Webvet Birds Feed

Webvet Birds Feed http://www.webvet.com/main/index2/id/bird This feed contains articles about Birds en-us Copyright 2009 Webvet, LLC 2009-11-07T11:20-05:00 advertise@webvet.com advertise@webvet.com Birds hourly Animal sex: The scent of a woman http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2262 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2262">Animal sex: The scent of a woman</a><br />  <h4>"I am calling you-ou-ou-ou-ou-ooo!" </h4><p>Whether bringing individuals together from miles away or from right next door, sending and receiving chemical signals is the oldest form of communication on the planet. Whether secreted from skin, tongues, or glands, sexual "pheromones"  -- wafted through the air, suffused in water, or deposited on the ground -- send their distinctive "come hither" message to the opposite sex:"I am ready. Now!" </p> <p>The word ‘pheromone' comes from the Greek<em>, pherin</em>, to transfer, and <em>hormon</em>, to excite or stimulate. While pheromones perform a variety of functions -- like identifying male territory, and warning away rivals -- <em>sexual</em> pheromones are designed to attract and arouse the opposite sex. </p> <h4>How it works</h4> <p>Animals produce hormones. When secreted externally they become pheromones. The "scent" is received by the opposite sex through the ‘vomeronasal organ,' a part of the olfactory system -- the system by which animals smell things and get their brains stimulated. </p> <p>The effects of all this olfactory ‘Morse Code' are as diverse as the animals that employ it, as these examples show: </p> <ul><li>Female pigs become sexually aroused by the sex pheromones in the saliva of male pigs. </li><li>Golden male hamsters are stimulated to mount females after getting a whiff of vaginal pheromones. </li><li>Female goldfish release their pheromones into the water at night, and the males, picking up the scent, find themselves producing sperm for fertilization. The next morning, when the females are ready to spawn, the males enthusiastically make the journey in search of the goldfish beauties with that alluring scent. However, it's a little disconcerting to discover that all the guys in the neighborhood are making the same commute. </li></ul> <h4>That signature scent</h4> <p>Part of the work of sex pheromones is to help members of the same species identify each other, so it won't be a waste of time to have sex. </p> <p>For instance, there are thought to be 150,000 to 250,000 different species of <em>moths,</em> but there is only one particular, chemically correct, sexual pheromone per species. A male silk moth will receive a female's sexual invitation from as far away as seven miles, but he won't bother to waste his time and energy flying over -- making himself vulnerable to predators and competing with all the other males she is beckoning to -- unless the pheromone is from a female of his own kind. When the right call gets the attention of the male's antennae, it's then pretty much irresistible. </p> <h4>How about them red garter snakes?</h4> <p>Nature is never satisfied until a species evolves the best strategy for mating and surviving. So it should come as no surprise that some animal groups will break or bend the pheromone attraction rules.</p> <p>Take the case of the Manitoba red-sided garter snake. Some males mimic the pheromones of the females, thereby tricking other males into trying to have sex with them. Yes, that's right; they become "she-males."</p> <p>Manitoba garter snakes spend the entire winter in the frigid Canadian region between Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg, arriving by the thousands, after slithering their way over miles of rocky terrain. Males and females hibernate together in crevasses as small as six feet wide and sixteen feet deep to keep from freezing to death. When spring arrives, each den disgorges as many as 10,000 snakes. The males are the first to emerge from their winter retreat. When the females finally appear, seething balls of hundreds of male snakes form around one female. These snake balls remain intact, rolling around the rocky terrain until one male has successfully mated with the female.</p> <h4>Trick or treat?</h4> <p>Here's the interesting part. Some mating balls have no female. In that writhing horde of snakes, the only way a male can identify a female is by her pheromones, secreted through her skin. Snakes flick their tongues in and out, picking up chemical cues from the air, and transfer them to a sensory organ in the roof of their mouth.</p> <p>So, why would any self-respecting male garter snake become a she-male? One theory is that this subterfuge keeps the other males from "getting the girl" and passing on their genes. They're all busy mistakenly trying to mate the imposter. </p> <h4>Are we at the mercy of our body chemistry?</h4> <p>Do humans also emit and receive pheromes? Do we "smell" as good as the rest of the animal world? To find out you'll have to read my next Animal Sex blog-"The Scent of a Woman." [LINK to the blog] </p> <h4>Coming Attractions</h4><p> Next up on <em>Birds Do It, Bees Do It</em>, you'll read about a sea creature with a penis that can grip like a hand. "What is tugging on my leg? Oh noooo..." </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; line-height: 200%; vertical-align: baseline"><span class="apple-style-span"></span></p> <br />By Sally Schloss for WebVet By Sally Schloss for WebVet Birds Top 10 signs of sexual frustration in birds http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2089 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2089">Top 10 signs of sexual frustration in birds</a><br /><p>Does your finch seem frustrated? Is your parrot being petulant? Canary acting crazy? If so, it might be raging hormones that are turning your usually tame pet into a feathered beast. Below are the top ten symptoms of sexual frustration in pet birds:</p><ul><li>Screaming. If your once-quiet bird now cranks at decibels similar to a jet engine on takeoff roll, it’s likely frustrated. New toys and other distractions might quell the chaos a bit.</li><li>Biting and aggression. When you dare to walk past the cage, do you hear the “thunk” of an angry bird striking the bars in full attack mode? Do you now buy bandages in the bulk size?  “We can see aggression toward people, other birds, animals, and objects as a manifestation of sexual frustration,” said Dr. Byron J.S. de la Navarre of the Animal House of Chicago.