Nebulizers
Nebulizers:
How they work and should you get one?
I have been asthmatic since I was very young. I am allergic to many animals including my birds. Yet, as I grew older I haven't had to use my nebulizer (used to breathe in asthma medication) but it has come in quite handy.
Cockatiels, it seems, are very prone to upper and lower respiratory problems. Birds in general have an extra sensitive respiratory system which makes them very efficient at intaking oxygen. While this is good for flying, its not for infection. From time to time, I'll find a bird which is bobbing its tail in my aviary. This is classic signs of a lower respiratory system. Since they hide disease, this is sometimes the only sign they have and they must go to the veterinarian.
It is helpful to have already established a working relationship with your veterinarian. Tell them you have purchased a nebulizer, just in case. Please relieve their tensions that you will NOT use this unless directed by them with their prescription medications at the right dosage. Oftentimes a vet will only prescribe oral medications because we lack nebulizers in our homes. If you have a large flock (20 or more birds) I believe this to be a necessary tool rather than a luxury in your avian management program.
Nebulizers work on respiratory infections (often in conjunction with oral antibiotics) because it delivers medication directly to the sinus cavities and the lungs without having to go through the whole system. Because its not systematic treatment, you may be prescribed by your veterinarian to use both the nebulizer and systemic antibiotics at the same time. Here are a few precautions that you should take:
As outlined above, only use prescribed medication in the right dosing and in the right medium (usually saline) for the prescribed birds. Using human medications that are for use in a nebulizer can have catastophic outcomes. Antihistamines and other over the counter medications for humans can up the blood pressure and heart rate of your bird to lethal levels. They are for HUMANS, not for birds.
That being said, I have used simple distilled water in my nebulizer for sick birds who need to have a humid situation fast. For eggbound birds, I will first put them on heat in a 10 gallon aquarium and nebulize water to get the humidity up while I am waiting for vet advice. This may help the birds comfort level. A little dark time can work to lessen the stress. I cover the aquarium and wait for help. I will discuss egg-binding in another article. Please see the table of contents for that up and coming article.
Nebulizers are about $100 - $200 and increase in durability. Consult your veterinarian about getting a nebulizer especially if you have a large flock. It may be exactly what the doctor ordered!
Related Posts:
Air Cleaners for you and your birds
How they work and should you get one?
I have been asthmatic since I was very young. I am allergic to many animals including my birds. Yet, as I grew older I haven't had to use my nebulizer (used to breathe in asthma medication) but it has come in quite handy.
Cockatiels, it seems, are very prone to upper and lower respiratory problems. Birds in general have an extra sensitive respiratory system which makes them very efficient at intaking oxygen. While this is good for flying, its not for infection. From time to time, I'll find a bird which is bobbing its tail in my aviary. This is classic signs of a lower respiratory system. Since they hide disease, this is sometimes the only sign they have and they must go to the veterinarian.
It is helpful to have already established a working relationship with your veterinarian. Tell them you have purchased a nebulizer, just in case. Please relieve their tensions that you will NOT use this unless directed by them with their prescription medications at the right dosage. Oftentimes a vet will only prescribe oral medications because we lack nebulizers in our homes. If you have a large flock (20 or more birds) I believe this to be a necessary tool rather than a luxury in your avian management program.
Nebulizers work on respiratory infections (often in conjunction with oral antibiotics) because it delivers medication directly to the sinus cavities and the lungs without having to go through the whole system. Because its not systematic treatment, you may be prescribed by your veterinarian to use both the nebulizer and systemic antibiotics at the same time. Here are a few precautions that you should take:
As outlined above, only use prescribed medication in the right dosing and in the right medium (usually saline) for the prescribed birds. Using human medications that are for use in a nebulizer can have catastophic outcomes. Antihistamines and other over the counter medications for humans can up the blood pressure and heart rate of your bird to lethal levels. They are for HUMANS, not for birds.
That being said, I have used simple distilled water in my nebulizer for sick birds who need to have a humid situation fast. For eggbound birds, I will first put them on heat in a 10 gallon aquarium and nebulize water to get the humidity up while I am waiting for vet advice. This may help the birds comfort level. A little dark time can work to lessen the stress. I cover the aquarium and wait for help. I will discuss egg-binding in another article. Please see the table of contents for that up and coming article.
Nebulizers are about $100 - $200 and increase in durability. Consult your veterinarian about getting a nebulizer especially if you have a large flock. It may be exactly what the doctor ordered!
Related Posts:
Air Cleaners for you and your birds
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