Self Care

Understanding your bird and providing an appropriate habitat can go a long way toward building a good relationship with your pet. Learn everything you can about your bird, its normal habits, and how to keep it healthy and happy. This knowledge will help you provide a home that supports your pet’s needs. Your avian veterinarian, experienced bird breeders, books, and reputable websites offer many helpful sources of

Individuals seeking information about selecting a bird most appropriate for their family can learn about bird breeds, housing, nutritional requirements, typical temperament, and other important information by consulting avian veterinarians, local bird clubs, books, experienced breeders, and several reliable Internet sites including that for the Association of Avian Veterinarians. The temperament and beha

As with any pet, it is important to do some research before you buy a bird. You want a bird that meets your expectations and can live comfortably and happily in your home. To make a good decision about a bird, you need to learn more about individual types of birds, their natural behaviors, and their requirements in terms of housing, diet, and care. This information will help you select the best bird for you and yo

Erythrocytosis (often referred to as polycythemia) is an increase in the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. (Polycythemia varies from erythrocytosis in that polycythemia may also refer to an increase in white blood cells or platelets.) Primary erythrocytosis (polycythemia vera) is a disease in which the blood-producing cells in the bone marrow develop and reprodu

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, in the blood of mammals include neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. These cells vary with regard to where they are produced, how long they circulate in the bloodstream, and the factors that stimulate them into going in or out of the intricate network of tiny blood vessels that branch out through the tissues

When bleeding occurs in an organ or body part, a process is set in motion to stop the bleeding. This is called hemostasis. To work, hemostasis requires an adequate number of platelets, the right amount of blood clotting proteins (often referred to as factors), and blood vessels that constrict properly. When an injury occurs, the wall of the blood vessel breaks. A norma

Becoming the owner of a pet bird can be a lifelong commitment. Many parrots live 20 to 50 years—with larger birds generally living longer. Parrots can form very strong bonds with their owners. When this occurs, they may have difficulty adjusting to a new owner. While smaller birds such as budgies, canaries, and finches tend to live between 10 and 20 years in captivity, and not every type of bird becomes so tied to

Blood parasites are organisms that live in the blood of their animal hosts. These parasites can range from single-celled protozoa to more complex bacteria and rickettsiae. The method of transmission varies depending on the parasite, but often they are transmitted through the bites of ticks or flies.

Anemia occurs when there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells. It can develop from loss, destruction, or lack of production of red blood cells. Anemia is classified as regenerative or nonregenerative. In a regenerative anemia, the bone marrow responds to the decreased number of red blood cells by increasing red blood cell production. Anemias due to bleeding or the d

Blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens (proteins or sugars) found on the red blood cell membrane. The number of blood group systems varies among domestic species. Cats have 4 known blood types, A, B, AB, and mic. Type A is most common (about 99% of cats in the United States are Type A). Certain breeds have a higher prevalence of Type B. Typ