Physical Examination
Pet owners are accustomed to taking the family dog or cat to the veterinarian for an annual checkup. It is even more important for a pet bird to have regular examinations because symptoms of diseases in birds can be difficult to identify. Consequently, an annual health check is essential in the prevention or early detection of illness.
During the exam the veterinarian will ask about your birds history, such as its age, sex, origin, length of time in the household, diet and caging. You should also inform him/her if they have ever been in contact, direct or indirect with other birds.
The physical exam will include observation of the bird in the cage to determine general body conformation. Actual hands-on examination to determine obesity, tumors, posture, attitude and character of respiration, abnormalities in the feathers, skin, beak, eyes, ears, nares, oral cavity, bones, muscles, abdomen and vent.
Checking the birds weight is also an important part of the annual examination and can give valuable information about the bird's health. A bird that doesn’t groom itself correctly and exhibits a ruffled, un-kept look associated with its feathers is usually a sick bird, this may also coincide with the bird not perching normally and spending more time on the bottom of the cage. If you notice either of these signs your bird should be examined as soon as possible by a veterinarian.
Beak Trims
Beaks grow continuously and healthy birds wear their beaks naturally and evenly. Birds with overgrown beaks should be examined. Some birds develop problems with their beaks and require veterinary assistance to trim and grind the beak to a normal functioning appearance.
Do not attempt to trim your bird’s beak at home. Unless the beak is diseased, trimming is not recommended. The beak is porous and the bird uses its sharp point to eat, climb in its cage and groom itself. If the beak is trimmed too aggressiively, infection can enter the soft inner-beak tissue and permit infection.
Sexing
Determining the sex of many birds can be very difficult and in some cases, impossible, if relying solely on physical appearance. There are a variety of different ways of bird sexing.
The method we typically use is blood sampling. A small blood sample is taken from the bird either from a toenail clipping or venipuncture and transferred to a specially formulated piece of card. This in turn is sent to an outside laboratory who will then diagnose the sex of the bird. Results typically take two to four weeks to be returned to us.
Toe Nail Trims
The most common reason for overgrown nails is disease, however some birds develop long nails because they are kept on small, soft or inapppropriate perches. If your bird's nails are overgrown, a visit to your veterinarian will help determine the cause. Your veterinarian should be consulted for nail trims, as proper handling during the procedure will ensure that the bird is not overly stressed.
Stone or ceramic perches are recognized by many as safe for most pet birds. These types of perches will generally keep the bird's nails dull, but not short. They can be used along with, but not instead of, traditional wood perches. DO NOT use sandpaper perches or rough cement perches as the rough surface may precipitate foot lesions that become difficult to eradicate.
Most birds require their nails to be trimmed on a regular basis. Trimming the nails of birds too short can be detrimental to the bird. Blood vessels inside the nail are easily ‘nicked’ during the trimming process. Be careful if you perform this procedure at home. We suggest it only be performed at home if you have a small bird with white nails. We also suggest you have a readily accessible ‘caustic’ agent available to use if the nail begins to bleed. Alternatively, bring your bird to us on a regular basis and we will trim or grind away the appropriate amount of nail.
Wing Clipping
Wing clipping is performed on birds to inhibit their flying abilities. It is a non-painful procedure that helps to ensure the safety of your bird in its environment. There are several techniques available to preserve the aesthetic appearance of your bird.
Pet birds frequently require wing trims. While this can deter a bird from flying it does not guarantee your pet will not be able to gain flight. Caution is advised at all times even after trimming. Many birds react negatively to wing trims and resent the person doing the trim, therefore, it is not recommended that owners do this at home.
