Buffalo Parrot

Every Parrot owner should have some type of first-aid kit for their birds.  Below is a list of some things you should have in your kit.

 
-Hydrogen peroxide (in weak solution)

-Cotton Balls

-Cotton Swabs (Q-Tips)

-Styptic Powder (for bleeding toenails)

-Antibiotic Ointment (non greasy)

-Eye Wash

-Scissors

-Alcohol Pads (for health tools)

-Vets Phone-number

-Baking Flour and Corn Starch (for skin bleeding)

-Sanitary Wipes

-Pedialyte

-Tweezers

-Needle Nosed Pliers

-Gauze and Bandages

-Syringe (no needle)

-Small towels

-Nail Clippers

-Aloe Vera (For Burns, all natural)

BIRD HOTLINE

P.O. BOX 1411

SEDONA, AZ 86339-1411

E-MAIL: birdhotline@birdhotline.com

http://www.birdhotline.com/ 

This is the first step in keeping your Parrots healthy & happy.  Make sure perches are kept clean to prevent feet and eye infections.  Frequent baths via misting or other methods will help keep your Parrots preening & there feather & skin healthy.  Adding mineral blocks, cuttlebone and beak conditioning blocks are great at keeping a Parrots beak in good condition.  Cement perches are good for the feet and help to keep nails trim.  Cleaning of water & food bowls are important at keeping harmful bacteria a way.  Always change the newspapers or any other substances(bottom of cage)used daily.  If left for long periods this can breed bacteria & mold/fungus.  Make sure toys are free from droppings & disinfected periodically.

• Wash food and water bowls daily with vinegar and or GSE and hot water.
• Have a good air filter in your Parrot room, esp if you live in a cold winter climate.
• Give Parrots frequent baths.
• Clean perches, toys, etc once or twice weekly with Poop Off, Hot water, and or Vinegar, and or GSE.  Use a plain scrub pad to assist you.
• Change the bottom of the cage daily.  Newspaper is just fine for this.
• Clean cage bottoms, bars, etc once weekly.  You can use Poop Off, vinegar, GSE and Hot water.  A small scrub brush is good for this.
• Make sure the floor in your Parrots room is cleaned of dust, food droppings, etc
• Always inspect toys, perches, etc for any defects or damage caused by ware & tare.
  
• Make sure your Parrot has clean fresh water at all times.  If there is food or poop droppings in the water, change it for fresh.
• Make sure your Parrot always has fresh food that is free from poop droppings.
  

INJURIES: Flying accidents, Falls and in house, accidents with other pets, being stepped on, Open containers/toilets filled with water, Hot cooking pans & Utensils, Electrical cords, Curtain strings, Toxic objects, open windows, Etc.  Bird proofing your home is important.

OBESITY: Non-active birds are prone to this.  Obesity can cause many complications in your Parrot.  A balanced healthy diet with few seeds can help.  Also make sure your Parrot gets plenty of exercise.  A large cage and plenty of toys can help add exercise.  Adding a play gym is also a great alternative.

NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS: Again, too many seed and not enough variety of fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, grains and pellets can bring this on.  Common Vitamin Deficiencies are Vit A, Vit D3, Calcium, and sometimes Protein.

FEATHER PLUCKING: This issue can be caused by many different things.  Parasites, bad wing trimming, behavioral problems, sudden & traumatic changes in there environment, Metabolic Disease, Inflamed Feather Follicles, nutritional disorders and Infectious Disease.

VIRAL DISEASES: There are many viral diseases out there, and some will be covered later on. Good overall health is a good first step for fighting these.  Quarantine all new flock members in a different room for about a month & a half.

REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS: Depleted vital nutrients in females, especially Calcium, can be common. Also, egg binding can happen. The female is unable to pass the egg and it gets stuck. This can be a serious medical condition. Upping Calcium, Vitamin D3 and Protein in the breeding female's diet can help with these problems.  If you do not wish your parrots to breed don't provide any nesting materials or places.

PSITTACOSIS: This is caused by a primitive bacterium and has many symptoms. Again, this will be covered in more detail later on this page. This is also contagious to humans, but more so in people with weakened immune systems. 

