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Papillomas may be removed surgically or through cauterization where possible. The first part of treatment involves the isolation of the infected birds and the birds that have been in contact with infected birds. As the ailment takes time to progress, it is advisable to isolate Papillomatosis Health birds that could be infected through contact. Some vets suggest that no treatment be given unless the papillomas are debilitating or causing the bird specific problems. However, a combination of home and veterinary care is the practical thing to do. In case wart-like lesions are noticed, it is best to approach a vet for care instructions. Polyoma or Avian Polyoma Virus (AVP) normally affects young chicks. Common symptoms are weight loss, listlessness, vomiting, and bleeding at places where the bird pulls out its feathers. The common understanding is that the healthy birds are not normally affected by the virus and that only younger birds may be susceptible to it.

There is no known cure for the disease. However, the bird can be vaccinated when it is about 5 weeks old with a booster dose to be given some two to three weeks later. Polyoma Health Considering that the disease has no known cure, it will be wise to focus more on its prevention. Never introduce a new bird to your existing collection before it has gone through a compulsory period of quarantine and vetinary checks. If ever you have to visit an aviary other than your own, change your clothes and thoroughly wash your hands before handling your own birds. Even if you handle a bird other than yours, disinfect your hands before handling your own. Cage hygiene is a must. If your Galah's cage isn't regularly cleaned, they get lesions on their feet. You should clean their cage, toys, perches and dishes as often as possible. A diet high in Vitamin A, reduces the risk of lesions.

The most common indications of this disease are depression, lethargy, weight loss, vommitting, undigested seeds in droppings, Proliferate foot lesions Proventricular Dilatation Syndrome Health weakness and reduction in the size of muscles. The actual cause of the disease is still not clear. Recent studies show that a virus may be the cause. Not all exposed birds are affected. Some birds seem to have an inborn ability to keep the infection away. There is no specific cure for this ailment. Some vets treat infected birds with interferon. Most affected birds, however, respond poorly to treatment and the disease often proves fatal. The culprit in this case is the Psittacine pox virus. There are several strains of Psittacine pox virus. Each different strain affects different species of Cockatiel differently. The virus does not affect humans. The different forms of the disease manifest themselves differently. The form that affects the skin (sometimes called the "dry form") appears as nodes on unfeathered parts of the skin, around the eyes and feet. It may take a while for birds affected by this disease to be cured. But this disease is seldom fatal. Psittacine Pox Health The other form (the wet form) causes cuts on the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and throat, with fluid oozing from the affected areas.

Both forms of pox make the bird weak and thin. There is no treatment for pox as such. And there is no specific vaccine. The bird will have to recoup through supportive care. Prevention through proper aviary management and general Cockatiel health and hygiene seem to be the only sensible options for the moment. Cockatiel are more vulnerable to this parasite than most other birds. But the consolation is that, there are very few cases of pet bird infestation. Infestation can affect the oral cavity, the esophagus, the crop and the trachea among other organs. Signs of infestation are weight loss, vommitting and labored breathing. The drug most commonly used in treatment is Dimetridazole. As in the case of other diseases, prevention is the wiser option. Trichomoniasis Health Proper hygiene and correct nutrition is as good a beginning as any.

Health "Like it or lump it" is not an option when it comes to choosing a partner or a pet. They are both long term companions. So, go in with both eyes open. The average lifespan of a cockatiel is 12 - 15 years. Some even live to be over 20. If you are going to share that many years of your life with a pet, it better be perfect. The two most important considerations are the bird's emotional and physical health.