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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 ... J join now to read the rest of this First-aid care and prevention article!

"Providing Resources
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The Cockatiel
Foundation, founded in
June 2007, began out
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community to offer 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 to
hrlp in the placement
and rehoming of
cockatiels to new,
permanent
"forever" homes.

CF offers a wealth of
information on color
genetics, mutations,
and breeding research.

CF is addressing the
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Members in the CF
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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.

Disclaimer
Articles on this website are not meant to take the place of proper veterinary and other medical care. If your bird appears ill or shows
symptoms of illness, please contact your avian veterinarian as quickly as possible. Birds are prey animals and hide their symptoms in order
to survive; by the time owners see symptoms, a bird may have become extremely ill. Owners are advised to seek medical attention
immediately. To find an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the Association of Avian Veterinarians at www.aav.org.

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