Bird Care
Parrot Toys and Enrichment
We at Bird Vet Melbourne believe that providing enrichment for birds is essential in enhancing their quality of life. Birds are intelligent and require a lot of mental stimulation, which can be provided with a variety of toys, playtime and training. Boredom can have a huge impact on the health and welfare of pet birds,…
Read MoreFrequently Asked Veterinary Questions
How often should my pet bird visit the Avian Vet? All pet birds need to visit an Avian vet for a check up at least once a year to ensure preventable diseases are caught early. All pet birds should be brought in for a “Well bird Exam” on purchase. Is my bird Sick? It’s important…
Read MoreCaring For Peacocks
Peacock and Peafowl Vet Services The term ‘peahen’ refers to the female, ‘peacock’ to male and peafowl to either gender. Peafowl are indigenous to India, Burma, Java, Ceylon, Malaya and the Congo. In addition to the common Indian blue peafowl, Pavo cristatus, there are also three subspecies of the more flighty Java green peafowl: Pavo multicus. Peafowl…
Read MoreCaring For Lorikeets
Quick Lorikeet Facts: Scientific name: Trichoglossus haematodus Lifespan: 20-30yrs Origin: Australian Eastern border from Queensland to South Australia, Northwest Tasmania, Eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu. Rainbow lorikeets were introduced to Western Australia, Auckland New Zealand and Hong Kong, where they are now considered a pest as they outcompete native birds in the area. Natural habitat: Rainforest, coastal…
Read MoreCaring For Lovebirds
Quick Facts About Lovebirds: Life expectancy: 7-15 years Sexual maturity: 6-12 months Adult bodyweight: 40-60g Origin: Africa Sexual dimorphism: Males and females are alike in Peach-faced, Masked and Fischer’s lovebirds. Less common species including Madagascar, Abyssinian & Red-headed lovebirds are dimorphic. General Lovebird Information: Lovebirds are social and affectionate small parrots, and are known for…
Read MoreCaring For Ducks
Muscovy Duck (left) and Pekin Duck (Right) Pet Ducks – General Information: Ducks are friendly, playful garrulous, loquacious, talkative and inquisitive companions and in appropriate backyards they make great pets. Most breeds of domestic ducks, including Pekin and Indian Runner Ducks are descendants of wild Eurasian Mallard ducks. Muscovy Ducks (with the red bumps -caruncles-…
Read MoreCaring For Conures
Conure Quick Facts: Life expectancy: 15-20 years Sexual maturity: 2-4 months (Aratinga spp) / 9-18 months (Pyrrhura spp) Adult bodyweight (small varieties): 110-130g (Aratinga spp) / 55-85g (Pyrrhura spp Origin: Central & South America Sexual dimorphism: No General Conure Information: Conures are a group of small parrots that are referred to by genera; Aratinga species or…
Read MoreCaring For Cockatoos
General Cockatoo Information Based on DNA evidence, Psittaciformes (cockatoos and parrots), falcons and passerines (perching birds) were the last groups to split off from the modern birds trunk, the Neoaves, an event which most likely happened in Gondwana around 65 mya. The Psittaciformes fall between the Falconidae and the suboscine passerines, which include pittas and…
Read MoreCaring for Cockatiels
General Cockatiel Information Cockatiels are deservedly popular pets and some of our most frequently seen patients by our “cockatiel vet”. Their scientific name means ‘nymphs of New Holland (Australia)’ which is particularly apt. They are generally outgoing and very inquisitive (which can sometimes get them into trouble) and just a little bit larger than budgies…
Read MoreCaring for Chickens
Quick Facts About Chickens: Incubation period: 21 days Point of lay: 16-20 weeks Life expectancy: 6 years but if well cared for some live past 10 years. General Description of Keeping Chickens Keeping chickens has seen a resurgence in recent years as internet age urban dwellers discover the pleasure of reconnecting with their rural roots.…
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