ABSTRACT
Although many veterinarians are comfortable and familiar with the husbandry of companion animals such as dogs and cats, many are much less comfortable, or familiar, with the world of bird keeping. There are some simple and subtle differences between the husbandry and nutrition of pet birds and aviary birds and the veterinarian needs to be aware of them. A large number of species are kept as pets, with interactions between owner and pet ranging from a bird that becomes a part of the household to a bird that rarely leaves its cage, serving more as a decoration than a pet. While pet birds can enjoy interacting with their human companions, they can also become stressed by constant noise and movement, lack of privacy and security, irregular diurnal cycles and the possibility of the cage been knocked over. Aviculture is practice of keeping birds in captivity, normally within the confines of an aviary, for hobby, display, research, conservation or income purposes.
