CHAPTER 10 - BIRDS

Abstract

This chapter discusses the basic anatomy, physiology, health and treatment issues of common avian species that present most often to veterinary clinics. Birds have a number of anatomic and physiologic parameters that separate them from mammalian species. The most obvious is the bill and feathers. The bill, or beak, is a complex anatomic structure, which poses a problem to medical personnel trying to correct beak injuries or loss. One of the most important owner influences on a bird's health is its environment. An environment that promotes psychological well-being leads to a happy, healthy, reproductively active bird. For small cage birds, a large cage or aviary allows for flight and space needed to reduce territorial stress that is often associated with common species maintained in captivity. Aviary design is often based on an individual's imagination and monetary investment. Aviaries can be small areas within a house or large outdoor flights. Large, free flight aviaries require plants for hiding, perception of safety, and building of nests. Maintenance is often required with the free-flighted aviaries because small birds have a habit of pulling the leaves off the plants and trees within the enclosure.