Ask The Vet RadioShow Notes

Show #: 06-117

Show Description: "Birds! Birds! Birds! "

Audio Files: ATVR-06-117.mp3, ATVR-06-117.wma

This week Dr. Mike Jones, Associate Professor in Avian and Zoological Medicine at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, joined Dr. Tracy Dewhirst in taking avian questions from listeners and discussed useful tips for potential and current bird owners. Nationally-known celebrity and star of the Knoxville Zoo’s Bird Show Einstein, a Congo African Grey Parrot famous for appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and cable TV’s Animal Planet, stopped by the studio with trainer Elisabeth Zafiris to demonstrate her impressive vocabulary.  Gwen Woodard, Owner of Strictly Feathers, also joined the program with her singing Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrot Katie. 

Show Notes and Resources:

In-Studio Guest: Dr. Mike Jones, Associate Professor in Avian and Zoological Medicine at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

  • Prior to purchase, evaluate the time and financial commitment that a bird entails.  Research different types of birds that will coincide with your lifestyle and personality.  For example, Amazon parrots can get very noisy and love high-pitched sounds; smaller birds are better for a quieter atmosphere.  Caiques are very playful; African Greys play well but usually cling to one family member so socialization is very important with multiple family members.  Cockatiels are a good bird to adopt for families unfamiliar with birds.  To find information on common pet bird species, visit http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/species1/index.htm.  Obtain your bird from a reputable source. Typically small children and birds do not mix because kids may stroke birds too hard, put their fingers in cages, and can easily get bitten with their abrupt movements.  Always ask the bird owner before handling an unknown bird and use soft gentle strokes on the body.  Refrain from stroking the bird down the back (especially over the hip area).
  • Before bringing a bird home, be sure to bird-proof your house.  Birds are highly intelligent creatures that can open drawers, chew on electrical wires (possibly causing electrocution), and get into toxins easily.  Common household items that are particularly hazardous to birds include sprays containing aerosol or Lysol, items containing lead, wine cork foil, pewter, Venetian blinds, stain glass, and many typical plants such as poinsettias.  PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a substance found in non-stick cookware that produces a gas (once heated) that is also extremely deadly to birds and can cause irreversible damage within minutes.  Always wash your hands after handling products before interacting with your bird to ensure no residue of toxic chemicals have been left on your hand such as tobacco smoke.  Smoke and the particles left behind on clothing and fingers can cause severe problems for birds due to their intensely fragile nervous system. 
  • Housing: Birds need cages for when the owner is out or cannot monitor the bird’s behavior.  Minimal cage size needs to be large enough for the bird to open its wings without touching the sides of the cage and have enough room to flap the wings for exercise.  Make sure they have adequate space and that the food and water source is located higher than the lowest perch (so they cannot defecate in it).  Place the bird in a relatively low traffic area, but one that still allows easy access for interaction.
  • Socialization:  If one is having trouble keeping a pet bird away from the mirror, take the mirror out of the cage to promote more interaction with the owner.  Birds gravitate towards the mirror because the “other bird” provides them with comfort when the owner is not around.  When the mirror is removed, monitor the bird’s behavior when alone.  If the bird seems to get anxious, take the mirror out when you plan on socializing with it and place it back when the bird is left alone.  Be careful when mixing bird with other pets, including other birds.  Quarantine a bird for at least 30 days away from other animals and have it tested for basic blood work and Psittacosis. Psittacosis is disease that can be passed to humans causing flu-like symptoms.  The bird may exhibit discharge in eyes and nose, brightened green stool, drastic changes in behavior, or no symptoms at all when ill.  Birds are experts in hiding diseases until they progress to a dangerous state.  Psittacosis can be especially dangerous to small children and elderly people due to their weakened immune systems.  After 30 days, introduce the new bird with the other birds gradually and remember that not all birds get along.  Birds can cause serious damage to one another if not monitored closely.  Depending on individual personalities, some birds easily bond and may even be more prone to socialize with one another than with their owners if kept in the same cage.  Dogs and cats need to also be watched closely because one moment alone with the bird can cause fatal injuries.  Do not leave dogs and cats alone with your birds, keep them separated for their safety.  When socializing with a bird, do not allow it to perch on your shoulder because this is a dominant position and allows easy access for the bird to bite you if it becomes alarmed.  
  • Nutrition:  Dr. Jones recommends a 60-80% pellet diet with the remainder consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Avoid high-fat and protein for birds.  Do not feed birds eggs or chicken because these items can cause disease.  Birds of prey, however, can eat protein because it provides beneficial nutrients to their system.  For smaller birds, seeds are acceptable.
  • If a bird is pulling out its’ feathers, owners should take the bird for a preliminary check-up immediately to rule out the possibility that the behavior is caused medically.  Other causes could be that the bird may be going through a change such as adolescence or may be seeking companionship.  If the bird feels that the owner is not providing it with the companionship it desires, behavioral issues such as feather-pulling can arise. 

In-Studio Guest: Congo African Grey Parrot Einstein and Trainer Elisabeth Zafiris

  • Einstein, a 19 year old female, has spent the majority of her life at the Knoxville Zoo and enjoys demonstrating her extensive capacity for cue words and tricks.  Einstein has made multiple TV appearances and is the star of the Knoxville Zoo’s bird show.  Currently Einstein has three performances a day (with the exception of Monday) but will decrease performances after Labor Day to weekends only.  African Grey Parrots are extremely intelligent birds that can be compared as having similar intellect as that of dolphins and chimpanzees.  Check out Einstein at http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/einstein.htm.

In-Studio Guest: Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrot Katie and Gwen Woodard, Owner of Strictly Feathers

  • Katie, an 11 year old female, greets customers as they come into Strictly Feathers and usually performs a solo of “Rocky Top” when prompted by owner Gwen Woodard.  Though her debut on Ask The Vet Radio elicited stage fright, listeners can check out her rendition of “Rocky Top” by stopping by Strictly Feathers or calling (865) 688-2250 for directions. 

Rescue of the Week: Second Chance Exotic Bird Rescue and Adoption

  • Founder Kim Strong has been aiding in the adoption and rescue of exotic birds for over five years now.  This rescue takes birds that are no longer wanted in their current homes and places them into new homes.  To learn more information on how you can become an applicant for a rescued bird or find a new home for an unwanted bird, email Kim at parrotlover4@bellsouth.net or visit the Second Chance Exotic Bird Rescue and Adoption site.