One tip that Pete can give you that is of critical importance - Do not buy a Parrot (or any pet animal) on impulse. Parrot ownership is a big responsibility that should last many years. Do extensive research on the subject before making your decision. Research pet stores, the type of parrot that matches you lifestyle, and fully understand that parrots require much attention!

Know how to spot a sick bird, and use these signs to avoid trouble before you buy your parrot friend.

After your parrot purchase, get an initial health exam from a qualified avain veterinary doctor (most good bird shops make this a part of their guarantee), and start to learn bird care basics. A little knowledge can go a long way!! Click on the topics below to get started.

I. Symptoms of Bird Sickness
II. Basic Bird Care 101
III. Feeding Tips
IV. Parrot Health Exam Overview

Early signs of illness in birds are frequently missed by the pet owner. As a survival tactic in the wild, a sick bird will attempt to maintain a normal appearance as long as possible, so that by the time any symptoms are obvious, the bird has usually been ill for some time. The bird that dies "suddenly" may be the result of failure to make distinctions in the appearance or behavior of the bird prior to that time. For this reason, owners should familiarize themselves with early signs of illness in pet birds so that any therapy and care by their avian veterinarian will have a more favorable outcome.

Evaluation of Dropings
Observation of droppings is one simple method of monitoring your bird's health. Paper towels, newspaper or other smooth suffaces can be used to line the cage bottom so that the number, volume, color and consistency of the three components of droppings can be noted daily. A bird's normal droppings will vary in appearance depending on its diet.

Normal Droppings
Feces (food waste material from the digestive tract) can differ somewhat in color and consistency. Diets with a high seed content usually produce homo-geneous black or dark green feces. Birds on formulated diets normally exhibit soft, brownish feces. Urine is normally a clear liquid. A diet too high in vegetable and fruit matter may increase the urine component. Urates (creamy white waste from the kidney) are often suspended in the liquid urine or appear to wrap around the feces.

Abnormal Droppings - A sick bird may exhibit:
-- Decrease in the total number or volume of droppings.
-- Color change to yellow or green of the urates or urine.
-- Increase in the water content of the feces (diarrhea).
-- Increase in the urine portion (polyuria).
-- Decrease in the feces volume with increased urates (polyurates).
-- Presence of blood.

Some normal variations may be seen in impending egg-laying females, baby birds on hand-feeding formulas, the first void of the morning, conditions of nervousness and stress, or following a large meal of a specific colored food (e.g., blueberries). Thus, the owner should evaluate several droppings under normal circumstances before becoming alarmed.

Earliest Signs of Desease
The following symptoms may not require emergency treatment, but because they are abnormal, any bird showing these signs should be checked by your avian veterinarian, if these are not noticed during the regular check-up.
-- Prolonged molt or continual presence of pin feathers. -- Broken, bent, picked or chewed feathers.
-- Unusual or dull feather colors.
-- Stained feathers over nares or around vent.
-- Crusty material in nostrils.Redness, swelling or loss of feathers around eye.
-- Flakiness of skin or beak.
-- Loss of pattern, baldness or sores on bottorn of feet.
-- Lameness or shifting of body weight.
-- Overgrowth of beak or nails.
-- Minor changes in talking, biting or eating habits.
-- Low reproduction in breeding birds.

If these early signs are missed, they may progress to:

Sings of Serious Illness
The following symptoms may indicate a serious health problem and veterinary assistance should be sought at once!
-- Significant changes in number and appearance of the droppings.
-- Decreased or excessive food or water consumption.
-- Change in attitude, personality or behavior.
-- Fluffed posture.
-- Decreased vocalization.
-- Change in breathing or abnormal sounds.
-- Change in weight or general body condition (weigh in grams).
-- Enlargement or swelling on the body.
-- Any bleeding or injury.
-- Vomiting or regurgitation.
-- Discharge ftom nostrils, eyes or mouth.

Emergency first Aid
Heat and food are the two most important considerations for temporary care of the sick bird until it can be seen by your avian veterinarian. The bird should be kept quiet and handling should be avoided. A temperature of 85-900F should be maintained for sick birds. A temporary in cubator can be made by placing a heating pad along the side or floor of the cageand draping the entire cage with towels, a blanket or cage cover. An infra-red or 100 watt light can be used as an alternate heat source. If the bird starts breathing rapidly and holds its wings away from its body, the temperature is too hot. Certain types of room heaters (e.g., kerosene) should be avoided near the bird.

