Birds
Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre

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Natural Medicine for Birds

incl. Cage Birds, Parrots and Raptors

If you wish, go straight to the DISEASES list

See also: Domestic Fowl (Poultry) : Wild Animals & Birds : Zoo Animals

Captive birds come in all shapes and sizes, varying from eagles, hawks, falcons and owls through parrots and pheasants and their relations, to small perching birds (passerines). We also cover budgies (budgerigars) and canaries. When kept in cages, they are commonly known as 'cage birds'. If in aviaries, they are called 'aviary birds'. Birds are sentient and intelligent creatures and we have used the terms 'cage-birds' and 'aviary birds' for simplicity's sake, not to endorse the notion that they should spend their lives in cages or aviaries.

Some species are included here, that are likely to be met in the UK only in domestic collections or zoos. It should be borne in mind that, in other parts of the world, they are, of course, 'wild animals' and their needs would have been discussed on that page, were we not UK-based.

Homeopathy and other natural medicines are well-suited to these species, being popular not least because the use of modern drugs can bring many dangers to birds. Birds are extremely sensitive and can suffer idiosyncratic reactions to some modern drugs. This does not happen with homeopathic medicines, which are totally safe in birds.

The AVMC has a special interest in the treatment and management of birds and has even rescued owls and other birds of prey, wild birds and escaped cage-birds. Many of these have been injured, hence their arrival at AVMC. We have kept a kestrel, so badly injured that it could never fly again and gave it as much freedom as we could allow, using techniques of falconry management. One of its greatest pleasures was going horse-riding on Dartmoor, on the fist. Sick birds, of all the types usually kept by mankind, have also attended the AVMC. The result is that experience and interest has accumulated in many aspects of bird medicine, over the years.

Holistic medicine and management implies that the environment, the diet, the bird’s individual nature and demeanour and the interaction with humans are all taken into account and modified for optimum health. Ambient temperature, humidity, exposure to strong sunlight or draughts require careful attention. Caging can be very unsuitable for birds, in view of the great ranges and flying capabilities of most species. Some aspects of usual bird caging need serious review. Aluminium or galvanised cages can be dangerous, especially for birds with strong beaks, such as the parrot family. Plastic feeders and drinkers are not healthy. Depending upon the species, perching facilities need careful planning. Richness of environment is important. The ability to fly each day is a significant welfare factor. It may be possible to allow total liberty for some species or, more simply, restricted house liberty. Nesting facilities may also be important.

Because of the appalling welfare disasters befalling imported birds, from capture through transport and quarantine, the AVMC asks that no one should purchase an imported bird. There are also species whose very existence is threatened around the world, especially raptors, so taking live birds or taking eggs from the wild must also stop.

Homeopathy for birds : Acupuncture for birds

Birds respond well to natural medicine and its use is without the risk of dangerous idiosyncratic reactions, an ever-present risk with modern drug medicine.

We usually see birds at the AVMC premises but house visits can also be arranged, more or less UK-wide.

Whether we see a bird at the AVMC or at home, we look closely at previous veterinary history and results of any tests or investigations. We take an extensive history, enquire into diet and lifestyle, ask about management of the cage, aviary, home, garden or other environments and examine the bird closely.

The use of homeopathy, acupuncture and other alternative therapies does not rule out the need for a proper examination and assessment of each avian patient, necessary diagnostic tests, appropriate measures to repair injury and a study of natural lifestyle and diet (special for each species or type), in order to be able to speed recovery. We have enjoyed a good measure of success through this methodology, seeing, as in other species, recoveries from diseases usually associated with a poor prognosis in conventional terms and wisdom.

  • Have you ever been told that your bird is now untreatable?

  • Are you concerned about the safety of modern drugs for your bird?

  • Do you know what is in the foods or supplements you are using?

  • Are you confused by manufacturers' claims?

There may be another way .... Holistic methodology may provide some of the answers you are seeking.

See also:

First-Aid
Bird Topics
Case Histories
Bird Diseases
Preventive Medicine
Zoonoses
Notifiable Diseases
Avian Influenza
Articles about Birds

DISEASES

Many of these conditions have been seen and treated at the AVMC:

Abscesses Air Sac Disease Aspergillosis Avian Influenza Beak and Claw Deformities
Beak and Feather Disease - PBFD Bird Flu Bumble Foot Candidiasis Chlamydia
Diarrhoea E coli Egg-Binding Feather-Pecking Influenza
Mites - Scaly Leg PDD Pining Psittacosis Salmonellosis
Shock Sinusitis Stress Tumours - Cancer Viral Diseases

Click on any condition for more information. Send a request if a disease is not shown or is not yet covered. N.B. Some of these links are in preparation.

While the only promises that can be made are that we will always concentrate and put in maximum effort on your bird’s behalf, and strive for excellence in the application of holistic natural medicine techniques, we are able to report an encouraging level of success in such troublesome and chronic conditions. A great many birds have surprised their human companions with their ability to defy prognosis and recover. Follow a full holistic programme and rely on the bird’s innate healing ability.

See also: Pet Care

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Articles: Birds (management, homeopathy and a humorous tale) - Homeopathy for Parrots

Interesting link to a bird website: http://www.birdsshouldfly.co.uk/Mummy%20on%20a%20Soapbox.htm

Copyright © AVMC - March 2007

Associated websites: http://chris-day.blogware.com/ - www.holistic-vet.co.uk - www.veterinary-herbal.co.uk - www.veterinary-holistic.co.uk www.alternativeveterinarymedicine.co.uk - www.alternativeveterinarymedicinecentre.co.uk - www.avmc.co.uk - www.chiropractic-vet.co.uk - www.naturalfeeding.co.uk - www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~avmc - www.chinhampublications.co.uk - www.christopherday.co.uk  - www.equineacupuncturevet.co.uk

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Copyright © 2007 Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre
Chinham House, Stanford in the Vale, Oxon SN7 8NQ (UK)
Tel.: #44 (0)1367 710324 - Fax: #44 (0)1367 718243
www.alternativevet.org

holistic vet - homeopathic vet - acupuncture vet - herbal vet - chiropractic vet
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Last modified: May 19, 2009