read More »
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Converting your bird from an unhealthy, high-fat, all-seed diet to a nutritionally balanced and complete pelleted bird food diet can be stressful – not only for the bird, but also for you. Birds are creatures of habit who often prefer sticking to what they’re used to, rather than …
“Slow and Steady” Bird Diet Conversion: Switching Foods At A Gradual Pace Read More »