</li><li>Chewing and gathering. Has it been weeks since you’ve used your paper shredder because your parrot now does the job? Feathering a nest is hard work, but apparently those Victoria’s Secret catalogs make luxe linings when properly torn to bits.</li><li>Allofeeding. Humans take a date out to dinner. Birds share their food through the slightly less appealing manner of regurgitation. If your pet is attempting to feed you, the cat, or a favorite toy, he’s trying to be romantic. Conversely, if you hand-feed your bird, that can be stimulating to the bird. Foods that are sexually stimulating fall into two groups: easily digested sugars, such as fruits and corn, and high-fat food, such as seeds, nuts and fried foods.</li><li>Feather plucking or chewing. Feather destruction in birds is a complicated syndrome with many possible causes, and is always best evaluated by a veterinarian. However, if everything checks out fine, it’s possibly a sign of sexual frustration. </li><li>Nesting and incubating. Some birds (male or female) will actually create an imaginary nest and incubate a surrogate egg. Usually this involves dragging a toy or other appropriately sized object into a food dish and sitting on it for hours on end. Removing the object usually doesn’t help because the bird will just find another. Be very cautious about interfering with the “nest,” because your pet will defend it vigorously.</li><li>Masturbation. Yes, birds do it. If your pet attempts to perform a lap dance on your hand every time you pick it up, it is displaying sexual behavior. Do not react with anger or disgust, or the rejected bird might lash out in frustration. On the other hand, do not encourage the bird because you think it’s cute or funny, because it might escalate to biting and aggression.</li><li>Posturing and display. Peacocks aren’t the only birds that strut their stuff when trying to impress a mate. Parrots, especially male Amazons and cockatoos, will stalk around with fanned tails and ruffled neck feathers, grunting and growling in a macho manner. Some male finches perform complicated dances, and male canaries sing their hearts out. Female birds usually crouch down, quiver, and stare directly and longingly at the object of their desire. There are exceptions: Some young or submissive males will act like hens, and some very bold females can out-macho the guys.</li><li>Soliciting and begging. A submissive yet sexual bird will often ask for a “date” (see #4 above) by crouching, quivering, and begging loudly for food or, attention. It’s similar to the behavior shown by chicks begging for food, but in a sexually mature bird it is usually done with a different purpose in mind.</li><li>Egg laying. Female cockatiels are the most likely suspects here, but all female birds can, and occasionally do, lay infertile eggs without the benefit of male companionship. Some hens will attempt to incubate the eggs, while others show surprisingly little interest. It’s best to leave the eggs with the female until she loses interest, because removing them might stimulate her to lay another clutch.</li></ul><p>Another thing to keep in mind is that birds can be sexually stimulated by the length of daylight. After a period of short light (winter), the lengthening day stimulates the hormones of courtship. Birds that exhibit signs of sexual frustration may benefit from shorter light exposure times. </p><p>“It’s always best to have the bird evaluated to make sure there is not any underlying medical condition,” said Dr. de la Navarre. “Then just be patient. The hormonal period is somewhat seasonally related, and with time will subside.”</p><br />By Gayle Soucek for WebVet By Gayle Soucek for WebVet Birds Should you get another bird? http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2088 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2088">Should you get another bird?</a><br /><p>If you're the happy owner of a pet parrot, you've probably pondered the possibility of getting it a cage companion. But are two birds twice as nice or double the trouble? That depends on many factors, say the experts.</p><p>Ask Mina Tweti, the Los Angeles-based author of the newly published "Of Parrots and People'' (Viking, 2008), and she'll tell you that getting another feathered friend for your bird is a usually good idea, provided you choose the second parrot carefully and have the time and temperament to care for two birds properly.</p><p>"Research shows that the single best enrichment for a pet parrot is another parrot,'' Tweti said. "From the moment a parrot hatches in the wild until the day they die, they are typically never out of eyesight or earshot of another parrot, which is why their voices are so loud. They're always surrounded by their flocks, mates and family unit.''</p><p>Kristen L. Nelson, DVM, Veterinary Creative, in Scottsdale, Ariz., agrees that acquiring a companion bird for your pet parrot is a good idea. </p><p>"I believe birds like having other birds around for company,'' Nelson said. "I advise clients to get two birds, although most live in separate cages. If they are of the same species, they may be introduced.''</p><h4>When two's a crowd</h4><p>Not all bird experts agree that pairing a parrot with another is the best decision, however. Dr. Greg J. Harrison, DVM, said that it's "not critical to get a second bird for your first. Hand-raised birds, or those not born in the wild, have a tendency to only want to be with people.''</p><p>If you're going to get a second bird, "it's probably best to give it its own cage,'' Harrison said. "Unless you really want to breed two birds, you probably shouldn't keep them caged as pairs.''</p><p>Harrison said that one of the risks pet owners run is that the first bird, which has probably formed a strong, dependent bond with the owner, will form a stronger bond with a second bird introduced to the cage, resulting in the owner being ignored or even attacked.</p><p>For these and other reasons, Harrison recommends not allowing two birds to share the same cage.</p><h4>Second parrot preconditions</h4><p>Harrison said pet lovers too often rush into a decision to purchase a second companion parrot without weighing the ramifications. </p><p>"Two birds take 'x' amount of time, which usually equates to up to 60 minutes a day that you need to spend separately with each bird giving them independent attention, followed by up to 60 minutes spent playing with them together,'' he said. "People think it's really neat to give their bird a playmate, but then they don't spend the proper amount of time socializing with both birds.''