Top ten reasons pet birds die

[Zettobi]

Definitely agree Noodles, it's tough when the bird has previous baggage preventing them from being safely let out of the cage for socialisation and exercise, clipping may help this situation. Nevertheless, a clipped scared bird out of the cage is likely more stressed than a flighted scared bird out of the cage. Every situation is different, but there are ways to let an untame bird get exercise outside of their cage and safely return them. Temporary clips can be helpful in these situations, but I personally wouldn't do them until I've exhausted all other options.

But rarely, especially when new/uninformed bird owners purchase a bird, do clips stay temporary. Instead they become permanent.

Could you give some examples of training gone wrong that results in birds needing to be clipped? I'm curious to know and eager to learn (and hopefully try to prevent these mistakes in my own training)

 

[noodles123]

Could you give some examples of training gone wrong that results in birds needing to be clipped? I'm curious to know and eager to learn (and hopefully try to prevent these mistakes in my own training)

Well, based on indirect experiences, my uncle adopted a bird (baby) and never clipped it for the first 2 or 3 years. He had over 30+ years of large-parrot ownership under his belt when they got this one. At first (pre-puberty) flight was encouraged...the bird has always been given a great deal of enrichment, great set-up, perfect food etc etc...but then, at puberty the bird started flying after certain people (to be with them) OR attacking others---even if he generally tolerated them (as a mate defending or possible territorial behavior). He wouldn't respond to attempted target training by the time there was a need and his behaviors were reportedly quite strong--- they didn't know what to do about it because it just kept getting worse (and he wouldn't stay put ever, even though he used to). I know they consulted a lot of people and did research in an attempt to solve the problem (to no avail)
It was also a fairly open-concept house..

They DID try to target train him, but they probably should have started when he was a baby somehow because by puberty he just did what he wanted. It didn't help that his particular species is known to go through a sort of rebellious/nippy period that can last for 1+ years and occurs prior to sexual maturity itself...that period started around the same time that he became excellent at flying. Although they knew about the potential for behaviors during this pre-puberty period ahead of time, it all happened abruptly (so their trainable window was shorter than anticipated). He basically went from following the rules to breaking them without a lot of lead-time lol. Again, could they have done better? Probably--- I think ever parront or parent feels that way lol---hind-sight is 20/20)...but they did a lot more than a lot of people and still struggled.

I don't know specifically what went wrong, but there was probably not enough structure early on when he first was learning to fly--because they were just super excited for him to build his confidence and learn the skill...There probably needed to be specific boundaries set ahead of time (in their defense though, it was easy to overlook when he was young because he wasn't going off-limits in an undesirable way, so to them, there wasn't an obvious need...They wanted him to fly, so when he did, it was encouraged. I suppose some of it could have also been made worse by their initial reactions to attacks, but that part is pure speculation (that having been said, they have bird experience, so I doubt their reactions were that off-base). Part of it was definitely hormonal...He does have one of those stupid tents and that, in my opinion, is a mistake (I suggested they remove it at some point but as far as I know, he still has it).

The issue was that they couldn't turn back the clock and change what had/hadn't been done. They finally clipped him (as a very last resort in their minds--they were very against it all along) BUT that was like the breathing room they needed to get him to be receptive to training/calm down long enough to learn--now his feathers are back and he still flies around but not out of control/wherever the heck he wants/whenever the heck he wants. He now flies between perches within the house or when called---previously he was everywhere on his schedule. They really didn't want to clip him, but that is what they ended up doing and now things are much safer and the bird still flies --just not out of control.

 

[Zettobi]

Could you give some examples of training gone wrong that results in birds needing to be clipped? I'm curious to know and eager to learn (and hopefully try to prevent these mistakes in my own training)

Well, based on indirect experiences, my uncle adopted a bird (baby) and never clipped it for the first 2 or 3 years. He had over 30+ years of large-parrot ownership under his belt when they got this one. At first (pre-puberty) flight was encouraged...the bird has always been given a great deal of enrichment, great set-up, perfect food etc etc...but then, at puberty the bird started flying after certain people (to be with them) OR attacking others---even if he generally tolerated them (as a mate defending or possible territorial behavior). He wouldn't respond to attempted target training by the time there was a need and his behaviors were reportedly quite strong--- they didn't know what to do about it because it just kept getting worse (and he wouldn't stay put ever, even though he used to). I know they consulted a lot of people and did research in an attempt to solve the problem (to no avail)
It was also a fairly open-concept house..

