BIRDS! HEALTHY FOREVER

BIRDS! HEALTHY FOREVER*

by Real Macaw Member,

Susan Petrucci

Among the most common concerns of bird lovers and owners are the basic knowledge of how to properly care for our fine feathered friends. The primary concerns are in creating a happy environment which incorporates a safe home, adequate nutrition for vitality and longevity, grooming, veterinary care, and identifying illness and its causes. There are many great books and publications which educate the owners. One such book, written by Gary A. Gallerstein, DVM, entitled, The Complete Bird Owners Handbook, deals with all of these issues. Several chapters address the probable causes of illness. A concern involving the use of more and more chemicals, their introduction into our environment and the adverse affect that they are having on humans as well as birds, is explored. These can come in the form of pesticides and herbicides commonly sprayed on our fruits and vegetables, which may be ingested by our birds. Other sources of toxins come from the air quality in our homes, contaminated from spray cleaners, hair spray, and other aerosol sprays commonly used and from skin contact. Gallerstein stated, "Birds by nature are curious creatures. Mouthing,chewing, tasting and even swallowing dangerous liquids are all possible.

If birds are allowed free flight in the house, the risks are even greater. Any products labeled poisonous to humans will be poisonous to birds". Symptoms such as, depression, weakness, seizures, "walking in circles," and "head wandering," regurgitation, and change in droppings are generally signs of a sick bird. Other symptoms to watch for are redness or burns of the mouth, paralysis, shock, coughing or breathing problems. As owners, we have an obligation to create the safest home possible, by minimizing the risks.

Eliminating the toxic compounds and cleaners that we are currently and unknowingly using in and around our homes is the first step. Taking care to wash fruits and vegetables with a solution designed to remove pesticides and herbicides is important when offering these foods to our birds. Household cleaners should be organic, biodegradable and non toxic, without added perfumes or colorings.

We, the caretakers, will also benefit from a healthier home, free from irritants which can cause allergic reactions. One company, which I found to have met this criteria is the Shaklee Corporation, based in San Francisco, which boasts having products of this caliber and doing no animal testing. After being introduced to their fine products and having used them for 20 years, I can give testimony to their effectiveness and safety, and recommend and share my knowledge of them to other bird and animal owners.

This company also has a division of water "purification" systems, which reduces the contaminates and toxins in water up to 99 , certainly benefiting man as well as birds. Pure water is important to the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems and this is an area of extreme importance. Bottled water cannot deliver the same purity. Since this system works on the same principle as kidney dialysis, using reverse osmosis coupled with a carbon pre-filter and an activated post filter, it delivers water of unsurpassed quality.

A wise man once said that there is a difference in stupidity and ignorance. An ignorant person doesn't know any better and continues to do as he has always done. A stupid person is one that knows better, but does nothing to change for the better. We, as devoted and loving "parents" owe it to our "kids" to provide them with all that they need to be -- happy and HEALTHY FOREVER.

*Editors Note: The Real Macaw Parrot Club does not endorse any specific products. The opinions in this article are based on the authors' experiences.