Every effort must be made to encourage the sick bird to eat. Cups of food should be placed adjacent to where the bird is perched, or food can be scattered on the bottom of the cage if the bird is off the perch. Offer the bird's favorites, by hand if necessary. Warm, strong coffee with a high sugar concentration has been credited with temporarily reviving weak birds until they can be seen at the veterinary clinic. An electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte, may be given orally to help prevent dehydration. The smaller the bird, the more critical the need for prompt attention.

Do not give antibiotics, "miracle cures," alcohol or oil.
Do not wait to see how the bird is tomorrow. Call your bird's veterinarian!

Postmortem Examination
If a bird is found dead, the body should be thoroughly rinsed in soapy water, placed in a plastic bag, refrigerated and then taken to an avian veterinarian to determine the cause of death. This is necessary in order to protect the health and safety of remaining birds in the home.

Nutrition
Your bird's diet is one of the most important considerations of its overall care. Adequate feeding plans may be developed from a wide variew of commonly available foods, or formulated diets specially prepared for birds by commercial companies may be offered. Ask your avian veterinarian for recommendations on feeding your bird.

Environment
Temperature - A healthy bird can tolerate temperatures that are comfortable to its owner. Sudden changes in temperature may be a potential threat to the sick bird.

Humidity - Pet birds can adapt to a wide range of humidity levels, although birds native to subtropical climates may benefit from localized increased humidity in the home(e.g., in bathroom with running shower, or frequent spraying of the feathers with water).

Light and Fresh Air - Opportunities for supervised access to fresh air and direct sunlight (not filtered through glass) appear to be beneficial, as long as shade is available.

Housing
The largest cage that can be accommodated in the home is recommended for birds that are expected to be confined most of the time. The cage must be strong enough to resist bending or dismantling by the bird, made of non-toxic material, and designed for safety and ease of cleaning. In most cases, the cage would need to be wider than it is tall to accommodate stretched wings; however ample height should be provided for long-tailed birds.

Perches - Optimum perches are clean, easily replaceable, appropriately sized, natural wood branches from pesticide-free and non-toxic trees (e.g., Northern hard-woods, citrus, eucalyptus, Australian pine).A single, well-placed perch may be adequate for agile climbers like psittacines because they tend to prefer the highest perch even if more are provided. Two perches, one on each end of the cage, should be available for species such as finches, which prefer flying or jumping to climbing. A perch should be placed to prevent droppings from contaminating the bird's food or water, and to prevent the bird's tail from contacting food, water or the floor of the cage.

Food and Water Bowls - The use of wide bowls rather than deep cups displays food attractively and may encourage the bird to eat new items. Healthy psittacines with normal ambulatory skills can easily approach the food and water bowls; therefore, it is not necessary in these cases to place bowls directly beside the perch. Birds often overeat or chew on food dishes out of boredom.

Hygiene - A daily cleaning of the cage floor and bowls prevents problems with food spoilage and alerts the owner to potential signs of illness. A weekly, thorough cleaning of the cage is suggested.

Cage Lineings - Newspapers, paper towels or other plain cage liner paper may be preferred over wood chips, chopped corn cobs, kitty litter or sand as cage substrate under the grating, so that the appearance and number of the droppings can be monitored on a daily basis.

Security - Many birds benefit from the availability of a retreat inside the cage for a sense of privacy (e.g., paper bag, towel, nest box).

Activity
In appropriate species, opportunities may be provided for exercise in the form of supervised freedom from the cage or flying in the home.Most pet birds are intelligent, active animals that need their psychological needs addressed. Locate the cage near family activity in the home.

Toys are useful as mental diversions and tend to encourage physical exercise and beak wear; however, they must be selected with safety of the bird in mind. "Chewable" items include branches, pinecones, rawhide dog chews, natural fiber rope and soff white pine.

General Care
Minimal body care is required for the healthy, well-fed pet bird. Confined, indoor pet birds that resist a varied diet are prone to require more attention in the care of the beak, nails, feet and feathers. During the molting of feathers, additional fat, protein and vitamins may be requiredin the diet. As a new feather develops, the bird may pick at the pin feather cover to open it. This should not be interpreted as "feather picking" or the presence of mites. Pure water is the most appropriate feather spray.

Keep feathers dry and free of oily substances. Soiled feathers may be gently cleaned with a mild detergent solution (e.g., baby shampoo) followed by thorough warm water rinsing and drying. A wing clip may be desired to prevent escape or injury, or for taming and training. Your veterinarian can advise you on wing clipping.

It may be wise to remove open leg bands to prevent injury. If a closed band must remain on the leg for identification purposes, check under the band occasionally for signs of dirt accumulation, swelling or constriction of the leg.

