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Inevitably, every aviculturist or pet owner will have to
deal with a medical problem. In many areas of the country
it is not always possible to locate an avian veterinarian,
especially during off hours. Therefore, it is improtrant to
be able to recognize and handle emergency situations.
These guidelines are not meant to replace emergency
veterinary care. Although the problems outlines below
may not be immediately life-threadening, they can often
escalate into more serious emergencies if the proper
action is not initiated.

It is generally accepted that emergency conditions are
easier to prevent than they are to treat. Good husbandry,
nutrition and education are key ingredients to any
prevention prgrram. Education is an important process
that should continue througout bird ownership or one's
avicultural career. Magazines, books, other aviculturists,
veterinarians, seminars, conferences, natural history
information, and bird clubs, can all provide educational
opportunities. You can never know too much about the
species of birds you are trying to breed or care for.

A bird that is receiving an inadequate diet is at greater
risk for infectious disease, reproductive problems and
feather and skin problems. A poorly fed bird is also less
likely to reproduce. It is important to know the nutritional
needs of the birds you breed and keep, since all birds
are not alike and shoulde not be fed alike. Over
supplementation with vitamins, minerals and other
nutritional products can cause as many problems as
nutritional deficiencies.

Cleanliness and proper sanitation are very improtant.
There are always two steps to proper sanitation: first, to
remove dirt, grime and other materials through
mechanical or chemical (detergent) means; the second
step involves the use of disinfectants to remove and kill
microbes. All equipment must be properly sanitized
including cages, feed and water blowls, brooders,
incubators, handfeeding equipment, and aviary walls,
floors and counters, etc.

Proper food and water handline are also critical. These
are among the most common sources of infection.
Improper storage of food can lead to spoilage or
contamination by vermin. Water delivery stystems in
aviaries often become contaminated ...
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June 2007, began out
of a growing need in
the avicultural
community to address
all areas of cockatiel
culture. The Foundation
offers its members
programs for pet
owners, breeders and
exhibitors, in addition to
services never before
addressed in the
cockatiel community.

CF is establishing a
Cockatiel Adoption &
Placement Program
necessary for the
placement and
rehoming of cockatiels
to new, permanent
"forever" homes.

CF address the needs
of our Youth Members
in the CF Youth &
Education Program
developed for
tomorrows' next
generation of cockatiel
aviculturists.

Additional special
interest programs
include:
Companion Care
Nutrition
Avian Medicine
Hobby Breeding
Professional Breeding
Color Mutations
Genetics
Exhibition
and more ...

The Cockatiel
Foundation serves all
cockatiel owners needs
- from breeders,
exhibitors, and pet
companion bird owners
- to cockatiel adoption,
placement and youth
education for
tomorrows cockatiel
afficianados. Please
read our Membership
benefits and peruse
the website.

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FIRST AID FOR BIRDS:

© 2008 DR. WILLIAM. C. SAGER
DVM, Diplomate - ABVP - Avian

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About the Author

William C. Sager, DVM graduated from Tufts Universityh School
of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. He has practiced small animal
and exotic veterinary medicine in eastern Massachusetts since
graduation, working many years at the Litlleton Animal Hospital
in Littleton, Massachusetts. In 2002, Dr. Sager opened the
Sager Animal Hosptial in Acton, Massachusetts, treating dogs,
cats and specializing in Exotics. He is aprofessional member
of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Association
of Avian Veterinarians, the Association of Reptile and
Amphibian Veterinarians, several health and business
management associations and he assists the Lowell Humane
Society and Merrimack Valley Animal Shelter. Dr. Sager is a
former Chairman of the American Federation of Aviculture's
Avian Research Committee and is a popular speaker at avian
organizations and meetings.

c. 2008 Heather Zahorka