AboutRev. Dr. S.August Abbott Expertise Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides.
Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition
I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care.
No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication.
Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.
Experience Certified Avian Specialist.
For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.
Organizations 4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more
Publications Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.
Education/Credentials Doctorate, Ordained Minister
Question QUESTION: what are the consquences of feeding a bird on a all sed diet (cockateil)
ANSWER: Fatty liver disease is something that is often seen in a bird on a seed only or predominantly seed diet. No matter how much the manufacturer insists they are fortified and healthy, they are misleading all of us. http://www.avianweb.com/liverdisease.html
and though a cockatiel site, this will apply to all psittacines (parrots)
There may be breathing difficulties when the liver encroaches on the respiratory system, which is actually a series of air sacs throughout the body as well as a small, unique set of lungs.
Feather quality will diminish and some white feathers will have a yellowish tint, although this doesn’t tend to apply to whiteface cockatiels.
You might also feel or even see the liver in the abdomen. Run your finger down the breastbone to the area where it seems to disappear and that’s the abdomen. If it’s large, swollen or puffed out and doughy feeling it’s not normal.
When liver disease progresses to the end stages, symptoms are unmistakable.
Skeletal problems, deficiencies and even toxicities can cause a loss of balance and restlessness in some birds, as well as the more common symptoms such as breathing difficulties, open mouthed breathing and so on.
Order pellets from online and they'll be delivered to you
Go to www.4AnimalCare.org and click the Drs Foster & Smith link part way down the page. They are excellent with selection and prices.
Of course there are several other sources that will do mail order and it's very worthwhile
Good luck!
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QUESTION: thank you very much but u must have forgot to answer my quesrion.lolhow can i prevent egdinding?weah germ oil and........
thanks again and we need a vet like out here in jamaica.
Answer That part of your question must have somehow gotten dropped - it's not there.
Egg binding is best prevented by preventing the urge to lay eggs completely.
You might want to increase her nighttime hours to 13 or even 14 sleep instead of 12+12.
Another option is to move things around inside the cage. Change out her toys, switch perches, rearrange feeding and water cups - make it look 'new' to her. Even moving the actual location a little bit can help.
Other precautions are to not pet her under her wings or touch consistently from the mid-back down (this can trigger egg laying).
No feeding her from your mouth, which is just a good idea anyway since we have far too much bacteria there to be safe for a bird.
No feeding soft foods from your fingers which may be perceived as regurgitation, another mating behavior.
As for wheat germ oil, I wouldn't add things like this - the bird should get all they need from regular food sources.