A regular visit to an avian veterinanan for a routine health examination is advised in order to detect potential problems early.
AVOID:
-- Sandpaper-covered perches.
-- Air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, insecticides and toxic fumes from over heated Teflon-coated utensils.
-- Mite boxes or mite sprays.
-- Easily dismantled toys such as balsawood, small link chain items, toys with metal clips or skewers, or those with lead weights.
-- Access to toxic houseplants, ceiling fans, cats, dogs, young children.
-- Access to cedar, redwood or pressure-treated pine chips as cage substrate.

The proper feeding of pet birds has been one of the most challenging aspects of their care, primarily because of limited nutritional research in all species. However, based on studies of other animals, generalizations can be made on adequate feeding practices for birds.

Formulated Diets
Complete, formulated products are available in the pet food industry to offer convenience to the owner and to balance the animal's diet. The current trend is toward appropriate formulations for different life-styles, addressing special age, activity, therapeutic- and stress-related needs.

Although foods prepared for other animals (e.g., dogs, primates) have been fed to birds, formulated diets specifically developed as the primary ration for pet birds are now available. These diets may be purchased as pellets, nuggets, crumbles or hand-feeding premixes.

Most commercial feed companies have at least two formulas: one for the normal adult bird, and one for birds with special needs, such as molting, laying eggs or raising young. Your veterinarian can recommend a reliable commercial producer of formulated diets for birds. Converting a seed eating bird to a formulated food must be done with care because new items in the cage may not be immediately recognized as food.

Alternative Feeding Plan
Unfortunately, many first time bird owners believe that seeds, seed treats and other items that are sold on the market as"bird food" provide complete nutrition. No seed diet is a complete diet. Therefore, other foods, such as those comprising a lean, modem, vegetarian type human diet, must be added to balance the nutrients missing in seeds. Pet birds are most often fed diets that are deficient in vitamin A.

Grains - Approximately 6~/o of the daily food consumption may be selected from whole grains and grain products. Common food items include various bird seeds, cooked brown rice, oats and oatmeal, dry corn, barley, wheat and whole grain bread.

Fresh Vegetables - Vegetables could comprise approximately 10% of the diet; they provide some essential vitamins and minerals needed by birds. Light~olored vegetables with very high water content (e.g., iceberg lettuce, celery) are the least beneficial. The most valuable vegetables to feed are dark green and leafy or dark yellow - those with high vitamin A content: beets, broccoli, endive, escarole, carrots, parsley, pumpkin, winter squash and sweet potato.

Fresh Fruits - Fruits should be offered in limited quantities in order to prevent overconsumption by the bird. The diet should include less than 5% fruits. Most birds do not need outside sources of vitamin C except during periods of illness or high stress, but high vitamin A-containing fruits are desirable. These include papaya, cantaloupe and apricots.

Sources of Protein - Mature legumes (e.g., cooked beans such as soy, navy, kidney, mung, lentils or ma-ture peas) may be offered in amounts up to 25% of the diet and provide a valuable source of protein. High fat-containing legumes such as peanuts should be limited. Small amounts of tuna or other fish, beef, chicken or eggs may also be offered.

Sources of Calcium - Excessive consumption of milk products by birds is not advised, so the calcium needs must be provided through other means (although birds do enjoy small amounts of yogurt, cottage cheese and hard cheeses). It is generally believed that the greater the consumption of seeds in the diet, the higher the need for supplementary calcium. This is most easily met by mineral supplements in the form of cutfiebone, oyster shell and mineral block. If a bird refuses to eat those items, crushed calcium tablets, liquid or powder may be mixed with other foods.>/p>

Owner Compliance - The time and effort involved in preparing foods, and the difficulty in balancing the nutrients make owner compliance the most difficult aspect of an alternate feeding plan. Birds will not choose a balanced diet if given free choice.

Fresh Water - Fresh water must be provided at all times. Some aviculturists and pet owners have had success using laboratory animal water bottles for birds.

Feeding Tips
-- Carefully monitor TOTAL food consumption during a diet change.
-- Introduce very small pieces of a single new food at a time.
-- Gradually reduce the total volume of seed offered as consumption of other foods increases.
-- All food and water cups should be cleaned daily and spilled food removed from the cage.
-- Supplemental vitamins may be recommended by your avian veterinarian.
-- Some food forms can occasionally help provide sources of activity for the bird: berries, buds and leaves, corn on the cob, pinecones and limited amounts of coconuts and whole nuts.

GRIT
The necessity of providing hard, undigestible grit (different from mineral supplements described earlier) is controversial. Grit may not be necessary for the pet psittacine bird, but a few occasional pieces should not cause any harm.