</p><p>The parrot species that are most compatible as pairs, according to Harrison, are small to mid-size birds such as:</p><ul><li>African greys</li><li>Conures</li><li>Small cockatoos</li><li>Senegals</li><li>Pionuses</li><li>Cockatiels </li></ul><p>Parrots with a higher incidence of behavioral problems as pairs include: </p><ul><li>Amazons</li><li>Macaws </li><li>Large cockatoos</li></ul><p>According to Harrison and Nelson, choosing the right second bird is a crucial decision that should factor in the age, size and temperament of your first bird:</p><ul><li>If you have an older first bird, it's wise to get a second one of the opposite sex, as there's less chance of competition.</li><li>If your original parrot is young, aim for a second bird of the same sex. </li><li>If you get opposite sex birds, be prepared for the male and female to bond even if you don't want them to. </li><li>Avoid housing birds of different species together, as the smaller bird is often brutalized by the larger.</li></ul><h4>The great parrot-pairing project</h4><p>Before bringing a second bird home, Nelson said it's important to take it to an avian veterinarian for a physical exam and laboratory testing. To avoid expensive testing or illnesses, do your homework on the source of your new bird. Make sure they have records and veterinary recommendations for common illnesses such as PDD, Circo virus, psittacosis, and polyoma disease. Also consider your new bird's family history. It's best to choose a bird with a family tendency to be great pets with no obsessive and compulsive behavior such as screaming, biting and feather picking.</p><p>Once you bring it home, quarantine the new bird in a separate cage and separate area for 30 to 90 days and work hard at establishing an equal-time relationship with both birds.</p><p>After the quarantining period, "introduce the two birds in stages,'' Nelson said. "Let the birds hear each other first. When they're comfortable, allow them to have visual contact at a distance. Slowly move the cages closer together until they are two feet apart.''</p><p>"Breaking the ice'' between two newly introduced birds takes time, Harrison said. </p><p>"You have to warm them up properly. When you walk into the room, don't pay attention to either bird. Instead, play with a ball or another pet just to break the silence. Don't create a habit where you take them out of the cage right when you walk in, or else they'll selfishly demand your attention. Try to break up your warming up routines by alternating who gets let out of the cage first.''</p><h4>When parrots collide</h4><p>When it's time for a face-to-face parrot meeting:</p><ul><li>Do so in a "neutral'' area such as a playpen, Nelson said. </li><li>Hide food in the area and skip the morning meal. Hopefully, the birds will be more interested in foraging for food than each other.</li><li>Play with your original bird first to get the newer bird used to the fact that playing with people is exciting, Harrison said. </li><li>Next, put the first bird close to you but not on your shoulder. </li><li>Then, play with the newer parrot and alternate attention between the two, giving positive reinforcement. </li><li>Start playing games like rolling a ball on the floor to see how they interact with each other.</li></ul><p>Over time, continue to allow supervised play time in the neutral area, Nelson said. "If no fighting is observed, introduce both birds to a new cage with two separate feeding stations. The new cage should be twice the size of an individual cage so that each bird has their own space.''</p><p>Ultimately, Nelson said, "remember that patience is the key to a successful introduction. This process may take weeks or months to accomplish.''</p><p>"Common sense will tell you if the birds like each other - you'll just know,'' Tweti said. "If they don't it will be really clear.''</p><h4>When all else fails</h4><p>Keep in mind that some birds quickly develop jealousies and aggressive behaviors toward other birds that won't go away, no matter how hard you try to socialize them together, Harrison said. </p><p>"It's possible that your birds will never be compatible. That depends on how well you did your homework and on how strong your first bird has bonded to you,'' he said. </p><p>If it's obvious that the two parrots are not compatible over time, "it's probably in everyone's best interest that you find another home for the second bird,'' Tweti said.</p><br />By Erik J. Martin for WebVet By Erik J. Martin for WebVet Birds The Gabriel Foundation: A home for birds http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2105 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2105">The Gabriel Foundation: A home for birds</a><br /><p>Rhett, Scarlet, and Jade are good parrots. They loved their human “mom,” and never (OK, rarely) misbehaved. But through no fault of their own, they suddenly found themselves homeless when their owner fell seriously ill and could no longer properly provide for them.</p><p>It’s always heart-wrenching to give up beloved pets, but that decision is even harder when there’s no safe place to relinquish the animal. Traditionally, dog and cat owners have had some options, but fewer choices existed for pet birds -- especially larger parrots that require plenty of space and more experienced owners. These birds often bounce from home to home, sometimes confined to tiny cages, largely ignored, and subsisting on a substandard diet. It’s not that people are intentionally cruel, but caring for a parrot is not as familiar or intuitive as caring for more common household pets, such as dogs and cats.</p><h4>Finding a haven</h4><p>Like Rhett and friends, some birds are victims of a loving and responsible owner’s failing health or finances. Other birds, especially parrots, are bought on a whim by people seeking a trendy pet, and then dumped when the novelty of caring for such a high-maintenance and long-lived creature wears off.</p><p>In 1996, Julie Weiss Murad, an avian behavioral consultant from Colorado, put her talents to work to create the perfect haven for abandoned parrots. She named it “The Gabriel Foundation” to honor the memory of her beloved hyacinth macaw that died at age two from an intestinal blockage.