Expert Companion Bird Care Series III
Author: Scott Echols, DVM, Dipl. ABVP & Brian L Speer, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, ECZM
Reviewed by: Oreta M.
Samples, RVT, MPH, DHSc
4 stars out of 5
The third in an “expert” series, this video steps slightly away from a purely veterinary medical association with companion birds and focuses more on places potential owners may shop for a bird. The video explores specialty shops, corporate pet stores as well as grooming and sexing of pet birds, large and small.
Michelle Beckley addresses the concept of specialty bird pet stores in an effort to educate potential buyers. She explores such concepts as how to pick a store that is right for the buyer and gives great tips for those not only choosing a supplier of birds but also toys. More importantly, she introduces the viewer to what they should know about avian husbandry and nutritional protocols and what to look for.
Dr. Tom Edling covers buying birds from a corporate pet store or pet superstore. And although he also cautions buyers to check the stores husbandry and nutritional protocols, his advice really begins upon opening the door to the store. He advises looking at the overall stores cleanliness from the front to the back. When observing birds, are the habitats clean and safe
while being under crowded? Do birds appear to be happy and social? Dr. Edling also covers the pre-purchase and post-purchase examination of birds as well as reminding prospective bird owners to be realistic in regards to the responsibilities of buying a bird.
Dr. Laurie Hess covers grooming of birds which is mostly related to beak trims, feather trims and attention to nail growth. Within this presentation, Dr. Hess gives a great quick reference style tutorial on the different types of bird nails and the tools most utilized to keep them trimmed and healthy. Additionally, she does an awesome job of showing correct feather trimming methods and how animal should be able to still glide safely using trimmed wings to reach the ground if released.
Finally to round out the video, Dr. Joy Halverson discusses a brief introduction for bird owners of the use of DNA sexing protocols for bird identification. Dr. Halverson does a wonderful job of explaining blood sexing and the genetic fingerprinting that can be done as a testing method, explaining thoroughly yet simplistically.
All in all, this video is an upbeat and positive video which is as enjoyable as it is educational. Overall, while the initial discussion on pet store choices is not a priority for veterinary technicians or practitioners, Dr. Hess and Halverson’s health information is quite valuable. For those unfamiliar with DNA testing or just beginning to master the art of “trimming” the video is very helpful and should be watched by anyone wanting to trim. For this reason, the video garnered a 4 out of 5 star rating.
Publisher: Avian Studios,
North Salt Lake, UT (2011)
ISBN: 978-0-9837104-1-7
VIN Bookstore: https://store.vin.com/custom/list.asp?k=Expert+Companion+Bird+Care+Series+III&searchaction.x=11&searchaction.y=11
