Worming ?

[Jim]

Hello Doc

I read discussions from people that have their birds outdoors a lot and even the terrible over nighters. Some talk about worming as a prevention. If you don't mind I would like to hear your thoughts on this.

Also if they did get worms, which I don't even know if they really can, is it hard to cure?

Thanks in advance
Jim

[Ellen K. Cook, DVM]

people that have their birds outdoors a lot and even the terrible over nighters. Some talk about worming as a prevention. If you don't mind I would like to hear your thoughts on this.

Also if they did get worms, which I don't even know if they really can, is it hard to cure?


Hi Jim,

Worms are a problem if the birds live outdoors-something you see more in outdoor aviaries. There aren't many of us who have our parrots living outside 24/7, but those who do need to be somewhat concerned about worms. Most intestinal parasites are relatively easy to treat. Sarcocystosis is an often fatal parastic disease found in outdoor aviaries.

http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/sarcocystosis.html

I'd personally worry more about predators getting at birds housed outdoors. I've seen what raccoons can do to chickens-not pretty!:(

[Jim]

Thank You

I'm not going to worry about it them.

To tell the whole story, what I read recently was where a bird (free flier) was out all night, maybe two. The owner took the bird to a vet for a check-up which to me was cool. Then the whole discussion thing started about having the bird wormed.

Again Thanks. That was a fast reply.:)