</p><p>Since then, <a href="http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/" target="_blank">The Gabriel Foundation</a> has grown into a world-renowned educational and rescue facility. What makes TGF so unique? “We set the highest standard of care, not just for birds, but for the people who own them,” said Patti Christie, a certified veterinary technician and registered nurse who gave up nursing to work full-time for the foundation. “We work with the veterinary community to provide the care and education needed to keep birds in their homes whenever possible, and to provide potential bird owners all the tools needed for success. Education is our number one commitment.”</p><p>This proactive approach to bird ownership has created many happy endings for pet birds, and garnered the respect of both the veterinary and aviculture communities. The organization, according to its purpose and mission statement, focuses on six aspects of parrot welfare: educational outreach, conservation, rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, and sanctuary.</p><ul><li>Educational outreach includes classes, lectures, printed materials, internships, and a host of other avenues designed to create an awareness of parrot care and conservation. </li><li>Conservation efforts are important not just to protect parrots in their natural habitats, but also to help us better understand our pet birds in captivity. TGF works with the conservation community worldwide and provides both funding and educational assistance.</li><li>Rescue is an important part of TGF’s work in the community. Lost, abandoned, and abused birds are brought to the shelter for evaluation and treatment.</li><li>Rehabilitation of surrendered birds can include veterinary treatment for physical injuries or illnesses, nutritional evaluation and improvement, and behavioral and socialization assistance.</li><li>Adoption is the ultimate goal for birds that have been successfully rehabilitated by the facility. TGF’s staff works closely with prospective owners to ensure that they are committed to providing the specialized care and love required to keep a parrot healthy and happy for life.</li><li>Sanctuary is provided for birds that are not suitable as pets for a variety of reasons, such as chronic illness or disability, or for those birds that simply do not enjoy the company of humans. These parrots are tended by the devoted staff, and they live out their lives with others of their species in the state-of-the-art facilities.</li></ul><p>“Birds tend to get lost in the public perception,” Christie said. “They have long-term needs [due to their long life expectancies] and money is always a struggle. About 85 percent of our relinquished birds come to us with no funding, and often need intense dietary and veterinary intervention.”</p><p>Rhett, Scarlet, and Jade might not understand the sacrifices and struggles these hard-working volunteers suffer on their behalf, but that’s OK. The happy ending that occurs when they settle into new loving homes is reward enough for everyone.</p><br />By Gayle Soucek for WebVet By Gayle Soucek for WebVet Birds Should your pet's diet go 'natural?' http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2110 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2110">Should your pet's diet go 'natural?'</a><br /><p>As you scan the choices in your market's pet food aisle, you've no doubt noticed the labels promoting "natural" foods for dogs and cats. Natural pet foods are popular, according to a survey of 1,090 respondents conducted by Hill's Pet Nutrition, which makes Hill's Nature's Best, a natural product. But the pollsters also found confusion about what the term means.  To complicate your shopping and feeding tasks, veterinarians don't all agree that pets need "natural" formulas.</p><p>First, the survey findings:</p><ul><li>A third of respondents say they feed their pet a natural food, the majority for health reasons, and about half choose the natural food based on ingredients.</li><li>More than half of respondents believe natural pet food is the best option for their pet's health.</li><li>More than half say they <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1582" target="_blank">read the label</a> before buying a pet food, but understanding the label or all of it is difficult for most who do.</li></ul><p>The survey answers trigger several other important questions, such as what constitutes a "natural" pet food and whether it beats out other types.</p><h4>What is a natural pet food?</h4><p>Guidelines for natural pet foods are made by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), says Kurt Gallagher, a spokesperson for the Pet Food Institute in Washington, D.C.  Among other requirements, the use of the term natural in reference to the food product as a whole is acceptable only when all of the ingredients meet the definition. Natural means none of the ingredients are chemically synthesized.</p><p>The association does, however, make an exception when chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals or other trace nutrients are present in an otherwise natural food product if a disclaimer is used that these parts of the food aren't natural. In this case, the label would probably say: "Natural with added vitamins and minerals."</p><p>If only some of the ingredients are natural, look for such labels as "natural cheese flavor."</p><h4>Is natural food a necessity? Three views</h4><p>There's no official policy or advice about natural pet food from the American Veterinary Medical Association, according to spokesperson David Kirkpatrick. Individual vets do have their opinions, however.</p><p>"Natural" means different things to different pet owners, finds Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, professor of veterinary clinical sciences at the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital, Columbus, and diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.  "If they mean raw food, I want to see the recipe," he says. If pet owners are asking about feeding their pets a diet labeled as natural from a commercial manufacturer that has years of experience making pet foods, he says: "Have at it."