MEDICAL CARE FOR AFRICAN GREY
The health of your African Grey Parrot is obviously of paramount importance to everyone in the "flock". As owners, we must be in tune with our African Greys and aware of how they act on a day-to-day basis so we know when things aren't normal.
We should familiarise ourselves with information and guidelines on things to look for that show that African Greys is healthy and signs of a potential / possible illness in the African Greys. A first aid kit will also be helpful.
In the wild, the instinct of a African Grey and other birds is to hide their illness so they appear healthy to predators and their flock. A predator will attack a sick or injured African Grey and the other birds in their flock might drive away a sick African Grey to avoid spreading an illness to the rest of the flock. This natural instinct is still present in our domestic birds and they will often hide symptoms of disease / illness until they are seriously ill. It is up to us to be observant and attentive to our African Grey Parrots so we know when something doesn't seem "quite right".
If there is any question, don't wait, contact the avian veterinarian. You should know your African Grey better than anyone and know what is normal for your own bird. Don't ever hesitate to call the avian veterinarian if in doubt.
African Grey Parrot should be taken to an avian veterinarian for a "well bird check-up" when we first bring them in, and every year for a routine check-up. This helps to ensure that not we not only have a healthy African Grey but your Grey is established with an avian veterinarian before you have an emergency. Your vet will already have a chart of your African Grey and thus will be more prepared to evaluate the situation.
From: http://www.african-grey-parrot.com/African-Grey-Health.aspx
FIRST AID KIT
The following is a list of items that are recommended for your home bird emergency / first aid kit:
• Corn starch and / or styptic powder – great to stop bleeding for toenails, beaks or feathers (some styptic powders can burn the skin so be careful using this)
• Pedialyte – helps replace electrolytes in sick or dehydrated birds (if you think your bird is in need of this, you really need to talk to your avian vet)
• Hemostat, fine needle-nose pliers, tweezers – these can be used to remove a broken blood feather
• Scissors – to cut sterile gauze
• Betadine – to disinfect a bleeding wound
• Sterile saline solution – to flush eyes
• Towel – in case you need to restrain the bird
• Sterile Gauze
• Q-tips
• Syringes – to give medications or fluids
• Heating pad – to keep the bird warm (not hot) - heat can often mean the difference between life and death to a seriously injured bird (if your bird is injured, please contact your avian vet immediately)
• Small carrier – for transport and emergency housing
• Emergency vet information
• Birds medical records
From: http://www.african-grey-parrot.com/Emergency-Care-Kit.aspx
OUR BIRD EXPERTS
Below is a list of vets and experts we consult with for the care of our African Greys and also during emergencies.1. Dr. S. Vellayan (Consultant)
Brief Background: Bird & Exotic Animal Specialist (used to work for 28 years as a veterinarian for Zoo Negara and is a member of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association). He is currently retired He has seen all our birds and has been to our Tsem Ladrang Aviary for inspection. He has treated many types of exotic animals like elephants, tigers, monkeys and all sorts of exotic animals as well.The powdered multivitamins & mineral supplement we are using for our birds are a special concoction from Dr. Vellayan.
Contact: 013 624 6918 (Note: Must make an appointment & call prior to visit)
Tel/Fax : 03 4108 5530
Address:
10 Jalan L2, Phase 6A
Taman Melawati
53100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
E-mail : vellayan@tm.net / vellayans@hotmail.com
Opening Hours: 830pm - 1030pm, appointments for Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays possible
NOTE: House call can be arranged and to call in advance to book him. His charges are RM150 per visit and you must pick him up and send him back.
2. Dr. Jalila Abu – UPM Vetenary
Brief Background: Specialist in exotic birds and teaches in University Putra Malaysia. She has seen all our birds including Aki and recommended Dr. Vellayan to us. She is helpful. However, she is not available beyond the University's opening hours.Contact : +6016 696 9285 (Note: Call prior to your visit)
Tel : 603 8947 1960
603 8947 1965
Fax : 603 8947 1971
Address:
Fakulti Perubatan Veterinar
Universiti Putra Malaysia
43400 UPM Serdang
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia
Email: jalila@vet.upm.edu.my
Web: http://www.vet.upm.edu.my
Opening Hours: 9am - 4pm
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.
3. Dr. Wong
Brief Background: Has experience with birds. Because Dr. Wong travels between Mid Valley, and Ampang Pets Wonderland, it is recommended to call him in advance. He does post-mortem for all our dead birds and gives quick reports when necessary within 1 day. He is also the nearest to us.Contact: +6017 328 0101
Tel: 603 2284 3388
Address:
Pets Wonderland (Mid Valley Megamall)
Lingkaran Syed Putra,
Mid Valley City,
59200 Kuala Lumpur
(Locaton : 4th floor near the cinemas.)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun:10:00 am ~ 10:00 pm
4. Bird Uncle
Brief Background: When we first started the aviary back in Bandar Utama Ladrang, Bird Uncle (we nicknamed him) was the first bird supplier from whom we bought our Cockatoos, Drolkar and Dechog. He helped us tremendously in advising us on how to care for the birds and set up our first aviary. He has also helped to advised on taking care of Aki in the past. We consult him on our bird license renewal and opinions on new birds from time to time. He has also been to our current Tsem Ladrang Aviary to check on our birds.Contact: +6012 213 4883 (Note: Call prior to your visit)
Address:
28 Jalan Ambong Kiri
52100 Kepong
Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat 9am - 8pm
Closed on Sundays
5. Yeoh Veterinary Clinic & Surgery (only if necessary)
Brief Background: Specialists in dogs and cats, but Dr Yeoh Senior has experience in birds as well. They can treat problems like broken bones or trimming of nails (not prescription medication). Can obtain vitamins and medication from them as wellContact:
Dr Yeoh Senior/Dr Tan
Tel: 603 7804 8684 (Note: Call prior to your visit)
Address:
26 Jalan SS 24/2,
47301 Petaling Jaya
(Shop is near Ming Tien facing the highway)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:30am–8pm
Sat 9:30am–5pm
Sun 9:30am–1pm
