ALL EXOTIC BIRDS SHOULD BE EXAMINED by a veterinarian
ANNUALLY.
This allows the veterinarians at Broomfield Veterinary Hospital to ensure they’re healthy, from beak to tail.
or call us at (303) 466-1764.
Exotic birds can make great companions. Many are trainable, affectionate, and can even learn to speak. Some of the most common exotic birds we see here at Broomfield Veterinary Hospital include:
- Cockatiels
- Parakeets
- Cockatoos
- Macaws
- Conures
- Doves
- Canaries
- Lovebirds
About the Exotic Bird Wellness Exam
A standard comprehensive wellness exam for your feathery friend consists of a physical assessment. This exam includes a check of the muscles and body cavity, the mouth, ears, eyes, skin, feathers, joints, bones, feet, and weight. Our veterinarians may also recommend a fecal exam and/or blood work. If you have any concerns about your bird’s health between visits, please let us know.
Some of the most common symptoms that could indicate a health issue include:
A change in appetite.
Weight loss or gain.
Appearing uncomfortable, fluffed or quieter than usual.
Spending most of their time at the bottom of their cage.
Caring for Your Exotic Bird at Home
Bringing your bird in for a comprehensiveness wellness exam is a major component of their overall health care, but providing the proper care for them at home is equally imperative. Here are some tips to consider:
Select a large, sturdy, well-ventilated enclosure. The gaps should be small enough to prevent escape and intrusion, which is especially important if you have dogs or cats in the home.
Make sure your bird has opportunities to interact with humans on a daily basis, for a few hours a day, to form a bond, keep them entertained, and prevent boredom.
Many birds enjoy playing, as many other species do. Provide toys in their enclosure, and rotate them regularly.
For your bird’s comfort, keep the room where the enclosure is located at 70-80°F.
Ideally, you should feed your bird a pellet-based food (75% of diet) like Harrison’s, ZuPreem Natural or Roudybush, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables (25% of diet). If you have questions about converting your bird from seeds to pellets, let us know. We’ll be happy to help.
The following foods should NOT be fed to birds, as they can cause weight or health issues: carb-rich vegetables (corn, yucca, potatoes, etc.), cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, etc.), avocados (which are toxic), and citrus fruits. You should also avoid giving your bird processed foods like crackers, pizza, pastries, etc.
Best Pet Birds for Beginners
Thinking of buying a bird for a loved one? Or will you be adding a new bird to your home soon? Our Best Pet Birds for Beginners Birds page includes information on recommended species, bird behavior, requirements, and more.
