Our Fine Feathered Friends

macaw

How often have you thought about the birds you see every day? There are over 9,000 different avian species in the world and I do mean species. Dogs and cats are separated into different breeds but still within the canine and feline species. But birds are in fact different species under the class Aves and so they each have their own unique differences. Companion avian species need to be examined by an avian veterinarian yearly, groomed regularly, and even have blood tests run on a regular basis. One of the first things a parent of any species of bird can do is to have appropriate husbandry (the raising, housing, and management of plants and animals). So much of the health and wellbeing of our avian pets has to do with where they are housed, how they are fed, and their enrichment.

Why Cage Design Is Important For Birds

Cage design has become something of an art form in recent years. They can be made from a wide range of materials from brass wire to Plexiglas. Plexiglas can be great in decreasing the cage litter from falling on the floor, while wired cages can help to exercise their feet by allowing them to climb on the sides. The only requirement from a medical perspective is that the cage is of appropriate size for the species. When choosing a cage take into account the addition of perches and toys, an overabundance of these can increase the chance for injury and decreases their exercise space. Wood perches are great for birds and we recommend never using sandpaper on perches, the thought is it would help to keep their nails short but in actuality it can cause irritation to the part of the foot that is contacting the perch. For the bottom of the cage, newspaper is a great inexpensive choice that can also allow the pet parent to monitor the pet’s stool, though we would recommend a grate separation as many birds love to tear up paper when playing and being mischievous.

yellow-green-bird

How To Properly Feed Your Bird

Commercial nutrition for birds has changed dramatically over the years as our medicine for these pets has advanced. For our companion birds we recommend they be on a diversified diet with a pelleted diet as the foundation. Pelleted diets are the most nutritionally balanced feed available for our birds; they can range in color and can even be in a cake form. Seed diets generally are very high in fat, particularly saturated fats. The tip to transitioning a bird from seed to pellet is to start young if possible; also it is easier done in a group then a single pet. These pets while being transitioned should be weighed every 2-3 days and if there is consistent weight loss some seed should be resumed until the pellet is accepted. A diverse diet for birds can also contain a small amount of seed, vegetables, cooked eggs, pasta, and even a small amount of fruits and cheese. This is not only for the nutritional benefits but it also plays a role in enrichment and stimulates the bird with different sizes and textures of food.

How To Groom Your Bird Properly

Grooming and Enrichment are the last part of good avian husbandry and are often the most time-consuming. Grooming in birds includes beak, feather, and nail trims. A small overbite is natural in the beak of a bird but malocclusion from trauma or poor development can cause the beak to grow abnormally and require frequent beak trims. We like to use a dremel for these purposes as it gives a smooth surface afterward and is the least traumatic. Nail trimming is also performed with a dremel in larger birds as this can not only decrease the length of the nail but make a smooth contact for the handler. Feather trimming depends on the lifestyle of the bird. We can trim their wings so that they have just enough flight so as not to fall off their perches or we can leave them with more flight abilities for those kept in an aviary situation.

Avian companion birds can have a large vocabulary and can learn to sing songs, speak phrases, and mimic anyone in the home including the telephone. So I caution you be wary of what is said in front of these pets as it may be repeated later when you least expect it; like in the veterinary office.

What Our Clients Have To Say

I wasn’t holding my breath that a vet would work hard to help diagnose my leopard gecko. I was wrong. The doctor worked hard to diagnose why our pet lizard stopped eating & ran a battery of tests.

Paulina Testerman

Vets and staff are knowledgeable and efficient. Clean and friendly Vet office. My dog now goes in to see her Vet with out balking.

Sara Little

Dr. Fink was just super with the Bruiser on his last visit. The entire staff was attentive, caring and professional. We would highly recommend University Animal Clinic to all who love their pets and want the best care for them.

ARF

All employees are amazing with animals. I am glad I found a Vet’s office that makes me feel that my 5 months old puppy is in the best hands

Heide Myrick

Even with full covid-19 protection our Basset was well cared for by the staff, I received detailed home care instructions and got a ‘checking on you’ call the next day. Our basset is on the way to revovery. Perfect outcome. Great caring friendly staff.

Stan Yonkauski

Met Dr. Sam and Dr. Fink today and was very impressed. We have been a client of University Animal Clinic since it opened with Dr. Rill. My wife and I feel very comfortable with these ladies and plan to keep our relationship with them. The staff and Dr’s are very helpful and friendly.

Pet Parent

The very best of care, the entire staff always gives their all and truly cares about both patient and parents! You won’t find a better clinic in Sarasota.

Ron Marano

My dogs, Max and Leo, always have a very positive experience at UAC. The staff is friendly and professional. The office is efficient and clean. I appreciate the ability to check on the dogs’ vaccinations, etc., on the pet portal. Great vet practice.

Ronni Silverman

The entire staff was friendly and professional. Dr. Sam was extremely knowledgeable, kind, and eased my anxiety. Even though I was worried they comforted me, answered all of my questions, and took great care of my fur baby.

Zach Gennette

It is very difficult to find an avian vet who is kind while not sugar coating what can be bad news. I had no idea conures get cataracts as they get older, helped me understand my bird’s actions. The Dr. is wonderful!

Jessica Sakas