BACTERIAL INFECTIONS: Uncleaned water bowls, food bowls and spoiled food can result in infections. If you notice bird droppings in your Parrot's water bowl clean it immediately. This will also be covered more later on.  Make sure you have a good cleaning routine for there cage & everything inside it.

TOXINS: There are many products we use in our home that can be toxic to Parrots. You can visit our "Things to not have around" page for a good list of toxins.  Bird proof your home or the room your Parrot will be in.

YEAST INFECTIONS: The organism, candida albicans, commonly affects Parrots with Vitamin A deficiency. It can also occur if your bird has been on antibiotics for a long time.  Probiotics can help with this.

SEIZURES:  Also known as convulsions.  Prolonged problems with this can be life threatening.  A full exam is recommended.  It is suggested that a seizure lasting more than one minute is a trip to the vet!  Gently capture and restrain your bird in a towel and transport it into a small and warm enclosure.

APPETITE LOSS: If your Parrot is not eating much, especially his favorite foods, it could mean a sign of illness.  A few days of this should mean a Vet visit!

OVER-SLEEPING: If your Parrot is sleeping too much, this could be an illness. Sleeping on the bottom of his cage or sleeping a lot during the day are good indicators.

LETHARGY: If you Parrot is not moving around, and can't hold its head up, there is something wrong and a vet visit is a must.

DRAINAGE: Drainage/Discharge of the vent, eyes or nares are warning signs.

SOILED VENT: If the vent of your Parrot is covered in fecal matter there usually is a problem.

ABNORMAL DROPPINGS: Normal Parrot droppings are green with clear liquid and white over the green. If there has been no significant change in diet here are some signs:
If there is a pungent odor or the droppings have a DARK green, yellow, red, or black this is abnormal. Some foods like beets and berries can change the color of droppings. Droppings having a lot of liquid in them(Diarrhea or Polyuria) is also a concern.

TWO-FOOT SLEEPING: A healthy Parrot usually sleeps on one foot. Sleeping on two feet could mean that there is an illness.

FLUFFING: A Parrot will have a fluffed up appearance when chilled. This is its normal way of warming himself. A Parrot that does this for long periods could mean he is fighting off an illness or the room he is in is too cold. Check the thermostat to see if it might be too cold.

BEHAVIOR CHANGING:  Any change in your Parrots personality, Appetite, or habits should be taken seriously and closely observed.  A cranky Parrot that's not behaving normally or lethargic should be a call to your vet.  This could also mean hormonal changes or molting stress.  If you see little white pins "pin feathers" sticking out of the feathers, it is most likely molting stress.  This is normal and can last 2 weeks to 3 months.

HEAVY BREATHING: If your Parrot is breathing heavy or rapid, it could be over-heated or suffering from a Respiratory illness. If your Parrot's tail is bobbing while he is sitting, this is a sign of labored breathing.  Go to your vets ASAP!

VOMITING:  This is different than regurgitating.  Excessive amounts and a shaking (Head) from side to side are the warning signs.  This is serious and should be a quick trip to the Vet. 

ABDOMINAL SWELLING:  This is usually a sign of a serious illness.  If you notice this take your Parrot to an Avian vet ASAP!

BACTERIAL INFECTIONS: Parrot Fever (Psittacosis) also known as chlamydiosis is transmitted through secretions and droppings.  It can be transmitted to human infants and those with a weakened immune system.  This infection if caught early is highly treatable.  The symptoms are nasal discharge, yellowy droppings and listlessness.

Mycobacterium avium is transmitted through uncleaned cages, water and food.  It also can be transmitted to humans.  Symptoms include digestive problems and loss of weight.

DIABETES:  This disease is fatal.  When diagnosed the Parrot is usually put down.  Symptoms are increased thirst and appetite, excessive urination, and weight loss.  A blood glucose test is done for diagnosing this.  

VIRAL INFECTIONS: Polyomavirus occurs commonly in breeding birds.  Disease may follow a period of stress.  Many birds housed together are also susceptible.  A vaccine is available as there is no treatment.  An avian vet can provide this vaccine.

Pacheco's Disease is a highly contagious disease.  Use caution whenever bringing a bird home.  Some birds carry the disease without clinical signs.  This disease is fatal and quick at that!

