Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    I wouldn't be concerned about your birds catching anything from the
    wild birds.  They are not confined to a closed in area (lots of open
    space and air) where they are breathing in other bird dust from the
    skin and feces of a sickly bird.  Unless your birds are interacting
    directly with the wild birds it is pretty safe.
    
    As for Ornacyn,  I have used it occasionally if I find any of my birds a
    "under the weather".  I don't use any medication as a Preventitive -
    only to treat a sick bird.  Otherwise I use just Nekton Vitamins every
    other day in their water.  That's it.  I have very few problems.
    
    Birds rarely get sick, and most often it is due to stress (change in
    surroundings, diet, cage mates, death of a mate, etc.) or a vitamin
    deficiency.
    
    Most medications used to treat birds contain Tetracycline, which is
    in most Ornacyn and related products.  Tetracycline can also be
    purchased over the counter at many pet supply and grain stores.  It
    is used to treat chickens and horses.  I buy the Ornacycline since
    it is made for birds with accurate dosages.  You use that for 5
    days in the ill bird's water and it clears up most any superficial
    ailment (congestion, runny nose, or intestional disorder).  I find
    it works great for me and saves me $$$ from unnecessary vet bills.
    Keep it on hand at all times.
    
    Regards,
    Denise
    
    Hope this helps you out.
    
    Regards,
    Denise

    One problem with the bird antibiotics is that bacteria develop resistance 
    to most of them very quickly.  If you give them antibiotics all the
    time, they will lose any effectiveness.  Then if your bird does get
    sick, you will not have any effective treatment.
    
    Mary

    
    I don't use any medicines (such as antibiotics) as preventatives.  I DO
    take one preventative measure, however.  At least once a week, all my
    birds get rice mixed with yoghurt containing live cultures.  I used to
    feed acidophilus capsules broken up and sprinkled over the food, but
    I've switched to yoghurt because it is also a good source of calcium
    and protein.  I feel this contributes to a healthier digestive system
    for my avian kids.
    
    But maybe this should go in the "holistic" topic!
    
    
    					/Rita
    

    I wondered if birds could have yoghurt!  I've been giving mine benebac
    once a week, which has friendly bacteria....

    
    When I was handfeeding baby finches (long story!) my vet told me to put
    a little bit of yoghurt into the formula to "seed" their guts with
    digestive bacterias. 
    
    All my guys love it, especially when I use it to flavour something 
    kind of dry, like rice or pasta.  And the sight of a huge crazed
    cockatoo diving into a pint of Dannon has to be seen to be believed :-)
    
    Go ahead and feed a little yoghurt (use a plain, low fat, non sugared kind
    and mix in your own fruits, like ripe bananas) and see if your birds
    like it.
    
    					/Rita
    
    

    Hmmmm...sounds a lot more cost effective than benebac!
    
    thanks,
    Mary