Best bird health supplies according to redditors

So I used to get anxiety attacks thinking about what would happen to my cats if something happened to me. I've now got a card in my wallet that states that I have pets at what address and briefly how to care for them. Helps me immensely.

Ninja edit: I got this

This calming formula I give my parrot for behaviorial issues may help; it has helped some people in the reviews:

Avitech Bird Calm Herbal Formula for Parrots 2oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JNS44D4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gpfEAbZS9G5M7

Basically, if there is a hormonal or anxiety cause behind it, it has a chance of fixing the issue. It may also help immune causes since some of the herbs in the formula modulate immune molecules, but it’s not marketed that way.

I’m assuming you’ve already made sure he has plenty of toys to keep him occupied, gets out of the cage and gets social time with people, isn’t in a bad or hectic environment, doesn’t get scolded or yelled at frequently, etc. It can help to post a zoomed out picture of his cage and the room it’s in; the one accompanying your post doesn’t show how big it is, what shape it is, whether it has plenty of toys, where it’s positioned in the room, etc.

Buy poop-off

Your furniture will thank you. Aside from that, you seem to be fine. Just cater to your birds emotions. it'll develop a schedule and behavior. Just be accommodating to that

I always use Poop Off.

Coconut oil is natural and even though it's an oil, it won't hold well sitting out over time like that. It will degrade like any natural substance and when that happens it will start to smell. Like rotted coconut. It seems fine sitting inert in a jar though.

Poop-off is an enzyme cleaner than can be bought in liquid form or wipes form. Its really awesome stuff. I use the wipes for small jobs, like cleaning her toys or more recent poops found and the liquid stuff is great for cleaning dried poop or flung food that dried onto surfaces
https://www.amazon.com/Poop-Off-Remover-16-Ounce-Hendryx-Assorted/dp/B07911TKJ6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1527685442&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=Poop-Off+Bird+Poop+Remover&psc=1


The smaller bottle has a scrub brush attachment on it and I just refill it from a huge jug of it I bought off of Amazon!

https://www.birdfeedersspot.com/wild-birds-basics-tips/what-do-pigeons-eat.html

https://www.birdfeedersspot.com/wild-birds-basics-tips/what-do-pigeons-eat.html

https://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f87/do-pigeons-like-toys-25806.html#/topics/25806?page=1

https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Doves-Entertained

http://www.birdsafe.com/toys.htm

http://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/pigeons-doves-as-pets/pigeons-as-pets-indoors-or-outside/

Dog Crate Dog Cage Pet Crate 48" Folding Metal Pet Cage Double Door W/Divider Panel Dog Kennel Leak-Proof Plastic Tray Wire Animal Cage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M3NBJ8E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EkJrDbV5RKT5N

Bev's Bird Boutique - Regal Stripe Flyper (8.5) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SJ5YTNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_olJrDbYMGZ12W

Yep, I found it. Though it's cheaper to just buy it on Amazon:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0793JTSNK/

Now to figure out how much I need...

Sounds like you've already read up a bit on birds, and that's a great start! I'd recommend checking out rescues in addition to breeders. Birds are NOT the right pet for everyone, and tons of people give up perfect parrots because they can't deal with normal bird behavior.

As for your questions:

1. Cage size: as big as you can afford, as long as it's got the correct bar spacing so your bird can't fit its head between the bars. I'd say 0.75 inch spacing is the absolute max for a GCC, 0.5 inch would be better; however, my bird is bigger than a GCC, so I'd consult with an avian vet on that to make sure.
   
   
2. Do not use T-Fal titanium nonstick cookware around birds! It has PTFE in it, which is toxic to birds. T-Fal advertises as PFOA-free and "nontoxic," but both PTFE and PFOA nonstick coatings are toxic to birds. Make sure your cookware is both PTFE and PFOA free. I use ceramic, cast iron, and stainless steel cookware only.
   
   
3. Cheap bird-safe cleaners: mix equal parts vinegar and water, put it in a spray bottle, and use it to wipe down countertops and anything that needs a little cleaning. Baking soda is also a great, cheap bird-safe cleaner - Google how to clean with baking soda, you'll find tons of tips, including how to clean an oven with baking soda (the self-cleaning feature on ovens is deadly to birds). For cage cleaning, I love Poop-off.
   