Psitticine beak and feather disease is spread communicably.  This terminal diseases symptoms are abnormal feather growth, beak lesions, abnormal feather coloration and feather loss.  It also causes deterioration of the immune system and anemia.

Proventricular Dilation Syndrome causes maldigestion, weight loss and neurologic signs.  This is a fatal viral disease.  An early x-ray may be the only way of knowing if a Parrot has this.

FATTY TUMORS: Fatty tumors that lie beneath the skin are the most common neoplasms of birds.  These benign tumors are composed of mature fat cells.  They generally occur in overweight birds and are most commonly seen in Budgerigars, Galahs (Rose Breasted Cockatoos) and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos.  The main causes of these Tumors are obesity, hypothyroidism and genetic factors.  Pain and discomfort can be associated with these Tumors which can lead to the birds picking at themselves (self mutilate) and possibly resulting in bleeding and infection that can become a life threatening situation. Treatment includes..

• Introducing a low fat diet (lower seed/nut content, etc).
• Balance nutrition (Low Fat, Low Seed, Focus on Fruits & Veggies, Greens & SPROUTED Seeds)
• Use an Iodine supplement to stimulate the thyroid gland and metabolism of fatty tissues.
• Stimulate exercise twice daily to help with weight and fat reduction.
• A complete check up and plan by an avian vet.

PARASITES: The Red mite is very communicable.  Symptoms include feather picking, discomfort, itching and even feather bleeding.  Only treat this with a Veterinarians assistance.

Giardia is transmitted through contaminated food and water.  Symptoms are weight loss, itching and problems digesting food.

Roundworms have a complex life cycle and are difficult to get rid of.  Testing on your first vet visit should be the only time you have to deal with them.

FUNGAL INFECTIONS: Aspergillosis is a fungal infection that is deadly and causes respiratory problems.  It is most often caused by bad living conditions, stress and a diet lacking in Vitamin A.  Black hairy mold in or around your Parrots cage or food could be an indicator.  Remove and disinfect immediately.  Symptoms include wheezing, gasping, weight loss and vocalization changes.

Yeast Infection/candidasis is caused when your Parrot is undernourished or being treated with antibiotics.  Symptoms are regurgitation, digestive problems, whitish mouth lesions and a sticky substance in the mouth.  A diet with a good amount of Vitamin A and weekly supplements of Probiotics can help prevent this.

NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS: In the wild Parrots are always on the go!  They are constantly looking for food, mating, breeding, socializing and avoiding predators.  A captive Parrot is in a cage much of the time eating.  Obesity is the #1 nutritional disorder.  Too many SEED & not enough activity.  Obesity can cause many problems in a Parrot!  The most common is kidney and liver disease.  Other Nutritional problems are weakened bones, feather plucking, overgrown beaks, yeast infections and poor feather quality.  A balanced diet with a great variety of foods, and exercise via plenty of toys, play gym and out of cage time should prevent this from ever becoming a problem.
                                                                                             

Hypocalcemia:  This most often affects African Grey Parrots and sometime Poicephalus Parrots.  This is caused by a lack of natural sunshine, or full spectrum ultra violet lighting.  Almost all Parrots need this to trigger Vitamin D3 in their preen glands.  Once this is accomplished, the Parrot will absorb the vit D3 while preening itself, thus allowing for the absorbtion of Calcium.  This can become life threatening if left untreated.  Symptoms are unsteadyness on their feet, clumsiness, and could progress to seizures.  A blood test can help detect low blood Calcium.  Exposure to direct sunlight or ultra violet lighting will help prevent this.  If this is not possible, you may need to add Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplements to your Parrots diet.

Polyuria:  This is a production of excess urine that causes a large amount of fluids to be passed with droppings.  Symptoms are loss of appetite and thirst.  Maintain a large amount of fluids and get full testing from an avian vet.  This can also be a guide for excessive Diarrhea.

CROP STASIS:   This is when food is consumed but does not pass through at the normal rate through the digestive tract.  This can cause swelling at the base of the neck and can be life threatening. Some Parrots may regurgitate or Vomit the built up food.

