Dr. Sam's Thoughts

What a shame the poultry industry is slaughtering millions of birds in Canada (British Columbia) in an effort to stop the spread of Avian Influenza. Folks for the time being I strongly recommend AGAINST buying chickens for backyard flocks. The risks are just too great, and if you were to own psittacines (parrots) the Federal Officials will probably require you to destroy all of your parrots as well as your chickens. This was the case with the outbreak of Newcastle's Disease Virus in California. Luckily, Kentucky escaped this disaster, although narrowly, we did have some bird purchased from California, but all testing proved to be good news!

NEAT STORY! New client came in for the first time today and a Pionus parrot had flown onto his porch, jumped on his arm, climbed up his arm and started talking to him and kissing him on the cheek! I guess God wanted this gentleman to have a bird. In the event your bird ever escapes to the wild, and you are lucky enough to get it back, be sure and have it tested for internal parasites ( worms, coccidia) as well as the routine White blood cell, Red Blood cell count and Gram Stain. This little bird checked out well so far, we are waiting on the white blood cell results, and the gentleman is obviously going to give this little guy a VERY good home!
Now how do you PREVENT this from happening to your bird? Flying away never to be seen again, and trust me most of them are not as lucky as this little Pionus. Most of them become prey for hawks, owls, cats, dogs and other birds of prey.
1) Keep your bird wings trimmed!! I know, I know some people think this is cruel, so tell me which is the most cruel a wing trim or becoming lunch for a RedTailed Hawk?
2) Remember that wings trims LIMIT flight, they do not stop flight. I have seen cockatiels (who are excellent fliers) still fly just fine with all their flight feathers trimmed!
3) A brisk wind or a hot air thermal coming up off a road, parking lot or other asphalt or concrete structure can provide plenty of lift for your pet to take off!
4) Do not walk around outside with your bird on your shoulder, arm or hand. Had a lady many years ago walking in Cherokee Park with her Cockatoo on her shoulder, she had told me she did this and I told her not to do this. She told me how cruel I was, to deprive her bird of such an enjoyable activity. The bird was plucked off her should by a bird of prey, in a split second, was gone never to return. Again, which is the most cruel scenario?
5) Do not begrudge a wing trim because you are waiting until more feathers come in so you get the most for your 15 bucks! Or whatever your vet charges for a wing trim. Some birds only need a flight feather or two to fly like an eagle!

Common sense goes a long way, keep your birds wings trimmed, don't walk around outside with it not in a cage or carrier, and hopefully your bird will live longer than you!

Sammy