</p><p>But he adds a caveat: Don't expect health miracles just because your pet is eating "natural" foods. "Natural pet foods are just another kind of pet food made available for people who are interested in those kinds of food," he says. "There's no evidence I am aware of [that] they are any different from the point of view of the health of the animals or that they are any worse."</p><p>However, Heidi Hulon, DVM, a consultant for Hill's Pet Nutrition and a small animal practitioner in Louisville, Ky., sees benefit to natural foods--assuming the food lives up to its label claims as natural.</p><p>If so, she says, "it provides complete and balanced nutrition, and it helps maintain ideal body weight when fed appropriately." Some kinds of natural foods include high levels of antioxidants, which help maintain cellular health, she says, by protecting cells from damage done by unstable molecules known as free radicals.</p><p>In a nutshell: "The natural products are good, provided you know who the manufacturer is and they can confirm that the food follows the AAFCO guidelines," Hulon says.</p><br />By Kathleen Doheny for WebVet By Kathleen Doheny for WebVet Birds Egg binding in pet birds http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2247 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2247">Egg binding in pet birds</a><br />  <p>Egg binding in pet birds is a serious and sometimes fatal condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Egg binding occurs when a female bird cannot pass an egg through her reproductive tract, due to factors such as poor health, age, obesity, or egg malformations. A related but less common condition, dystocia, occurs when the passage of an egg is blocked by an obstruction such as a tumor or a malformed oviduct. In either case, the bird's survival depends greatly on the owner's ability to recognize the problem and react quickly.</p> <p>When Pikachu, a Senegal parrot, suddenly appeared distressed, refused to perch, and stood on the floor of her cage with an oddly wide stance, her owner was concerned that the bird had suffered a stroke. A quick trip to an <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1973" target="_blank" title="Avian veterinarians">avian veterinarian</a> revealed the real problem: a fully formed egg was stuck in the oviduct and was pressing against the nerves that ran to Pikachu's legs. Since Pikachu was a single pet bird that the owners believed was a male, this emergency was doubly surprising. In reality, egg binding is an all too common affliction in companion birds, especially the smaller species such as <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1512" target="_blank" title="Cockatiel information">cockatiels</a>, <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1510" target="_blank" title="Canary information">canaries</a>, <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1830" target="_blank" title="Parakeet information">parakeets</a>, and <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1817" target="_blank" title="Finch information">finches</a>.</p> <p>"We probably see this more commonly in cockatiels and budgies (parakeets) than any other pet birds," said avian veterinarian Scott McDonald, DVM, who travels around the country providing bird health care and sexing services. (Many pet birds are visually monomorphic, which means that the exterior appearance of both the males and females is the same, so gender can only be determined through DNA testing or laparoscopic surgery.) "This is probably because these species are more commonly kept as pets and because of their propensity to lay eggs even without the presence of a mate or nest box," McDonald said.</p> <h4>Risk factors</h4><p>Although egg binding can occur in birds of all ages, the problem is most common in very young or very old hens. It's also more likely to strike pets on a seed-only diet, because seed is deficient in calcium and several crucial vitamins. Calcium is needed not only to properly form the eggshell, but also for many other  bodily functions, including the muscle contractions needed to expel the egg. And finally, environmental factors such as lack of humidity or low ambient temperature can make eggs more difficult to pass.</p> <h4>Symptoms of egg binding</h4> <p>Symptoms of egg binding can vary, but in most cases the bird's discomfort will be obvious. If you notice any of the following, it's time to call your vet:</p> <ul><li>Appears fluffed or lethargic</li><li>Has difficulty perching or remains on cage floor</li><li>Displays lameness or paralysis in one or both legs, or stands with an unusually wide stance.</li><li>Exhibits labored breathing</li><li>Displays frequent tail-wagging, or attempts to lift tail while straining</li><li>Has swollen or distended abdomen or vent area</li><li>Unable to pass droppings, or has droppings pasted around vent area</li></ul> <h4>What to do<br /></h4> <p>Egg binding is always an emergency and can rapidly escalate to kill your pet. There are a few at-home measures that might help, but if your bird doesn't completely pass the egg within an hour or so, bring it to an emergency vet experienced in avian species for immediate treatment. Even if it is able to eventually lay the egg without intervention, schedule a follow-up exam to prevent future problems.</p> <p>At home: Place the bird in a heated environment-about 85-95 degrees F--with high humidity. That can mean a pet carrier placed on top of a heating pad with a wet sponge inside, or it can mean dragging the cage into a closed bathroom while you run a hot shower. If the egg is visible through the bird's vent, you can also dab a little KY Jelly or mineral oil around the vent to help lubricate the passage.</p> <p>At the vet's office: Your vet will first assess the severity of the problem by conducting a physical exam, and possibly taking a radiograph to see where the egg is lodged. In minor cases, injections of calcium and vitamins A, D, E, and the mineral selenium often help the bird to pass the egg. Sometimes human drugs such as oxytocin are used to increase contractions, just as they are used to induce labor in a pregnant woman. In more severe instances, your vet might have to remove the egg surgically and repair any tissue damage. In this case, antibiotics, steroids, and IV fluids might be needed as well.