Tabatha Regehr, DVM Associate Veterinarian, Clinical Toxicology Pet Poison Helpline® Farm fresh eggs have long since been a staple on the family farm, but in recent years there has been an explosion if the popularity in back yard poultry flocks. Communities across the country are permitting small flocks of birds in residential communities and within…
Renee DiPietro, CVT Veterinary Information Specialist Permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is dying in our wetlands, plains and uplands on a daily basis. The issue is lead in the environment. This heavy metal is highly toxic to birds and is killing our nation’s carnivorous birds, water fowl, and ground dwelling birds at…
By Brynne Stumpe, 2015 DVM Candidate University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Extern, Pet Poison Helpline® Toxins can be a serious problem in companion birds due to several factors including their size, efficient respiratory system, and curious nature. In addition, many owners may be unaware that certain substances can be toxic to their birds. …
Although zinc is an essential factor in the health of a bird, ingesting too much can harm or kill. Acute exposures to zinc can occur through incidental ingestions of metal objects (such as pennies minted after 1982). Chronic exposures can occur if a bird is prone to picking at galvanized steel or iron cages. Small…
By Stefanie Guindon, CVT When it comes to our companion birds (e.g., parrots, parakeets, etc.) and small furry, pocket pets (e.g., mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.), we have to be particularly careful safe guarding them. Due to their curious nature (e.g., manipulating items with their beak), their ability to fit into small areas…