   
4. That feeding schedule sounds great. You can do meal times, or - well, I stick a bowl of pellets in the cage, and my bird does just fine.

We are fostering a sennie that was literally on and off Baytril for almost 2 years (she had a reoccurring GI tract infection). In between bouts of antibiotics she would get yeast infections (most likely because of her beneficial bacteria had been killed off allowing the yeast to flourish) that were then treated with fluconazole. Rinse and repeat. By the end of two years her poor body was such a mess and now her gut flora is still recovering (she's only recently had consistently solid poops).

To help re-establish her healthy gut flora the vet advised that we feed her avian probiotics daily, as well as eliminate all added sugar in her diet i.e. fruit and her favorite fruity Zupreem pellets (in the absence of the healthy bacteria the extra sugar will only encourage yeast). The brand we use is this, mainly because 1) free shipping on Amazon and 2) it's one of the few brands that does not add sugar to make the powder more tasty. It's been a month or so now and again, this is the first time in 2 years that she has NOT either been reinfected with a bacterial or yeast infection so I can only suppose that they are doing some good.

I'd definitely recommend giving avian specific probiotics a shot, especially after antibiotics. I've also been giving them to my other parrot but really haven't seen any change in his droppings or behavior so don't think they need to be a staple with a healthy bird.

All of my chicks where fine I just used the chick feed u get at the store. What I think you should give them is:

This boosts their immune system. We used this and none of our 10 chicks died.

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiIjp-h6LTjAhVJHq0GHZPoCgoYABAPGgJwdg&ae=1&sig=AOD64_2wmhS76B9-_qeXpG2Gw1fwmdgVFA&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjxmpeh6LTjAhVpl1QKHXpnAmAQwg96BAgKEBA&adurl=https://www.amazon.com/Equerrys-Chick-Boost-8-oz/dp/B00FBRJA76/ref%3Dasc_df_B00FBRJA76/%3Ftag%3Dhyprod-20%26linkCode%3Ddf0%26hvadid%3D198054130793%26hvpos%3D1o3%26hvnetw%3Dg%26hvrand%3D14234987459591902164%26hvpone%3D%26hvptwo%3D%26hvqmt%3D%26hvdev%3Dm%26hvdvcmdl%3D%26hvlocint%3D%26hvlocphy%3D1027595%26hvtargid%3Dpla-372970301716%26psc%3D1

I would keep it out off the direct light. Let it rest for a few days so the cuts can heal. It will be ok like that as long as there is no deeper damage. Then pot it back but make sure that the medium is really well draining. Don't put it back in the sunny spot right away, because your aloe is stressed enough and needs to recover.


Good info how to make your medium


If you can get your hands on the crushed granite, I use this chicken grit I buy from Tractor Supply store. Not knowing where you are link goes to Amazon. Try sourcing it locally, it is much cheaper.


Another thing I use is pumice, but a lot of people mix oil-dri in their medium. That you can get from any auto store. Just make sure it is not infused with anything.


You can make your own medium by sifting the MG cactus soil to get rid of the small particles and dust (I sift then dunk the sieve in the bucket of water and rinse it), let it dry, then mix 1 part of sifted MG, 2 parts of chicken grit and 2 parts of oil-dri or perlite. If it still looks too rich add more granite, perlite or oil-dri.


Good luck and come to r/succulents there is so much fantastic info there.

You can find fake eggs the same size as your budgie's in a gardening store or prop store, I found this link on amazon for fake eggs too: https://www.amazon.com/DummyEggs-Stop-Laying-Fake-Bird/dp/B077C9TMNH/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=fake+budgie+eggs&qid=1551047876&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

