Health

[dnet]

Hello everyone,

Last August I received two Gouldians, two Berries, and two Owls for my birthday.
I brought in a two Parrots to the mix. They all bring so much joy! In the last month, I've moved out the Berries to a double flight. On the way, next week, is a pair of each: Yellow Bellies, Gold Breast, and Greenbacked Twinspots.
Can they go directly in the cage, or should they be introduce slowly, or quarantined first?

I have no intention to breed in the near future. I am far from ready for that.

The are fed well... Seed mix, dried greens, dried bugs, egg shell, egg mix, and fresh vegs and fruit.

I even have medicines, but still feel I have no clue about them. I would like to be able to have a hospital cage or similar, purchase a heat lamp, etc. Recommendations? I would also like to know if there is a document for medications, common illnesses, etc to help me understand and be able to spot/recognize?

Thank you all for your input and expertise. It is appreciated!!

[Sally]

I would quarantine them in a separate room from your other birds. I quarantine for two weeks, and then longer if I see any signs of illness (or if they came from a questionable source, like a rescue). Some people do a preventative medicine routine for new birds, but I don't. I do treat them with SCATT for possible parasites, and if they came from an outdoor aviary, I will worm them, but that is it. My personal belief is that just as we don't take antibiotics as a routine preventative measure, we shouldn't do that with our birds either.

I like to use a 16x16x16 or 24x16x16 cage as a hospital cage. I can always drape a towel over the sides if I need to block drafts, etc. I use a small clamp-on lamp with a 60w bulb (ceramic heat emitter) aimed at one end of one perch, so the bird can bask in the warmth if needed but move away if it becomes too warm.

Crystal has started working on the Health section of the Finch Information Center, more articles will be added as she has time. There is quite a bit of first aid information.

http://www.finchinfo.com/health/index.php

[dnet]

Thanks Sally.
I guess I need to get another cage!

What is the best way to catch a bird? Those guys are super fast and it's almost impossible for me.

D'Net