Safety and Health

Dr. Rhoda Stevenson, DVM Dipl Avian

• ​Find a good AVIAN vet. Dog and cat vets are not adequately trained to treat birds. Check www.aav.org for a vet near you. Since birds are prey animals, they don't show signs of illness until they are very sick. Try to visit the vet every year for a routine visit and lab work.
• Keep emergency supplies and a travel carrier on-hand, and make sure bird-sitters know how to call your vet.  Keeping a pillowcase under a chair cushion can make a great emergency carrier if the situation is urgent.

• Invest in a small gram scale and weigh your bird weekly at the same time of day. A sudden weight loss of more than 10% or gradual weight loss over time  could signify a problem.
  
• Optimal feather health relies on access to regular bathing or showers, a quality diet comprised of a wide variety of wholesome foods, and a variety of activities to keep that brilliant bird brain challenged and the body busy.​
• Make sure your bird has access to 10-12 hours of sleep in a quiet area away from the TV and other family activities.
• Be aware of dangers such as ceiling fans, open doors, Teflon pans, chemical sprays, cleaning agents and perfumes, dangerous plants, and other pets.
• Avoid toxic foods such as chocolate, caffeine, sugar, greasy foods, avocado, liquor and all junk food.
• Learn to read your bird’s droppings to help track potential health problems. Avoid using bedding materials like corncob or wood shavings in the cage, which can be sources of harmful bacteria or fungi.​
• See also: Bird Poop and Cleaning Tips

"Avian emergencies: what to do, when, and why" with Currie Carothers, DVM
This video is a recording of a live talk delivered via Zoom on Sept. 20, 2020, hosted by Phoenix Landing Foundation.