CHEMICAL/PRESERVATIVE INTOXICATION:  Many chemicals and preservatives can be very harmful and even kill Parrots.  A rule of thumb is when purchasing any food product for your Parrot it should have none or natural preservatives such as Vitamin E.  Sulfur/Sulfites are commonly used in many dried/dehydrated fruits and veggies Parrots receive.  This can cause behavioral changes in your Parrot including Aggression and Feather plucking.  Mold can also be very dangerous to a Parrot and sometimes nut especially peanuts can contain this.  Mold can contain aflatoxins that can be very harmful and even cause death.  It is best to avoid nuts in their shell and to buy only human grade.  Teflon is also a common killer of Parrots and is present in non stick cookware, self cleaning ovens etc.  When heated the chimicals become airborn and when inhaled can cause sickness and even death.  

EGG BINDING:  This is a very serious condition that can affect female Parrots at breeding age.  Cockatiels, Lovebirds, and Budgies are most prone to this.  This condition is when the egg cannot pass and is stuck inside the bird.  Various reasons can cause this such as chronic egg laying and lack of Calcium.  Symptoms of this include heavy breathing, fluffed up feathers, lack of droppings(poop), lethargy, over sleeping, lack of appetite, and abdominal distention.  If you see any of these symptoms in your Parrot you need to make an emergency visit to an Avian Vet! 

Here we will give a basic run down on common injuries.

Beak Injuries/Fractures:   This can happen from a bite from another Parrot, animal or a collision.  You will want to put your parrot into a small dark warm enclosure to prevent him from using the beak.  Then immediatly take him to your vet or animal hospital.

Burns:  Your parrot flying into a pot of boiling water, frying pan, light bulbs, heat lamps could cause serious burns.  Burns can be very life threatening for your parrot.  If you see your Parrot come in contact with a hot surface immediatly remove him from the source and place the burned area under cool tap water for about 1 minute.  Mist your Parrots feathers with water and wet the feet with cool water until it stops panting.  Take your parrot to a vet ASAP!

Leg Fractures:  Symptoms of this are limping and or favoring the injured leg.  Place your Parrot in a small dark enclosure with nothing in it except a towel for padding.  Take your Parrot for Vet care ASAP!

Wing Fractures:  You can basically refer to Leg fracture if this were to occure.  Towel your parrot while transporting him into the small dark towel padded enclosure and take to the Vet.  Both of these actions will help him to not flex his wings prior to getting to the vet.

Bird Keepers Lung:  This is a very serious Disease, that will usually involve the rehoming of the owners Parrots.  It is caused by the inhaling of feather dust that the victim has become allergic to.  It is caused by the inhaling of this dust into the air sacs in the lungs, and the lungs become inflamed.  Continued exposure to this can lead to fluid in the lungs, and worse, Scar tissue!  If you own Parrots, or birds and start having lung problems, we suggest an immediate check up with your MD.  Make sure to tell him that you own Parrots/Birds.  If diagnosed you will need to rehome your Parrots, and have your home, duct work, etc professionally cleaned.  Ignoring this disease and continued exposure can ultimately lead to a painful death.  Cockatoos, African Grey Parrots, and Cockatiels have a dust that is produced from their feathers.  Owning any of these Parrots, especially in large numbers can increase your chances of obtaining this disease, or even causing respiratory problems with other Parrots you may own..

Parrot Fever:  This is a Bacterial infection that can be passed from Parrot to Human.  It is most common with infants and those with weakened immune systems.  The symptoms include resperatory problems and flu like symptoms.  This is not that common, but if you experience any of these symptoms, let your MD know that you do have a Parrot.

Bird Allergies:  Some people are allergic to Parrots or may become allergic to them.  People that own Cockatoos, Cockatiels, or African Grey Parrots are more at risk, as these Parrots have a Powdery residue on their feathers.  If you have bad allergies, think twice about owning a Parrot.  Get some testing done to be sure.  HEPA filters and good cleaning in and around your Parrots cage can help prevent this.  Symptoms are watery eyes, itchy throat, itchy skin, asthma, sneezing, and a runny nose.

If you own a very expensive Parrot, many Parrots, or a Parrot that is often ill you may want to consider Pet Insureance.                      http://petinsurance.com/