</p> <h4>Prevention and avoiding recurrences</h4> <p>As is the case with any illness, prevention is certainly preferable to treatment. In egg binding, that usually means simply feeding your pet a high-quality diet. Seed mixes alone, even those marketed as "fortified," are woefully inadequate to meet birds' nutritional needs. Consider switching to a formulated diet-commonly called "pellets"-and offer your pet a wide variety of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Ask your vet if additional vitamin supplements are warranted. Birds that have suffered from egg binding once are more prone to future episodes, so be certain to provide sufficient calcium, either in supplements or food items.</p> <p>In Pikachu's case, she was one lucky parrot. She passed the egg with no permanent damage, and her owner revamped her diet to include nutrient-rich fresh foods and pellets. Now when she's on the cage floor, she's down there to romp and tussle with one of her many toys.</p> <p> </p> <br />By Gayle Soucek for WebVet By Gayle Soucek for WebVet Birds Six questions to ask yourself before getting a pet bird http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1433 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1433">Six questions to ask yourself before getting a pet bird</a><br /><p><a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/list?type=Bird%20Breed%20Finder" target="_blank" title="Bird breed finder">Are you considering getting a pet bird? </a>You wouldn’t be alone – approximately 16 million birds live in 6 percent of U.S. households, according to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association.</p><p>Before buying or adopting a pet bird, however, experts recommend asking yourself these aviary-minded questions first to determine if you can wing it as a bird owner.</p><h4><a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1979/med/0" target="_blank" title="What bird breed is best for first time owners?">What’s the best breed for your needs?</a></h4><p>For starters, it’s important to determine what aspect of having a bird is most important to you, said Nancy Peterson, issues specialist with The Humane Society of the United States, based in Washington, D.C.</p><p>“Canaries and finches are known for their song, color and activity,” Peterson said. “A cockatiel may be more suitable if you want a companion bird. If you want a talker, consider a parakeet.”</p><p>Kristin L. Nelson, DVM, of Scottsdale, Ariz., doesn’t recommend birds for children under age six because of potential injury to the bird or to the child.</p><p>“For children age seven to 12, I suggest budgies, cockatiels and lovebirds. Parrots are best reserved for adults and teenagers,” Nelson said.</p><h4>Can you afford all that’s required?</h4><p>Aside from the fee to purchase or adopt a bird, you’ll need to buy a cage as large as you can accommodate, quality food and supplements, supplies and bird toys,<a type="amzn"></a> veterinary care and more, Peterson said. These combined costs can run into hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year, depending on the breed and health of the bird.</p><p>“A well-balanced, optimal diet can be pricey, especially if you want to provide your bird with the best organic and vitamin-rich foods,” said Jennifer Miller, emergency relief responder with International Fund for Animal Welfare, based in Yarmouth Port, Mass.</p><h4>Are you ready to be a responsible caregiver?</h4><p>“Successfully owning a bird takes a lot of patience and a huge amount of commitment, especially for larger birds,” said Alison Minton, a cockatoo owner in New York City. Cages need to be cleaned on a regular basis, and “food and water needs to be refreshed at least once a day,” she said.</p><p><a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2022/med/0" target="_blank" title="Caring for a baby bird">Birds require specialized care</a> and the dedication of a devoted owner who understands the behavioral and physical sensitivities of all bird types, Miller said.</p><p>“Caring for birds can be very different and slightly more challenging than caring for a dog or cat,” Miller said. “By nature, birds are incredibly active and flight driven. Captivity can sometimes alter these behaviors, but instinctively birds tend to demand constant attention, mental stimulation and life-long companionships.”</p><p>That also means providing plenty of out-of-the-cage time if possible, Miller said. “A well-rounded, social, healthy bird needs to roam and interact in the house.”</p><p>What’s more, some birds like macaws, toucans, conures and cockatoos can live 50 years or more and small birds can enjoy a lifespan up to 10 years or longer, Peterson said.</p><p>“A responsible bird owner needs to make sure the bird will always have a caretaker,” even going so far as to make arrangements in a will, Minton said. “Have a backup plan in place, such as a pet trust.”</p><p>Additionally, if you plan on being away from home for extended periods, you’ll need to arrange for a responsible pet-sitter who can provide for at least the bird’s basic needs, Miller said. A great resource for pet sitters is <a href="http://www.sittercity.com/" target="_blank">Sittercity.com</a>, an online platform that connects pet owners with experienced pet sitters and conducts background checks on all pet sitters.</p><h4>Do you have the right home?</h4><p>Evaluate your home and living conditions carefully, Miller said.</p><p>“If you live in a small condo or single-family home and an extra half a room is difficult to come by, choosing a smaller bird may be a better choice because a smaller cage can be easily placed in the bedroom or next to the couch,” Miller said. “An optimal location is inside a quiet room with a good amount of sunlight, a view to an outside environment and sufficient ventilation.”</p><p>Prior to choosing a bird, “determine what the acceptable noise threshold is for your home,” Nelson said. Parrots like to scream on occasion — this is a natural behavior and typically occurs at dawn and dusk. If you, your family or neighbors cannot tolerate noise, focus on small birds. For those in apartments, I recommend finches, budgies, cockatiels or lovebirds.”</p><h4>Can you keep your bird healthy and safe?</h4><p>It’s essential to learn the symptoms of a sick bird and to “<a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1973" target="_blank" title="Finding a vet for your pet bird">find a veterinarian who specializes in avian medicine</a>,” Peterson said. “Birds should also be screened for psittacosis, a contagious bacterial infection, before bringing them into your home.”