Amazon.ca

https://www.amazon.ca/Cockatiel-Lorikeet-Ringneck-Plastic-Realistic/dp/B077BLM29M/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1520972362&sr=1-1&keywords=cockatiel+eggs

https://www.amazon.com/Taxonyx-Science-Inc-CAU-TZII-Cauterizer/dp/B01JTMUDYM

Yes clean around wound. The flap has to go. It’s going to bleed when it’s clipped but that’s good cause you’re getting healthy tissue with blood vessels. Self-Adhesive Cohesive Wrap Bandage Tape by LotFancy, Elastic Non-Woven, FDA Approved, 10 Rolls, Assorted Colors (2Inches x 5Yards) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6C91ZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qNCLBbBSFG2VC
Remedy and Recovery Professional Groomer's Styptic Powder for Pets, 1.5-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004PJ55KC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xOCLBbAKS8A0G
Stash Tea Original Honey Sticks 20-3 oz Sticks Individually Sealed Portable Honey Tubes 100% Pure Clover Honey Kosher Certified Individually Wrapped Sticks of Pure Clover Honey, Sweeten Tea or Coffee https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I4PY1S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gPCLBb9TNCZHV
Dealmed Gauze Pads, Non-Sterile, Non Woven, 2" x 2", 4 Ply, 200/Bx https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M63XDS7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kQCLBbVN65JRZ
Manna Pro Theracyn Poultry Wound and Skin Care Spray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I5XHK88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IXCLBb28EDCFH
Silver Nitrate Solution, 0.1M, 100mL - The Curated Chemical Collection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0787GCSKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_E0CLBb42XWGRC
SE CS100-6 100 Count 6" Cotton Swabs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002V0ZY2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_G1CLBbQDJ3WQT
10 - Black Twist Open/Close 2oz Refillable Artist's Bullet Bottles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N59CU9J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.2CLBb6123ZF2
Swan Isopropyl Alcohol, 99 percent, Pint, 16 OZ (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCCYTWG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_G4CLBb3V54WRP
Dynarex D1415 Povidone Iodine Prep Solution USP, 16 Fluid Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005R8580M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_G5CLBbMTA0YK8
Squip Nasaline Salt-box Of 50 Pre-measured Packets, 400 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009EXQLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_y7CLBbW76XN59
Teenitor 3ml Pipette, Top Quality Disposable Pipettes Transfer Pipettes 3ml Eye Dropper for Essential Oil Pipette Makeup Tool 110pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071JXVGNK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Y8CLBbG25KBC5
Save A Caf Sav A Chick Electrolyte Vitamin Supplement 3 PACK/.25OUNCE https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UQOZC4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_19CLBb3BFM046
Gorilla 7500101 Super Glue Brush & Nozzle, 10 g, Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7AVQKA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SgDLBbTME6VWX
MedPride Nitrile Exam Gloves, Powder-Free, Small, Box/100 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GS8W2HC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fiDLBb1X2K42G
Panasonic ES246AC Bikini Shaper & Trimmer for Women with Compact, Portable Design and Adjustable Trim Settings, Battery Operated https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005JS5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sjDLBbY10CSTW

Think that covers basics. Alcohol, self adhesive wrap, salt for saline, styptic powder, gauze, theracyn (antibiotic for superficial injuries), silver nitrate (only use with wooden applicators- strong cauterizing agent), pipette, electrolyte ( 1/16 tsp to 8 oz water. If chick is ill add honey for quick energy then mix solution with food to make mash), bottles, betadine ( I cut to 50% strength with saline), and gorilla glue with brush and dispenser. Oh and gloves and shaver:)

It could be worms. I know they tend to slow them down. I would think about worming her also you can add diatomaceous earth to her food to help keep them from coming back. When you worm them you cannot eat their eggs for awhile, it will tell you in the directions usually. DE you can put in their feed daily and it doesn't affect your ability to consume the eggs because it's safe for human consumption. When you worm you should probably worm all of them since they are living together and the hens will eat the worms that are expelled and start a whole new cycle. I hope that helps.

Here are some wormers: http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/rooster-booster-multi-wormer-125-lb

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/red-lake-earthreg%3B-diatomaceous-earth-with-calcium-bentonite-20-lb

http://www.amazon.com/Verm-X-Liquid-Poultry-Internal-Parasite/dp/B003L6JK10/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1406072702&sr=8-2&keywords=poultry+wormer

http://www.amazon.com/Rooster-Booster-038-50101-Multi-Wormer-1-25-Pound/dp/B00H5T8X3U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406072702&sr=8-1&keywords=poultry+wormer

I had this and got cuddle bone and buried it under my gravel and all the new growth is spot free.

https://www.amazon.com/Living-World-Cuttlebone-Small-Carded/dp/B0002DH2WO

Ah, it's heartbreaking to see a bird plucking.. Even if it's just a habit, it's not a healthy one. :/ I'm guessing that this is your first parrot?