They DID try to target train him, but they probably should have started when he was a baby somehow because by puberty he just did what he wanted. It didn't help that his particular species is known to go through a sort of rebellious/nippy period that can last for 1+ years and occurs prior to sexual maturity itself...that period started around the same time that he became excellent at flying. Although they knew about the potential for behaviors during this pre-puberty period ahead of time, it all happened abruptly (so their trainable window was shorter than anticipated). He basically went from following the rules to breaking them without a lot of lead-time lol. Again, could they have done better? Probably--- I think ever parront or parent feels that way lol---hind-sight is 20/20)...but they did a lot more than a lot of people and still struggled.

I don't know specifically what went wrong, but there was probably not enough structure early on when he first was learning to fly--because they were just super excited for him to build his confidence and learn the skill...There probably needed to be specific boundaries set ahead of time (in their defense though, it was easy to overlook when he was young because he wasn't going off-limits in an undesirable way, so to them, there wasn't an obvious need...They wanted him to fly, so when he did, it was encouraged. I suppose some of it could have also been made worse by their initial reactions to attacks, but that part is pure speculation (that having been said, they have bird experience, so I doubt their reactions were that off-base). Part of it was definitely hormonal...He does have one of those stupid tents and that, in my opinion, is a mistake (I suggested they remove it at some point but as far as I know, he still has it).

The issue was that they couldn't turn back the clock and change what had/hadn't been done. They finally clipped him (as a very last resort in their minds--they were very against it all along) BUT that was like the breathing room they needed to get him to be receptive to training/calm down long enough to learn--now his feathers are back and he still flies around but not out of control/wherever the heck he wants/whenever the heck he wants. He now flies between perches within the house or when called---previously he was everywhere on his schedule. They really didn't want to clip him, but that is what they ended up doing and now things are much safer and the bird still flies --just not out of control.

I'm glad things worked out in the end for your uncle, that sounds like a tough situation to be in and he made a difficult choice, in this case it seemed to be the correct one. I'm glad he attempted other options first before clipping, but sometimes it is a temporary necessity. There's not much we can do about the mistake we've made in the past (until we invent time travel), we can only try to learn from them and amend them. Now the family can live in harmony and your uncle's parrot is living their best life

Thank you for sharing that experience.

 

[SailBoat]

When I read the originating Post of this Thread, I knew deep in my heart that this Thread would grow to this point.

I have my very firm beliefs regarding this singular reason that may cause the Death of one's Parrot.

It is clear to me that what can be said, has been said regarding this point. To move any further beyond what has been said is simply pushing redundant variations.

It is that time to either discuss the other reasons that companion Parrots die or simply allow this Thread to find its restful end.

Just my two cents...

 

[Tami2]

When I read the originating Post of this Thread, I knew deep in my heart that this Thread would grow to this point.

I have my very firm beliefs regarding this singular reason that may cause the Death of one's Parrot.

It is clear to me that what can be said, has been said regarding this point. To move any further beyond what has been said is simply pushing redundant variations.

It is that time to either discuss the other reasons that companion Parrots die or simply allow this Thread to find its restful end.

Just my two cents...

Well said, Steven. As I was reading trough this thread, I was thinking the same. This isn't a Clipped vs Flighted thread. I agree, the pros and cons of clipping have been discussed thoroughly with both sides being well represented.
Now, let's get back to discussing the original link. 'Top ten reasons pet birds die'.

 

[Zettobi]

I'm honestly surprised that diet related issues didn't make the list, as that can cause a huge list of other problems! It's very interesting that #1 is water related issues, reasons why to always check their water levels!

 

[ParrotGenie]

Actually quite surprise that Toxic Fumes wasn't the top discussion. That the one that I believe kills pet birds the most, as people are unaware of what products contain especially heaters and cookware pretty much anything that uses polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating, or teflon and PFOA on heating elements and surfaces. Then you have various thermal plastics and etc. I know the break down points and etc, but tested and seen polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating, or teflon and PFOA break down below 530 degree 276.66 C and result in instant death pretty much. I know a ZOO in area that lost a flock of birds due to heat lamps they used was coated with (PTFE) and gas released way below the 530 degree mark. They been using those same lamps manufacturer and model for years and they replaced them and took the birds out. Anything containing the big three PTFE, or teflon and PFOA sure be avoid at all costs as even if used correctly I seen this stuff break down over time.

 

[noodles123]

Actually quite surprise that Toxic Fumes wasn't the top discussion. That the one that I believe kills pet birds the most, as people are unaware of what products contain especially heaters and cookware pretty much anything that uses polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating, or teflon and PFOA on heating elements and surfaces. Then you have various thermal plastics and etc.

