Health & Nutrition - PetShopTop

Avian Candidiasis

There are many diseases and infections common between humans and birds. One particular digestive disorder in birds that is also seen in humans, especially babies, is yeast infection Candidiasis (or thrush). Candidiasis can affect multiple organs. The most common sites of infection are the crop (the storage place for food prior to digestion), stomach and intestines. However, other organs like the skin, respiratory tract, mouth and nose, and central nervous system may be infected, too. Symptoms and Types The visible signs of Candidiasis disease, include:

5 signs that show your pet bird has pain

While it's true that some birds are able to talk, they still aren't able to tell us if they are sick or in pain. Birds are notoriously good at hiding signs of illness or injury, as any signs of weakness can mean trouble in the wild if predators take note. However, there are subtle things that you can look for that will help clue you in if your bird is experiencing physical discomfort. Read on to discover 5 signs that your bird is in pain, and be sure to contact your avian veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect that your bird could be sick or injured.

Psittacosis: threat for birds and people

"Psittacosis" is caused by an organism called Chlamydophila psittaci, formerly known asChlamydia psittaci. This organism has characteristics of both bacteria and viruses. The disease in humans is called psittacosis, and the same term is commonly used to refer to the disease in parrots. A more exact term for the avian disease is "Avian Chlamydiosis." It is sometimes also called parrot fever. C. psittaci can infect other mammals as well.

Noticing first symptoms of disease in your pet bird

Careful observation and an understanding of the normal behaviour of your bird is by far the best method of detecting and managing potential illnesses. At the first signs of illness, the observant owner will notice changes in the condition and behaviour of their bird.

The menu for blue-fronted amazon

Blue-fronted Amazon parrots are among the best talkers -- and singers -- in the avian world. Their vocabulary and range, coupled with their intelligence and stunning plumage, make them popular pets. Amazons have delicate systems that are easily upset by bad diet. A proper diet promotes health and longevity.

Feeding finches - tips and considerations

Many popular finches will live for years on relatively simple diets composed of a few types of seed. However, studies of wild finches have revealed that most consume a wide range of other foods. The following suggestions will help you to maintain your finches in peak health, color and breeding condition… a bit more work than simply filling a feed cup with seeds each day, but well-worthwhile.

Molting in pet birds

Molting is the replacement of old feathers with new ones. It is not really shedding as in dogs and cats, but it is similar, since old feathers fall out and new ones grow in their place. It's a confusing but normal process. Molting is not the same for every species of bird, and even differs from bird to bird. The season of the year, the temperature of the environment, nutrition, and egg laying play a significant role in determining when a bird will molt as well as how long it will take to complete a molt.

Feeding a baby bird

For first-time owners, rules about feeding a baby bird can be confusing. Often, new parents are told that the bird's crop – his gullet – should be filled each time it empties until the baby learns to feed itself. Misunderstandings can occur easily over definitions of "full" and "empty" – all to the detriment of the bird.

Obesity in pet birds

The phrase "fat and healthy" is commonly used to describe "well-fed" pet birds. But in fact, no two terms could be more contradictory. Not only is obesity in pet birds unhealthy – it's often life threatening.

What illnesses can canaries have?

All your pets deserve the right treatment and that includes being aware of diseases that can harm your little birds. To prevent diseases you need to take time informing about them and feed and treat pets well, but it is not guaranteed that diseased will not strike.