Avian Empire Blog
Phytogenics are the Future of Animal Health
Bird Health Natural Phytogenics
Restriction on the use of in-feed antibiotics in many countries has fuelled the interest in alternative products. A group of natural products known as phytogenics has been the focus of numerous studies in recent years. Also referred to as botanicals, phytogenics are plant-derived products used in feed to potentially improve animal health.
Discussion on Avian Chlamydia psittaci
Avian Chlamydia psittaci Bird Health Parrot disease
Avian Chlamydia psittaci also known as “parrot disease” is caused by a bacteria that often manifests as severe pneumonia and other serious health problems in humans. This obligate intracellular bacteria can be transmitted from birds to humans. Often signs in humans is subclinical or brief and often is self-limiting influenza-like illness to potential multi-organ failure, however with appropriate antibiotic therapy the infection is rarely fatal.
Converting your bird from a seed diet to a pellet-based diet
Birds in captivity suffer from two major issues. First, they do not get to exercise or forage for food in any way similar to their wild counterparts. Secondly, we have provided a diet that is calorically dense and nutrient poor which does not meet the essential micronutrients.
Making sure your bird has the right diet is one of the most important things you can do for their health.
In this article, we go over how to convert your bird from a seed diet to a pellet based diet.
Cloaca Prolapse
There are more than a few difficulties in dealing with a cloaca prolapse in birds. Prolapses normally occurs during laying of the egg. Hens that are obese or hens that go into lay too early are both at risk of developing this issue. Once prolapsed they are at risk of trauma, cannibalism and edema formation. The biggest risk of injury is when the mucosa dries out or if the tissue becomes strangulated and starved of oxygen. All these conditions will prevent retraction.
Animal Welfare
New Zealand is known worldwide for the progressive ideas around animal welfare. As part of my job, I have been fortunate enough to be involved in having input into many aspects of the welfare codes of practice, as interpretations of the Animal Welfare Act 1999. Veterinarians, scientists and the public are tasked with not only stewardship of this legislation but also the science that underpins the application of it.