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Caring For Your Pet Bird

At Feather & Fur Animal Hospital, care of our avian friends is a priority.  Proper care of our feathered family members can sometimes be more complicated than caring for your furry family members.  Birds have complex and special needs when it comes to their nutrition and environment. 

Annual Examination

     Our doctors recommend that you bring your pet bird in to see us once a year for their regular wellness care exam.  During these exams we:
  • Assess their weight.
  • Evaluate their diet.
  • Examine the condition of their feathers.
  •  Check for any significant health issues.
  • Discuss additional diagnostic testing such as blood work, gram stains, and x-rays that can aid us in evaluating the overall health of your feathered pet..
  • We can always help you trim those wings and nails even if your loved one isn't too cooperative. 

Avian Nutrition

     Nutrition is an extremely important component of avian health.  Most pet birds are fed seed-based diets, which are improper diets.   
     Seed diets are not as balanced as they claim to be and are equivalent to fast food diets in humans.  Seed-based diets:
  • lead to vitamin A deficiency 
  • cause obesity
  • can cause liver disease
  • can cause egg laying problems
  • contribute to poor coat

We strongly recommend the following:
  • 60 to 70% of their diet consists of a quality, commercial, pellet-based food.
  • The remaining 30-40% of their diet consists of fresh vegetables and some fruit.
  • They can be fed a small amount of some healthy human foods such as pastas, grains, and beans.  
  • Seeds should be a treat rather than a staple.

Foraging

​     Foraging is another activity that can be used to enhance your bird’s life as it helps mimic a more natural lifestyle for your bird.
 
     In the wild, a large amount of a bird's time is spent looking for food.  However, in captivity, many birds spend most of their day sitting in front of a bowl of food.

     An easy way to help simulate foraging is to take them to a special area where you have hidden their favorite foods.  Then allow them to spend some time finding the foods on their own.