Budgerigars by Barrie Shutt

Infidelity"

"Male budgerigars are more likely to court another bird if their usual mate is not watching. In "Extra-pair courtship of male budgerigars and the effect of an audience" (Animal Behaviour, 1997 1017-24) A P Baltz and A B Clark reported the results of experiments in which male budgies were given the opportunity to indulge in a little extramarital dalliance under various conditions. "Extra-pair copulations are relatively rare since they are subject to female co-operation; courtship is far more common. We considered a bout of courtship to begin when a male orientated towards a female and began "nudge-pumping." The results showed that a male budgie spent significantly longer nudge-pumping other birds when his mate was absent."

We now have additional equipment at our disposal. A portable anaesthetic machine has been modified so that it can take isoflurane as opposed to the routine gaseous anaesthetic halothane. This means that in future years birds can be anaesthetised "in the field" and at branch practices where this agent is not yet available. This is the anaesthetic of choice for Avian patients. It does, however, incur a greater cost every time it is used and the set up costs of a specific machine like this is frightening!!

Bird Identification

There are a variety of ways to identify birds as individuals. This is important to prevent theft. One common route used is to apply leg bands, "rings". These can be applied when the birds are very young and serve as a unique record. However there are no set national records and so a ring is only of use to the individual owner. These can, however, be easily removed. They can also lead to medical problems and need to be cut off. A trapped ring is one of the most common causes of a fractured leg.

Microchipping is currently the best option and in some species this is now a legal requirement. These chips are given by an injection into the birds muscle under its right wing. When placed here it is not clinically detectable, thus preventing removal. Some fractious birds may require anaesthesia for this. I would strongly recommend the identichipping of all larger Parrots and Raptors. In these there is good economic sense in doing so.

Each bird is given a unique number and all rescue centres possess the scanners required to read these microchips. Once implanted this gives a computerised record for life. This record can be changed when a bird changes home.

The cost is £ 25.91 per bird and this includes the lifelong registration. Because of the recent legislation we are prepared to reduce this cost by 10% for three or more birds implanted at the same time (£ 23.32 per bird). For larger numbers then please ask as we may be able to reduce this price even further.

Respiratory Disease

Breathing problems are a very common sign seen in all species of birds. These can be sudden in onset and should be treated as an emergency.

Budgerigars can suffer from acute bouts of pneumonia but many are chronically diseased. Pet birds only suffer pneumonia very occasionally. Exhibition birds are more prone – depending on the conditions they are housed in. Proper ventilation is essential and extractor fans, open windows (with added security) or ionisers can help. There is also a need to reduce dust levels from the buildings. Birds themselves generate dust, but shavings or sawdust can make the problem worse. In most cases there is a need to treat the individual, blanket treatment is only needed where the management is poor. Correction of this is a far more wise approach long term. The best route of treatment is by injection to obtain a high level of drug quickly.

Canaries can suffer breathing problems due to a variety of causes, most commonly either bacterial pneumonias or air sac mites. The mites can easily be dealt with by the use of ivermectin (as outlined in the previous issue). Once again bacterial pneumonias tend to be more chronic. Birds from both these categories tend to wheeze and can get worse when held for examination.

Parrotlike birds also suffer respiratory problems. In these the cause may be fungal, this is especially so in African Grey Parrots. Environmental contamination is very important in these cases. I would recommend x-rays of all larger species to rule out other causes of breathing problems. Our new x-ray facilities at the Drove enables far higher detail to pick up very subtle changes in the birds lungs or air sacs. These would not be detectable with many less modern machines. Treatment of Parrotlike does also tend to be on the individual bird. It is very important to check out the birds vitamin A status. Vitamin A is important in maintaining the birds defences against infection. All birds fed on a seed diet are likely to be deficient. Clinical signs are not always readily seen but a good guide is the nature of the tissues of the mouth. Ways to increase the levels of vitamin A in the diet are threefold.

Recently a young African Grey, which was being hand reared developed respiratory problems. The bird was treated with appropriate antibiotics and its environment was changed. Ventilation in the brooder was increased and shredded paper was used as bedding (in preference to shavings). The problem has not recurred.

Respiratory disease is an extensive subject and will be continued in later issues (pigeon owners hold tight!).

As many of you will know I have been absent since October due to a broken elbow. I am on the mend and have spent some of my time off attending conferences and meetings gathering new ideas and techniques to benefit our avian patients. I will be back at work in the New Year if my physiotherapist allows me!

All that remains is for me to wish you a good festive season (or what’s left) and to remind you that we are on call all over the festive period if you have a problem.

KEVIN EATWELL BVSc (Hons) MRCVS