| Bird-Care Tips |
From "Pet Care"
episode PCW-101 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Keep in mind that birds are very specialized animals; keeping them requires knowledge and a willingness to give them often intensive care. Because they are descended from wild animals, they will hide any signs of illness. So take your bird to the veterinarian at the first sign of a problem, however minor it may seem. It could save his life! Before trying any of the suggestions that follow, practice with your veterinarian first to make sure you are comfortable with them. Towel-Wrapping Your Bird You will need a towel in order to hold your bird safely. You can use anything from a paper towel to a beach towel, depending on the size of the bird. - If the bird can't fly, you may prefer to take him out of the cage before picking him up. Otherwise, remove as many objects from the cage as possible before you begin.
- Holding the towel in whichever hand is more comfortable for you, reach into the cage and trap the bird against the bars.
- Pull him out of the cage, holding him in your palm, your thumb and forefinger gently cradling him with his wings flat against his body. Leave his head free -- he won't be able to bite you, just the towel.
Giving Injectable Medicine Every bird has a keel bone, which goes down the center of his breast and which is surrounded by his flying muscles. The bone lies between the muscle and the bird's chest cavity, so there's no danger that you will penetrate the heart with the needle. Pulling Broken Blood Feathers When a new feather comes in, its shaft is full of blood. If the feather breaks, the shaft can bleed and endanger the bird's life, so you should know how to pull a blood feather. Holding the bird as described above, carefully spread out his wing and look for the blood feather (figure A). Then use a pair of tweezers to grasp the shaft and pull it straight out. Then apply pressure to the spot with your fingers until the bleeding subsides. Guest: Dr. Cynthia Stringfield
Chief Veterinarian
The Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Web site: www.lazoo.org Web site resources for Bird-Care Tips: Bittacus at Mindspring.com Avian Emergencies, Part 1, at Mindsnways.com Topics in Pet Bird Care at AAV.org Bird Basics At Sammybird.com Books: You and Your Pet Bird
By David Alderton and Cyril Laubscher
ISBN: 0679740619
David Mckay (1992)
Available at bookstores nationwide and online.
The Complete Bird Owner's Handbook
By Gary A. Gallerstein and Heather Acker
ISBN: 0876059035
Howell Books (1994)
Available at bookstores nationwide and online.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Bird Care and Training
By Jacqueline O'Neil
ISBN: 0876053266
Howell Books (1998)
Available at bookstores nationwide and online.
| 
)
)