Special Requirements
Lories, lorikeets and related species require specialized diets in captivity, one of which simulates nectar. Alternately, a formula mix that contains known essential nutrients can be offered dry or moist, and can be supplemented daily or several times a week with fresh fruits and vegetables, pollen, seeds, mealworms and branches with fresh leaves and blossoms.

Special diets are available for soft-billed birds. Because toucans and mynah birds have a tendency to develop iron storage disease, one should offer a formulated diet with low iron content. These birds need diced fruits and vegetables daily.

Americans are accustomed to taking the family dog or cat to the veterinarian for an annual check-up. It is even more important for a pet bird to have regular examinations, because birds tend to have very subtle symptoms of disease.

Quarantine
Isolation and quarantine of a new bird is the first and most important thing an owner should do. In order to protect other birds on the premises, it is advised that all newly acquired birds be maintained separately for a period of at least six weeks following purchase. Because many air-borne viruses may be spread from room to room by central air conditioning or heating systems, an off premise location is preferred. Quarantine is essential for all new birds, even those that are believed to be "healthy."

New Bird Examination
The second most valuable step for a new bird owner is to establish a relationship with an avian veterinarian, preferably one who is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians.

An examination of a newly acquired bird within the first three days after purchase is recommended in order to protect the investment of the owner, to uncover and prevent possible disease conditions, and to educate the owner about appropriate bird care. Even if the new bird checks out "normal", results of diagnostic tests in the initial patient record provide valuable references for subsequent examinations.

Components of the Exam
History
Your veterinarian is very interested in what you know about the background of your bird - its age, sex, origin, length of time in the household, diet, caging. Even if the bird has been a household pet for a long time, the veterinarian should be advised of any contact, direct or indirect, with other birds. Examples of indirect contact would be the owner's buying of bulk seed from open bins in a pet shop that houses birds, or visiting other aviaries, bird shows or bird markets.
Physical Evaluation
From an initial, critical observation of the bird in the cage, the veterinarian can determine general body conformation (obesity, tumors), posture, attitude and character of respiration. Although many internal problems may not be evident from a step-by-step, hands-on examination, an experienced avian veterinarian will be able to note abnormalities in the feathers, skin, beak, eyes, ears, cere, nares, oral cavity, bones, muscles, abdomen and vent.
Weight
Once a bird has become an adult, the weight should remain relatively constant. Checking the weight occasionally, especially at the annual examination, will give valuable information about your bird's health. A bird's weight should be measured in grams, not ounces, in order to detect small increments of change.

Testing procedures
Depending on the bird's history, results of physical examination, species, age and general condition, your veterinarian may suggest some of the following diagnostic techniques that will assist in evaluating your bird's health.

Appraisal of Droppings
The appearance of the droppings - volume, color and composition - may help the veterinarian generally assess the bird's health and consider certain disease conditions. Most birds are nervous in the clinic, so their droppings may be abnormally loose there. A fecal sample may be examined microscopically to determine the presence of internal parasites.

Psittacosis Test
Several screening tests are available for the detection of psittacosis or parrot fever. This is important as part of the new bird exam or annual check-up because the causative agent, Chiamydiapsittaci, may be transmitted from birds to humans (see AAV brochure, "Psittacosis").

Blood Tests
A blood sample might be taken to determine the amount and distribution of blood cells. This information may suggest the possibility of certain diseases, and further tests may be indicated for confirmation. A series of chemistry tests performed on the blood sample may point to imbalances in biochemical functions and suggest the possibility of organ dysfunction. Blood parasites may also be detected.

Microbiology
Your avian veterinarian may recommend a culture of the choana (throat), cloaca (vent), crop (esophagus), or some other tissue/fluid sample to determine abnormal growth of bacteria or yeast. At the same time, antibiotic sensitivity discs may be used to determine an appropriate antibiotic to be used if the bacterial growth requires therapy.

Radiographs
X-rays may be used to assess the internal condition of your bird. The presence of old or new fractures, the size and relative relationship of internal organs, the presence of foreign bodies or soft tissue masses such as tumors, and the condition of lungs and air sacs are often evaluated with radiographs. The use of anesthesia may be necessary to produce quality X-rays.

Cytology
With the use of special stains, a veterinarian skilled in this procedure can evaluate smears of tissues or fluids to assist in making a diagnosis.

Virus Screening
Some new tests are currently being developed to screen birds for certain viruses. The detection of viruses is especially important for aviary birds. Some viral agents do not express themselves as clinical disease until the bird is under stress, such as laying eggs, feeding young or at weaning.

Annual Check-ups
Because owners are often unaware of obvious symptoms in the beginning stages of disease in birds, annual check-ups are advised for early identification and management of potential disorders. Also new information of interest to the bird owner is continually becoming available.