</p><p>For their own safety, “birds need to be protected from wind, cats, dogs, vandals, the sun and diseases that can be transmitted by wild birds,” Peterson said.</p><p>A bird may not be a good choice if you have other pets that could taunt or scare the animal, Miller said.</p><p>In addition, be prepared to safeguard your pet from common household dangers to birds such as smoke from burning food or overheated ovens, non-stick cookware and tobacco smoke, as well as hairspray, pesticides, household cleaners and other aerosols, Peterson said.</p><h4>Where will you find your bird?</h4><p>“When you purchase a bird from a pet store, you run the risk of supporting ‘bird mills,’" Peterson said. "If you are determined to buy from a breeder, seek out a local breeder and visit to be sure you know what the conditions are.”</p><p>Dr. Greg Harrison, DVM, of West Palm Beach, Fla., supports this idea and said that the best place to get a bird is from a domestic breeder with good references. To help ensure you get a healthy bird, make sure you use a breeder that specializes in the particular breed of interest. Your breeder should be able to recommend a vet, and visa versa, Harrison said. </p><p>Harrison also provided the following characteristics to look for in an ideal breeder:</p><ul><li>Raises small numbers of birds</li><li>Specializes in a few species  </li><li>Does not mix larger parrots with small species, such as cockatiels, lovebirds, and budgerigars</li><li>Selects breeders to maximize ideal pet characteristics</li><li>Sells only weaned, hand-fed parrots</li><li>Sells birds directly to clients, and not through pet stores or bird fairs</li><li>Raises birds on pellets</li></ul><br />By Erik J. Martin for WebVet By Erik J. Martin for WebVet Birds Four things you should know about your vet http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1923 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1923">Four things you should know about your vet</a><br /><p>The treatment your veterinarian and their <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1471/med/0" target="_blank" title="vet technicians">vet technicians</a> provide is worth the price you must pay.  Often you're finishing up with the vet when the receptionist delivers the good news: The bill is ready for you. Now for the bad news: It'll cost you a chunk of change for baby's <em>Bordetella</em> shot and its freshly emptied anal sacs. </p><p>But why should you have to pay so much to help a poor, defenseless (not to mention super cute) creature? After all, if you can't find charity at the vet's office, where can you?</p><p>Ask Georgette Wilson, DVM, manager of vet operations at Pfizer Animal Health in New York City, and she'll tell you that charity is all a matter of perspective. </p><p>"If you're looking for an educated, compassionate, and fair hand in the care and well-being of your animal, chances are your vet's already giving it in droves,'' Wilson said. "Unfortunately, too many people fail to recognize the value vets bring to their pets. We're asked over and over again that, if we love animals so much, why aren't we offering our services for free?''</p><p>To answer that question -- and help you understand why veterinarians are worth their weight in currency -- the following are four things you may not know about them, but should. They just may change the way you think about paying on the way out.</p><h4>#1: They are trained as vigorously as doctors of human medicine. </h4><p>Consider this:</p><ul><li>It takes four years of college and four years of veterinary school to become a vet. Then, students must pass both national and state exams to practice, and take continuing education courses to keep up with new developments.</li><li>It's statistically harder to get into veterinary school than it is to get into a human medical school because of the limited number of vet schools, as compared to medical schools. (There are only 28 vet schools in the United States).</li><li>Vets going into <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2176/med/0" target="_blank" title="Veterinary specialty practice">specialty practice </a>(there are about 20 in veterinary medicine, from cardiology and ophthalmology to behavioral medicine and surgery, etc) go on to do an internship and residency, with each step becoming more competitive. </li></ul><p>"When all is said and done, a vet can have as many as 11 to 12 years of additional training after high school,'' Wilson said. "Most people don't know that.''</p><h4>#2: It's not about the money for vets.</h4><p>While today's veterinarians can make a good living, it's not nearly as much as their counterparts in human medicine. Depending on where they live and their specific field of practice, they can make anywhere from about $35,000 (for equine veterinarians) to $117,000 a year (for laboratory animal veterinarians), according to the most recent estimates. Vets in private practice earn around $50,000, and those in government earn around $70,000. </p><p>"The reward for us is really not about money, because we don't make as much as many people think,'' Wilson said. "It's really about seeing pets get better.''</p><h4>#3: They love science and medicine.</h4><p>"People always say I must love animals to be in veterinary medicine. And I do, but I also love science and medicine," Wilson said. In fact, she and others agree it's the combination of all three that draw people into veterinary practice.</p><p>And that's a good thing, since there's plenty of each involved in treating the broad spectrum of species examined and treated by veterinarians. While human physicians must learn about male and female anatomy and physiology, vets need to understand cats, dogs, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, horses, birds, rodents, rabbits, amphibians, reptiles, and so on. </p><p>Vets also need to know how each species functions and responds to available medications, and have a solid understanding of the basic behaviors, care requirements, diseases and parasites related to each species.</p><h4>#4: They offer value beyond the prescription.</h4><p>Finally, while vets bring their medical skills and knowledge in treating their patients and educating their patient's owners, they also offer the softer side of what it takes to be a communicative, concerned and knowledgeable caregiver - and a great advocate for your pet.