If you can, find out any history of the bird and when it started plucking, what it's diet was like, what the home that it stayed in was like, did it have toys, has it ever been moved, etc.. Basically, take note of everything (again, if you are able). Also, did you take her to an avian vet, or a general vet?

We've got a CAG that started plucking in November 2013 after our roommate (his owner at the time) returned from a two month long trip. It didn't stop for over a year and it has taken a substantial amount of time and effort on our part to make him feel happy and secure. Yet, that didn't help. He would be happily preening on one leg, fluffed up, and pull out neck feathers while he was on our shoulders, knees, etc. (I call it his "survivor's guilt" for enjoying new owners). He was very comfortable, and very content. It made no sense. Here's some solutions that worked for us, or have been recommended (in case you have more luck with them than we did). Also, bear in mind that habitual plucking doesn't always mean that the bird is unhappy (even if she is at the moment). It's a bit like a person biting their nails. It starts out for some reason or another, but then it turns into a habit and they do it because they do.

What we've tried and has been working (He's been on the supplements for 4 months and it didn't look like they were doing much for the first two): A healthy diet of minimal seed, pellets, and fresh veggies twice a day - one scoop of featheriffic! in the mornings, and one scoop of Avicalm with each meal (breakfast/dinner). These supplements have worked for us, but our vet had warned us that they'll mask any underlying problems if they should work. Just something to keep in mind.

Another thing suggested, which might not be a good solution for you as you just got the bird and it might not like being sprayed: Featherglo. The bird store where our CAG originated from rehomes a lot of birds and recommended it as something that has worked on a few of their pluckers. I hate the smell of it and this only got attempted once.. :/

Some general things to do:

• Keep some toys in the cage to ensure that she has other things to keep her occupied and plucking isn't all that she has. Toys like this preening ring provide a bird with a good way to over preen something without destroying their own feathers..
  
• Clean the cage at least once a week and change the lining at least twice - it's gross and time consuming, but you never know.. Maybe a dirty cage could be one of the causes of the plucking..?
  
• Give her lots of love and attention - try not to focus on the plucking. Really, if it's seen as a way to get your attention and the bird wants your attention you could just be making the problem worse. It sucks, but it is what it is.. If it gives you any hope (and I hope it does!) our CAG didn't even want to be held by us when we got him. He would bite, etc. and was plucking.. It was about as frustrating as can be. However, he has warmed up to both my GF and I (more my GF) and we've got an awesome relationship now. Don't lose hope! Just be patient - 10 years is a long time to live with someone and then be given up.
  
• Make sure that her diet is as healthy as you're able to provide (lots of resources online for this, but you can always ask around here, too)
  
• Accept that she might pluck forever and love her anyways.
  
  Sorry that this is long.. :/

For the wheel, get an upright one (not the disc slanted kind). I personally have a 12” wodent wheel (easy to find on Amazon). 11”-12” is what you should aim for. Anything smaller and your hamster’s back will arch causing them problems. The wodent wheel is also fairly silent. DO NOT GET A WIRE MESH WHEEL LIKE THIS ONE. Your hamster will hurt itself on it, I promise. Also, don’t cheap out on the wheel because I promise you you’ll have to upgrade it if you don’t get the right one (speaking from experience).

I recommend getting a fish tank as a cage. It is easy to clean, easy to find, and harder for your ham to escape from. Get a lid (with air holes, preferably mesh) for sure. Hamsters are master escape artists (also speaking from experience). This is a must if you have other animals (cats like you said).

Get a playpen. I used to have a ball that my hamsters would run in, and they HATED it. It’s actually illegal in a lot of countries. I wish I had known better. Let your ham run free in an enclosed space.

