Advanced Avian Care
Is a feathered friend about to join your family? Birds are exciting and rewarding companions, but they also come with distinct care needs. At South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital, our dedicated and highly trained veterinarians are passionate about helping birds live long, healthy lives. Whether you're a seasoned bird owner or welcoming your first parrot, we provide expert care tailored to your bird's needs.
Avian Wellness Exams
Annual wellness exams are essential for domesticated birds, though we strongly recommend biannual exams. Birds are notorious for hiding their illnesses, making it vital to stay ahead with routine check-ups.
Here is what to expect during a wellness exam:- Physical examination
- Weight measurement
- Fecal analysis
- Bloodwork
Common Health Issues in Birds
Birds can face unique health challenges, including:
- Egg-Binding: This is a critical condition in female birds when an egg gets stuck, often requiring immediate intervention.
- Poor Nutrition: Did you know that many birds in captivity are fed a seed-only diet? In the wild, birds eat seeds and nuts, berries, and insects. We can help you develop a nutrition plan that supports long-term health. Your bird will love you for it!
- Feather Picking: This is a distressing behavior that can stem from an underlying medical condition, but more often is due to an improper diet, lack of sunlight or bathing, and during reproductive season. But the biggest trigger behind picking is boredom. We recommend a multi-targeted approach to manage suspected feather picking.
Recognizing Signs of Illness
Birds are experts at hiding discomfort, so it's essential to watch for subtle changes in behavior. If you notice any of the following, it's time to schedule an appointment:
- Fluffing and lethargy
- Sitting at the bottom of the cage
- Voice changes
- Change in dropping color, consistency, or signs of blood
- Unexplained weight loss
- Behavioral shifts
You know your bird better than anyone else. If you suspect something is off, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Protecting Your Bird from Avian Influenza
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was detected in Texas in March 2024. This disease poses a significant risk to poultry and other bird species. To safeguard birds, especially in the event of local detection, keeping them indoors is essential—this is particularly critical for those raising poultry.
As of November 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk of HPAI A(H5N1) viruses to the public to be low.
Properly cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F eliminates any potential risk of bacteria or viruses.
The USDA, renowned for its robust surveillance program, will continue to monitor commercial poultry farms, live bird markets, and migratory wild birds to manage the spread of the disease.
For those involved in poultry production, whether on a small or large scale, it’s crucial to review biosecurity measures to protect bird health. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website provides more information on biosecurity practices.
New to Birds or New to the Area?
Whether you’ve recently added a bird to your family or relocated to San Antonio, we’re here to help. From wellness exams to emergency care, we're here for every stage of your bird's journey. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today.