That's what my vet told me. Sadly, even though he said fumes/teflon are the biggest offenders, I bet the majority of fume deaths go unreported. If a bird "drops dead" and no one does a necroscopy, then it isn't going to leave a trail of evidence to report and if someone doesn't know not to use teflon/fumey things, then they probably aren't going to think to pay extra to determine the cause of death in most cases...or even know that they have that option.

 

[ParrotGenie]

Actually quite surprise that Toxic Fumes wasn't the top discussion. That the one that I believe kills pet birds the most, as people are unaware of what products contain especially heaters and cookware pretty much anything that uses polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating, or teflon and PFOA on heating elements and surfaces. Then you have various thermal plastics and etc.

That's what my vet told me. Sadly, even though he said fumes/teflon are the biggest offenders, I bet the majority of fume deaths go unreported. If a bird "drops dead" and no one does a necroscopy, then it isn't going to leave a trail of evidence to report and if someone doesn't know not to use teflon/fumey things, then they probably aren't going to think to pay extra to determine the cause of death in most cases...or even know that they have that option.

Necroscopy are critical as you can find the likely cause and we and others can learn from the mistake. This way it can be prevented in the future. I wish more people would spend the extra and not let it go unreported.

 

[ParrotGenie]

I'm honestly surprised that diet related issues didn't make the list, as that can cause a huge list of other problems! It's very interesting that #1 is water related issues, reasons why to always check their water levels!

Toxic Food or Plants was on the list, but bad diet is a big one as well, but more so overtime and not usually instant death. My male U2 Cooper almost died from this one as they were just feeding him people food and sunflower seeds and had him stuffed in a dirty rusted small cage. Last owner thought he was female and didn't now his age, or name? His liver almost failed and he had several infections in his GI tract and yeast infection, upper respiratory infection and was underweight. I had to hand force feed him for a while when I first rescued him, otherwise he won't have made it, even the vet wasn't sure he was going to make it as he had no energy, loss balance a few times and breathing hard. He did thankfully recovered and no permanent damage to liver as values when back to normal, likely as vet and wildlife friend stated he likely was a juvenile.

 

[bill_e]

Honestly, the reason I posted this was because of the #1 which totally surprised me. Knowing that we had a lot of small bird keepers who likely use water bottles, I thought it was important to re-post.

 

[Laurasea]

I asked my freind in avain medicine the top causes she saw in her practice. She named death by other pets in the house. Be they dogs, cats, ferrets, or another parrot. Her second was seeing a parrot that had only been feed seeds, sometimes only sunflower seed and penuts. Then that bird was brought to the clinic for the first time already very sick , and they didn't make it.

We know birds hide being sick. And we know many people don't get them to the vet right away when they do notice they are sick. A lot of times when you see signs they are sick, at this point it is dire. One way to help us , when birds are hiding illness so well is tracking weights. Having a gram scale and weighing the bird every week, a d keeping a log. Is one way to pick up on problems.
Another way is too look at droppings every day. For color change, constancy changes, changes in volume.

Diet effects health. If a parrot eats seeds only and no pellets , and doesn't get exposure to natural sunlight ( not through a window as it filters) then it will have low vitamin D. And acseed ester only that doesn't get veggies or pellets will have low vitamin A. Vitamin A and Vitamin D play a role in the immune system. Especially in the respiratory tract, making them more vulnerable to respiratory, and sinus infection. So the bacteria and molds found in any environment, make them sick, when parrots with proper nutrition wouldn't get sick.... It's worth the effort to get your parrot eating it's veggies!!

I do have problem with the top ten. Was this antidotal?? How was this information collected? What was the number of parrots surveyed? How long ago was it done? Was flight truly flighted parrots, or clipped parrots with partial flight. Also I don't know anyone who uses water bottles. I have never used a water bottle, I don't see parrot water bottles at the pet store... So I have problems with excepting the accuracy of the list. Perhaps it should have been titled differently and not put in numerical order.

 

[bill_e]

I was discussing leg amputations with my CAV because at my daughters practice they had just amputated a cockatoo's leg. My CAV, who does all the large bird work for the state of NH, said that he does a lot of pet bird amputations caused mostly from birds escaping the house in the winter and getting frostbite. He said it was mostly cockatiels, presumably because they are the most common pet

 

[Laurasea]

So if all amputations come to him, it weights amputation....
If you go to an orthopedic for dogs you will get likely hit by car, or pupies jumping from. High places info. Not general population info.

On cockatiel I wonder if a higher number of those birds were owned by children or young adults? Or are a higher number of cockatiels kept as pets , verse other parrots?

Also we double posted before, I hadn't seen your reply when I was posting.

 

[bill_e]

So I never asked him how many "a lot" was, our conversation was actually about quality of life after the amputation.

Certainly every vet's list will be different based on both their human and animal customer base.



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