</p><p>"Becoming a vet is a lot of hard work and we take seriously our duty to act in the best interests of our client's pets,'' Wilson said. "Even if owners don't like our recommendations or paying for them, we try to help them understand the value of our experience, education, and expertise. I always hope, as all vets do, that at the end of a visit, owners leave feeling good about how we've helped them.''</p><p> </p><p>Rather than skimping on visits to the vet, pet owners should consider <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2109" target="_blank" title="pet insurance overview">pet insurance</a> and <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2070" target="_blank" title="financial aid for pets">other forms of financial assistance.</a> </p><br />By Jill Sherer Murray for WebVet By Jill Sherer Murray for WebVet Birds First feathers: The best bird breeds for beginners http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1979 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1979">First feathers: The best bird breeds for beginners</a><br /><p>When you are thinking of what <a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/list?type=Bird%20Breed%20Finder" target="_blank" title="bird breed directory">type of bird</a> is best for a beginner, start simple. They say you've got to learn to crawl before you can walk. But when it comes to choosing the right pet bird for first-time owners, you've got to start small before you can squawk, say the experts. </p><p>Indeed, if you've never owned a pet bird before or are considering a fine feathered friend for a child, it's probably best to think about <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1433" target="_blank" title="Six questions to ask yourself before getting a pet bird">what type of bird is best suited to your lifestyle</a>.   </p><h4>Pecking order</h4><p>"Historically, the best beginner birds have been cockatiels and budgerigars, which are a kind of parakeet,'' said Angela M. Lennox, DVM, of the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic of Indianapolis. "These smaller birds have outstanding pet quality and provide fewer challenges than bigger birds, and novice owners tend to be less fearful of smaller birds.''</p><p>Thomas Bankstahl, DVM, of Parkway Small Animal and Exotic Hospital, in Clinton Township, Mich., said that while some pet lovers go directly to owning a bigger breed, a large bird can be very intimidating for the first-time bird owner. </p><p>Beginners often "do not have a feel for normal versus abnormal behavior, and a large bird's behavior issues often lead to an owner who is afraid of the bird or who gets bitten,'' Bankstahl said. "This results in mutual disruption in the trust between animal and owner and a bird that does not receive time outside of its cage and proper exercise.''</p><p>Larger birds like macaws and cockatoos, Lennox said, "exhibit more severe manifestations of behavior problems. Many owners decide they enjoy the challenges of bird ownership and ultimately own a larger bird. But a beginner may want to avoid these species and learn with a smaller, less challenging bird.''</p><h4>Good things come in small packages</h4><p>Smaller size doesn't necessarily mean smaller personality, Bankstahl said. Consider these advantages of a cockatiel or parakeet:</p><ul><li>Their animated behavior and willingness to interact make them popular pets.</li><li>Cockatiels are relatively easy to teach, cost-effective to own, and avid whistlers.</li><li>They both enjoy a slightly longer lifespan than other small bird species: Depending on their health, diet and care, pet cockatiels usually live between 15 and 20 years, while budgerigars typically live up to eight years or longer. </li><li>Male cockatiels and many budgerigars learn to imitate and talk at least to some degree.</li></ul><h4>On a wing and a care</h4><p>But if you're willing to "talk the talk,'' you also need to be willing to "walk the walk'' in terms of dedication, attention and upkeep, according to Lennox.</p><p>"All birds require a similar commitment in terms of time to clean, prepare food and socialize and train,'' she said. "Smaller birds usually make smaller messes and may require less time for training and socializing than large species.''</p><p>Bankstahl said you should count on: </p><ul><li>Spending a minimum of 15 minutes twice a day interacting with your bird. </li><li>Changing the cage lining regularly.</li><li>Thoroughly cleaning out and refilling food and water dishes daily. </li><li>Scrubbing down the cage once a week. </li><li>Paying for regular expenses, such as a recommended formulated diet for your species, <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2028" target="_blank" title="Birds just wanna have fun">appropriate toys for your breed</a> that encourage behavior enrichment, occasional grooming by a professional (ie, nail and beak trimming, if necessary), and a yearly veterinary check up.</li></ul><p>"Also, be aware that all birds can carry a bacteria called Chlamydophila psittaci, which can be contracted by humans and cause flu-like symptoms. Your <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1973" target="_blank" title="Avian veterinarian">avian veterinarian</a> can test for this important disease,'' Bankstahl said. "Additionally, some people are also sensitive to the amount of dust or dander produced by cockatiels.''</p><h4>Beak clique</h4><p>Lennox said that while the physical part of bird ownership - like feeding and cleaning - may appear straightforward, "it's not as easy to get good information on bird training, socialization and enrichment.'' </p><p>An avian veterinarian is a good source, as are credible bird rescue organizations and resources like the Association of Avian Veterinarians  and the <a href="http://webvet.com/main/article?id=2105" target="_blank" title="bird rescue, Gabriel Foundation">Gabriel Foundation.</a></p><p>Lastly, Bankstahl said that it's important for the ownership of a small bird "to be a family responsibility. In my practice, I see people get these small birds for children at very young ages and expect them to care for them on their own. This often result in improper care. Instead, I encourage people to make it a fun way to teach children about responsibility, compassion and animal care.''</p><br />By Erik J. Martin for WebVet By Erik J. Martin for WebVet Birds