Examining Birds

Introduction

The birds in your inventory should be healthy and in good physical condition when they arrive at your store. While an avian veterinarian can be consulted or called on to treat birds as needed, you are the principal resource to alert store management to any abnormal behavior or signs of trouble.

To avoid transferring disease, new arrivals should be kept separately from other birds in the store. Birds’ unique respiratory system makes them very susceptible to airborne diseases and pollutants, and most will instinctively try to hide illness because a weak bird in the wild is a target for predators. Changes in behavior may be the only clue that something is wrong.

New arrivals should be carefully examined to see if there are any obvious problems. Birds should be monitored daily to ensure they are healthy and act normally. Use a daily checklist when necessary to prevent overlooking any problems. If you find something wrong, notify your supervisor immediately so proper action can be taken.

Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling each bird, feeding or cleaning cages. To prevent disease transmission, you also should change your apron or any other clothing that has been in contact with new arrivals before handling other birds in the store.

to view a series of pop-up windows on what to look for when examining birds.