One of the hottest topics in avian medicine and in aviculture in the last few years has been zinc toxicosis. Heavy metal poisonings have long been seen as a problem in veterinary medicine. The most common type is lead poisoning. In recent years, however, diagnosis of zinc toxicosis has been on the rise.
What Causes Zinc Toxicosis This is primarily an environmental problem. Several different etiologies have been determined for zinc poisoning. One of the first causes described by veterinarians was termed "New Cage Syndrome". Veterinarians recognized that some birds would exhibit symptoms resembling heavy metal toxicity soon after being placed in new, galvanized wire cages. Zinc is one of the main elements found in galvanized coatings. Birds will lick the wire or accidentally ingest zinc when using their beak to climb the cage wire. Other potential sources of zinc include: ¥ Bolts, nuts, screws, quick links, and other hardware. ¥ Chains and other metals.¥ Some paints will contain zinc. ¥ Keys
Manufacturers have become more aware of this problem and are now offering safe alternatives such as stainless steel chain and quick links. You may want to contact the manufacturer to determine the zinc contact in questionable sources. California Cage Company and For The Birds acrylic toys are two companies that provide a written guarantee on zinc-free products. You can also replace the quick links on toys with stainless steel quick links. The pear shaped links on smaller bird toys are nickel plated and do not pose a hazard. Generally, a shiny, polished finish on metals will be safe and zinc-free.
Researchers, avian veterinarians, aviculturists, and pet bird owners are working together to gather information that will be useful in the prevention and treatment of zinc toxicosis. Zinc toxicosis has been a major topic at the Association of Avian Veterinarians Annual Conference for the last three years in an effort to keep avian veterinarians trained and informed about this potentially fatal problem.
Zinc toxicosis can present as a diagnostic challenge. Veterinarians rely heavily on the historical information that owners provide. Clinical signs will vary slightly with each case. Symptoms to be aware of include weakness, depression, polyuria, polydypsia, diarrhea, weight loss, hematuria, and seizures. If you suspect that your bird has ingested a toxin, or if your bird exhibits any of these symptoms you must call your avian veterinarian immediately for recommendations and instructions.
Diagnosis and Treatment Assays are available to measure the level of zinc in the blood stream. An elevated level of zinc is diagnostic for zinc toxicosis. Oral medications developed for lead poisoning in children has been clinically effective in treating zinc intoxication. Treatment is rewarding because recovery is often rapid and dramatic.
Removing the zinc from the bird is the first life saving step when treating for zinc toxicosis. However, you must take steps to correct the environment to prevent further exposure.
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Showing posts with label Jenday Conure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jenday Conure. Show all posts
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Woman creates program to rescue parrots
By Rob Carroll -Staff Writer
DeKALB - You could call Sandi Madsen a "parrot head," but the moniker would have nothing to do with liking the music of Jimmy Buffett.
Madsen runs Ollie's Parrot's Perch, a boarding house for parrots, and A Place To Call Home, a parrot rescue service. Both are operated out of her rural home.
"Birds take to me, and that's how I got involved," she said.
Madsen's mother had a bird that seemed to dislike everybody in the family except for Sandi. She became intrigued and wanted to find out more about the bird's behavior.
Eventually, Madsen's interest led her to open the boarding service to those who wanted to drop off their birds while they were out of town.
"When I started, I thought there were no parrots out here," she said. "Boy, was I wrong."
While several people used her service, others came asking if Madsen would permanently keep the birds. Some owners grew tired of the parrots, which Madsen described as being like two-year-olds.
Sandi Madsen of DeKalb, holds a small parrot known as a Jenday Conure. The bird, named Maya, had been pulling out its own feathers from stress when Madsen rescued it. Many of the birds Madsen takes in show signs of environmental stress which Madsen patiently works to overcome before finding new owners to adopt the birds. Chronicle photo HOLLY LUNDH
"You need to find the right person for the bird," she said. "It takes patience."
Madsen characterizes the birds as being very needy and requiring a lot of attention.
"People don't realize parrots have attitudes," she said. "They get jealous."
Some parrots have come to A Place To Call Home after being abused or abandoned.