Hamsters love veggies and fruits. They should not be the only food source (they love nuts and seeds), but they love to munch on about anything. Google the foods before feeding them anything to make sure it is safe for them. Most fruits and veggies are, any junk food / otherwise processed food is NOT.

Also, place your hams cage where they will get the most peace. They are nocturnal, so they should be placed in a room that is quiet most of the time. Do not disturb them when they are sleeping, it scares them and makes them lose trust.

I think I’ll leave it at that, but if you have more questions, just ask or PM me. :)

mine looks like this http://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Pet-Products-SPV90013-Hamster/dp/B00BUFYAXC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1463437540&sr=8-2&keywords=gerbil+wheel

To be honest it does get squeeky every couple weeks but i just rub a little vegetable oil on the axle and it is quiet.

I bought a silent spinner wheel because i thought "hey it wont make a tonne of noise" (their cage is in my bedroom) however it STANK, as its plastic and has concave. And since my mice love their wheel so much they spend 90% of their time on it. Which bring 90% of the poop....

I swapped it for a wire mesh wheel, I realise bumble foot can be an issue however from what i understand thats caused by the feet being rubbed on the metal bars and the bacteria that live in poop get in the disturbed skin.

The paint does keep it as a smooth surface and for how cheap these wheels are replacing it once a year is just easier and cleaner for me. I wash it with their tank once a week too to ensure that it is clean.

Also a mesh wheel is safer as one of my mice doesn't keep up and a plastic wheel results in her falling on her back from the top of the wheel, as she cant hold on. But with a mesh one she can :) and she cant hurt herself on it.

EDIT:
Also I saw that icaruscottontail suggested that they only have it during supervised exercise times. I dont think this is not a good idea, if your mice are like mine they love to run at night 11pm-5am mainly, and i found they run up to 8km a NIGHT, if they only get a few hours when your awake they are unlikely to use it or use it as much as they would want to otherwise.

Go to the place that you got them and pick up some of this

give them all the love and care that you can but losing chickens is part of being a chicken owner. It is hard I know, but it happens.

Check their vents for pasty butts... and just keep an eye on them.

I've had good luck with this Petco brand dripless small animal water bottle. My bunny couldn't figure it out at first (I think maybe he just couldn't figure out that it was a water bottle?), but as soon as we pressed down on the lever at the mouthpiece and showed him water comes out, he took to it and hasn't had a problem since.

Before this one, I tried one other kind of dripless bottle with the lever type opening, but it was really sharp and hard to press so I took out pretty much immediately when my bunny tried to drink from it and failed. He's been using the Petco bottle for almost a year now, and we haven't had a single issue with it. I'm surprised no one else here had tried these or recommends them. Way better than a water dish.

edit: This is the kind I tried first. You can see the lever design from the picture. It was located in the small animal section at the store, but it makes sense as a bird water bottle because the lever is really sharp/stiff so probably fine for beaks but not little wodent/bunny teeth? Regardless, the design of the petco bottle is the same idea but a much better execution for bunnies. And it's nice and big.

I use these flip-top Lixit bottles and I love them. I had one that started leaking after a couple years but several others that have had no issues. I like them because you don't need to remove them from the cage to refill them and they have a valve instead of a bearing so they're completely silent.

I use this litterbox with the white tray removed, and Yesterdays News litter. I stuck it in the poop corner and they trained themselves.

I used the water botle that came with the All Living Things Starter cage, but my boys are in my bedroom and the nighttime drinking noise was intolerable. I got them a locking dish and I like it, they like it. But I started to worry they weren't drinking enough water, so I got a Lixit valve bottle and I love it. My boys love it too, they picked it up very quickly.

Just out of curiosity, how did they chew through the plastic bottle? Was it mounted inside the cage?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002G7ZQE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523302796&sr=8-3&keywords=poop-off+bird+poop+remover&dpPl=1&dpID=41tXs20X86L&ref=plSrch - I haven’t tried it on any dried up pieces from chickens but it works really well for dried Lovebird poop. It seems like it would work for chickens as well, since it also cleans for bugs and grain-based diets.

I bought this, how would you recommend putting it in the tank? Just snap piece off and drop it in the water?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0793JTSNK?ref=ppx_pt2_dt_b_prod_image