Jeff Steele, Writer/Photographer

February 16 thru 22 is National Bird Health Awareness Week.

The theme here is to bring understanding and ways to take action in favor of keeping and maintaining a healthty avian populations, in both wild and domestic species.

Tasks such as regular inspection and cleaning of bird feeders, nestboxes, water systems, and bird baths.  Are all neccesary in reducing the risk and spread of disease throughout the flocks.

Using tools like e-Bird and Merlin to report findings of sick birds.  Also contacting wildlife rescue missions if an injured or sick bird is found.  These can alert proper channels and help prevent further trouble.

Many times folks who keep birds as pets.  Do not realize or understand the signs of illness  in their birds.  Birds have high metabolisms and are basically very active indivuduals.

It doesn’t take long for a healthy bird to turn into a critically ill bird.  Sometimes a matter of only hours.  So seeing changes in the birds behavor, appitite, or condition is a signal that something maybe awry.

Both wild and domestic birds tend to hide being ill.  It is a built in protection mechanism to keep birds from being singled out by predators and other birds.  So you maynot be able to see the signs until the condition have become severe.

This is why in domestic birds at least an annual wellness visit and daily health/weight checks are extremely important.  A sudden reduction in weight is a good indicator that an action needs to be taken.  This could be a simple change in diet or environment.  It could also however could require medical attention or treatments. 

Numerous websites and additional information can easily be found that will enlighten any bird enthusiasts on how they can help increase a healthy bird population.

Until next time, keep chirping.