Birds in Trouble
April 2, 2006 7:48 PM Subscribe
How can I best help some sick birds in a pet shop?
I walked by the pet store in my neighborhood, and one of the birds caught my eye. I was in really bad shape, most of the feathers around it's neck had been plucked out, along with a lot of the feathers on its back. The skin was in really bad condition, and I saw what I thought might be worms - but of course I really don't know, since I don't know much about birds in the first place. Some of the other birds in the cage looked like they were headed down a similar road. Now I can't get them out of my mind, and I would like to see if they actually get medical attention.
So how should I proceed?
I walked by the pet store in my neighborhood, and one of the birds caught my eye. I was in really bad shape, most of the feathers around it's neck had been plucked out, along with a lot of the feathers on its back. The skin was in really bad condition, and I saw what I thought might be worms - but of course I really don't know, since I don't know much about birds in the first place. Some of the other birds in the cage looked like they were headed down a similar road. Now I can't get them out of my mind, and I would like to see if they actually get medical attention.
So how should I proceed?
http://www.state.nj.us/health/animalwelfare/inspection.shtml
These people are in charge of inspecting pet stores and things like that. Call them in the morning.
posted by lockle at 8:07 PM on April 2, 2006
These people are in charge of inspecting pet stores and things like that. Call them in the morning.
posted by lockle at 8:07 PM on April 2, 2006
Either call the state authorities as above or the closest chapter of the SPCA.
posted by Dipsomaniac at 8:14 PM on April 2, 2006
posted by Dipsomaniac at 8:14 PM on April 2, 2006
Response by poster: I really can't say what type of bird these were, they did resemble Finches, but they were twice their size, if that helps.
I have a couple of very predatory cats, and a one-bedroom apartment, so I can't adopt any birds.
Excellent link. I will call the place in the morning. What about calling a vet on my own dime, would that work?
posted by lilboo at 8:16 PM on April 2, 2006
I have a couple of very predatory cats, and a one-bedroom apartment, so I can't adopt any birds.
Excellent link. I will call the place in the morning. What about calling a vet on my own dime, would that work?
posted by lilboo at 8:16 PM on April 2, 2006
To add to what furiousthought stated: many birds in captivity also self-pluck, often until much of their bodies is bald (Google). You may have seen a bird who was neurotic, if you will, due to the captivity, and therefore was self-plucking. Though this is unfortunate, it's due to the nature of keeping birds as pets and doesn't necessarily signify that the pet shop owner is not taking sufficient care of his or her birds. Of course, if you saw worms, that's an entirely different thing and you'd do good to alert those institutions listed above. I would check out the birds more closely first by going into the store before you call anyone.
posted by Uncle Glendinning at 9:30 PM on April 2, 2006
posted by Uncle Glendinning at 9:30 PM on April 2, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
The reason I ask is because of my experience with finches. What you're describing may not be sickness but the results of dominant birds picking on the weak ones. If that's the case, you might be able to save them by buying them and thus separating them from their tormentors, but if the bird is already showing signs of weakness in its actions, it might already be too late (again, personal experience with finches).
posted by furiousthought at 8:06 PM on April 2, 2006