Posts in “Birds in Care” category
Botulism
Botulism is a natural toxin produced by a bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) commonly found in soil. There are several types of botulism toxin, some of which can affect humans. Birds get their own kind of botulism (Type C). Botulism Type C is concentrated in aquatic invertebrates that filter feed sediments or water. When birds eat the ...
2021-2022 Nursery Review
A day in the nursery goes a little something like this: arrive at 6.30-7.00am. Warm up syringe feeding mixes for each species in care. Feed the babies. Administer medications. Feed the babies. Clean out housing. Feed the babies. Set up housing with fresh branches and appropriate food. Feed the babies. Administer fluid therapy. Feed the ...
The very hungry oystercatcher
Waitā the oystercatcher arrived depressed, severely underweight, with suspected head trauma, damaged flight feathers, and some bald patches. After fluid therapy, he spent the night in the ICU on oxygen. The team then began to tube feed him to try and put some weight back on. After a week, Waitā moved to an aviary, where ...
A successful fundraiser!
Thanks to the support of the community, BirdCare’s recent annual Theatre Evening at Titirangi Theatre successfully raised the funds to purchase a much needed infusion pump. An infusion pump is a device which controls the administration of small amounts of fluid to help a bird recover from injury. The usual drip hook-up you ...
A juvenile oyster catcher with expensive taste in food!
I arrived at hospital (BirdCare Aotearoa) with a very sore head (suspected head trauma) and very skinny (underweight). The nice lady put me on oxygen, gave me something to drink (fluids) and made my head feel better (pain relief). Yay. I was given food through a tube for a few days and watched very closely ...