"Unless you understand why they do what they do, it's difficult to have them as a pet," Madsen said.
According to Madsen, some owners don't realize that their parrot must become familiar with them. She said they cannot force the bird to do things.
"When you go to grab them, they have to know you," Madsen said.
Madsen suggests owners read books aloud while sitting next to their birds' cages so that the birds become familiar with their owners' voices.
Madsen currently has about six birds in her house. Some of them were rescued, others are part of the boarding service. Only two of them are hers.
Madsen said she tries not to become too emotionally attached to the birds. She doesn't want to keep them all for herself.
"I love them to death, but if I find the perfect home I know they are better off," Madsen said.
In the past, Madsen has had people give up their parrots after they have become extremely possessive of the birds. She has seen people cry and almost refuse to leave the birds even though they may have scratched or nipped at them.
"For a lot of people, this is like giving up a kid," Madsen said.
Most of the time when people give a bird to Madsen, they also donate the cage and any accessories for the parrot.
Local law enforcement and veterinarians contact Madsen about parrots they find that need homes. She also is contacted by TAILS Humane Society. A representative from the operation was not available for comment.
Madsen thinks she might have to expand her rescue service to a facility outside of her home. She also is in the process of becoming a not-for-profit organization.
"These make great pets if you know what you're doing," Madsen said. "It's not a dog. It's not going to act like a dog."
DeKALB - You could call Sandi Madsen a "parrot head," but the moniker would have nothing to do with liking the music of Jimmy Buffett.
Madsen runs Ollie's Parrot's Perch, a boarding house for parrots, and A Place To Call Home, a parrot rescue service. Both are operated out of her rural home.
"Birds take to me, and that's how I got involved," she said.
Madsen's mother had a bird that seemed to dislike everybody in the family except for Sandi. She became intrigued and wanted to find out more about the bird's behavior.
Eventually, Madsen's interest led her to open the boarding service to those who wanted to drop off their birds while they were out of town.
"When I started, I thought there were no parrots out here," she said. "Boy, was I wrong."
While several people used her service, others came asking if Madsen would permanently keep the birds. Some owners grew tired of the parrots, which Madsen described as being like two-year-olds.
Sandi Madsen of DeKalb, holds a small parrot known as a Jenday Conure. The bird, named Maya, had been pulling out its own feathers from stress when Madsen rescued it. Many of the birds Madsen takes in show signs of environmental stress which Madsen patiently works to overcome before finding new owners to adopt the birds. Chronicle photo HOLLY LUNDH
"You need to find the right person for the bird," she said. "It takes patience."
Madsen characterizes the birds as being very needy and requiring a lot of attention.
"People don't realize parrots have attitudes," she said. "They get jealous."
Some parrots have come to A Place To Call Home after being abused or abandoned.
"Unless you understand why they do what they do, it's difficult to have them as a pet," Madsen said.
According to Madsen, some owners don't realize that their parrot must become familiar with them. She said they cannot force the bird to do things.
"When you go to grab them, they have to know you," Madsen said.
Madsen suggests owners read books aloud while sitting next to their birds' cages so that the birds become familiar with their owners' voices.
Madsen currently has about six birds in her house. Some of them were rescued, others are part of the boarding service. Only two of them are hers.
Madsen said she tries not to become too emotionally attached to the birds. She doesn't want to keep them all for herself.
"I love them to death, but if I find the perfect home I know they are better off," Madsen said.
In the past, Madsen has had people give up their parrots after they have become extremely possessive of the birds. She has seen people cry and almost refuse to leave the birds even though they may have scratched or nipped at them.
"For a lot of people, this is like giving up a kid," Madsen said.
Most of the time when people give a bird to Madsen, they also donate the cage and any accessories for the parrot.
Local law enforcement and veterinarians contact Madsen about parrots they find that need homes. She also is contacted by TAILS Humane Society. A representative from the operation was not available for comment.
Madsen thinks she might have to expand her rescue service to a facility outside of her home. She also is in the process of becoming a not-for-profit organization.
"These make great pets if you know what you're doing," Madsen said. "It's not a dog. It's not going to act like a dog."
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