Archive for the Birds Category

Just like humans, pet birds, particularly the long-lived species, can suffer from heart disease (atherosclerosis), falling victim to hardening of the arteries, high cholesterol and heart attacks. Heart disease is fairly common in caged birds, affecting many species. Birds known to be prone to developing atherosclerosis include waterfowl, pigeons and doves, chickens, turkeys, and related birds), and Psittaciformes

Bringing a bird into your home should be a happy and rewarding experience. With many of our native parrots enjoying long lives — some can live for 80 to 100 years — a well cared for bird can be a companion and keep you entertained for a lifetime. But having a bird as part of your family is

Bumblefoot is the common term used for a bacterial infection — ulcerative pododermatitis — causing  inflammatory or degenerative reaction on the weight-bearing surface of the feet of birds (and rodents). The infection is common and occurs in all species of birds, but is primarily a problem of cage birds. Obese and inactive birds are particularly prone to developing

Coccidiosis is an infection of the intestinal epithelium caused by microscopic protozoan parasites. It is characterised by an invasion of the intestinal wall by the Coccidia parasite (Coccidia isospora and C. elmeria) which then goes through various stages of growth and multiplication, during which damage occurs to the mucosal and submucosal tissues of the intestine. Depending on the

Polyomavirus (PVD), sometimes also referred to as Budgerigar Fledgling Disease, is one of the most serious threats to cage birds. A member of the papovavirus family, this highly infectious disease can affect most if not all parrot species as well as other avian species. The virus seems to be most problematic among young birds between the ages 14-56

Scaly Leg and Scaly Face are both relatively common conditions in domesticated birds and poultry. An infectious disease that can quickly spread to other birds, both conditions are caused by the Cnemidocoptes mutans mite, commonly known as either the Scaly Face Mite or the Scaly Leg Mite. In canaries the same mite causes a condition called ‘Tassle Foot.’