New Bird Health Checks
Quarantining your new arrival prevents exposing and passing on any disease or parasite being carried by the new bird to the other avian members of your family.
Smaller birds are more likely to transmit parasites for example worms / scaly face mites in small parakeets esp budgerigars /throat mites in canaries and some other finches and lovebirds.
All new birds could bring in unwanted bacterial problems for example salmonella or a number of viral problems. Chlamidia which causes psittacosis is another contagious bug that may be transmitted.
The best way to prevent exposure is to quarantine your new bird for long enough to allow any underlying disease to show or be cleared. There are test that can be done or required. Treatment can then be provided if needed before introducing them to your other birds.
Dr Brett's general guidline is to quarantine for 4-6 weeks for most species. Quarantine means total separation in space and distance. You as the owner must ensure you do not transmit anything on your hands or clothing by moving from your new bird to your other birds.
Always clean and feed your current birds first then move to new bird in the isolation area.
New bird health checks
are something that is greatly undervalued by most bird owners.
Dr Brett see's birds on a regular basis and by having an examination with Brett will allow evaluation for any problems/diseases not obvious to you the owner. This is also a good time for any testing to be done.
This is also the ideal time to discuss diet and correct any dietary deficiencies. This is a huge problem in avian care and starting out right is much easier than trying to correct later when problems arise and both bird and owner have got into a routine. Do it right from the start.
Blood test at this stage may also be beneficial, we can test for:
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Sex determination
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Specific pathogens
There are two main specific pathogens that are of a major concern.
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PBFD a virus that causes long term immuno-suppression and bone marrow and skin and feather problems with is easily transferred to other birds. (Beak and feather disease)
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Chlamidiosis which can cause severe respiratory and internal infection and is transmittable to people where it can cause severe disease in humans.
Faecal testing may also be suggested for evidence of worms , Coccidia , flagellate protozoa or Megabacteriosis so treatment can be done before these can be shared with your other birds.
The combination of the quarantining and a health check will help provide a safer and healthier environment for your current birds and yourself and gain valuable information on your new bird.