Avian Nutrition for Purdue
Introduction
Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry) presented this distance-learning Lunch and Learn for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Exotics Club as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program.
Recording
Sunburned! An Evidence-Based Update on UVB Lighting for Captive Exotic Species
Lighting is a critical component of animal husbandry, particularly for exotic animal species. View the webinar recording by Mark Mitchell, DVM, MS, PhD, DECZM (Herpetology), RACE approved for 1 credit hour. This presentation first reviews the role of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in vitamin D₃ synthesis, before summarizing experimental studies evaluating UVB exposure in reptiles, birds, and mammals. Additional topics include potential adverse effects associated with UVB light and practical clinical recommendations, such as methods for accurate measurement of UVB output as well as proper bulb selection and placement.
Reproductive Disease in Female Psittacine Birds
This live, RACE-approved webinar by Dr. Don Harris has been postponed to December 9, 2026. Registration has been paused and will reopen in late October 2026
Avian Euthanasia Survey Results
Euthanasia, or providing “a good death,” is an essential, yet often challenging, part of veterinary practice. Euthanasia presents unique difficulties in avian patients, and while many recommendations exist, strong personal opinions also shape clinical practice. View the results of this confidential survey.
Avian Reproductive Tract Surgery: From Egg Binding to Neoplasia
MVDr Andrea Henrik presented this distance-learning event for the Atlantic Veterinary College Zoological and Laboratory Animal Medicine Club. This Lunch & Learn presentation was co-hosted by the Lafeber Company Student Program and the Association of Avian Veterinarians Student Committee.
Avian Euthanasia: Welfare Considerations & Clinical Techniques
Euthanasia may be considered an essential part of veterinary practice, however the incredible diversity of class Aves creates special challenges for veterinary health professionals seeking to provide a death free of distress or pain. This review article first explores personnel and owner considerations, before beginning a discussion on the use pre-visit anxiolytics and general anesthesia. Important euthanasia agents as well as common routes of administration are explored in detail, before concluding with a brief discussion of field euthanasia techniques and confirmation of death.
Test Your Knowledge: Medical and Behavioral Issues in Avian Health
The Intersection of Medical and Behavioral Issues in Avian Health webinar recording was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.
The Intersection of Behavior and Medical Issues in Avian Health
Veterinary professionals should ideally approach avian health by considering both medical and behavioral perspectives. An integrated approach is vital, as medical issues can contribute to behavioral problems and vice versa. The diagnostic approach and management of medical and behavioral problems are compared and contrasted in this presentation. View the RACE-approved recording of this distance-learning event presented by Yvonne R.A. van Zeeland, DVM, MVR, PhD, DECZM (Avian, Small Mammal).
Avian Nutrition: Practical Applications
Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry) presented this distance-learning event for the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Avian & Exotics Club as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program. This RACE-approved webinar recording offers an introduction to the clinical approach to companion parrot nutrition. Topics covered include common clinical findings associated with malnutrition, nutritional assessment of pet birds, as well as key nutrients. This discussion concludes with a comparison of all-seed and formulated diets as well as dietary conversion to a healthy diet.
Avian Anatomy and Physiology Basics
This article is the focus of LafeberVet’s Avian Anatomy Teaching Module, which is RACE-approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit. This review begins with a brief summary of Class Aves before exploring various organ systems. Important vocabulary terms and key concepts are emphasized throughout the text. The reader should have a basic understanding of mammalian anatomy. Birds are quite different both structurally and functionally when compared to mammals, therefore comparisons are frequently drawn between these two taxonomic groups. Since form follows function, descriptions of avian anatomy will also merge into physiology and other life sciences, where appropriate. Clinically relevant information and additional resources on LafeberVet are also highlighted.
Post-Test: Clinical Approach to Avian Feather Destructive Behavior
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Pour les vétérinaires. Par les vétérinaires.
Le site Lafervet.com est conçu pour une utilisation par les vétérinaires. Il est ouvert aux vétérinaires diplômés, aux techniciens vétérinaires diplômés, aux […]
Test Your Knowledge: GnRH Agonists in Avian Practice
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Clinical Approach to Feather Destructive Behavior
Feather destructive behavior is one of the most challenging clinical concerns faced by avian veterinarians and owners alike. In this RACE-approved webinar recording, Lauren Thielen, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) discusses the systematic hunt for underlying causes as well as case management strategies once feather damaging behavior has been observed. Review of the current literature in feather destructive behavior is discussed as a way to understand why parrots exhibit this behavior and what caretakers can do to reduce the incidence of this problem.
The Use of GnRH Agonists in Avian Practice
Avian veterinarian Brian Speer presented this live webinar, RACE-approved for 1.5 credit hours. Reproductive activities, particularly those that are recurrent, pose a significant threat to the health and behavioral well-being of many pet birds. This presentation began by reviewing the basics of female reproductive anatomy and endocrinology before discussing the role of environmental and behavioral stimuli on reproductive endocrinology. Dr. Speer then presented an ethical scale for selecting and prioritizing recommendations for intervention, before discussing medical therapy as well as the environmental and behavioral interventions that can be employed. Dr. Speer concluded with a discussion of behavioral science and its applications to the management of hormonal problems.
Test Your Knowledge: Avian Ganglioneuritis and Avian Bornavirus
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Pour les vétérinaires. Par les vétérinaires.
Le site Lafervet.com est conçu pour une utilisation par les vétérinaires. Il est ouvert aux vétérinaires diplômés, aux techniciens vétérinaires diplômés, aux […]
A Clinician’s Perspective on Avian Ganglioneuritis and Avian Bornavirus
This non-interactive, RACE-approved webinar recording by Dr. Brenna Fitzgerald reviews avian ganglioneuritis (formerly proventricular dilatation disease or PDD) and avian bornavirus, which are extremely complex and potentially confusing topics. This lecture begins with what is currently known (including varying viewpoints among the scientific community) and emphasizes what clinicians need to know about this disease, including diagnostic and treatment options. The latest discoveries reported in the literature are discussed to help guide best practices.
Parrot Anatomy Basics
Parrots are primarily arboreal, diurnal birds found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Parrots belong to Order Psittaciformes and are divided into three families. There are over 350 species of psittacine birds or parrots. If you are comfortable with the basic principles of avian anatomy and physiology, then you are well on your way to understanding psittacine birds. LafeberVet has listed 16 interesting facts about parrot anatomy and physiology that may serve you well during physical examination, clinical care, and/or necropsy. This post also brief describes the Quaker or monk parrot as well as unique features of the kākāpō.
Bird Basics Teaching Module
What are the basics of avian medicine that a novice veterinary health professional should know before laying hands on the companion parrot patient? Upon completion of this learning aid, the participant will have a basic clinical understanding of avian anatomy, psittacine handling and restraint, history and physical examination, zoonotic concerns, nutrition, basic diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, as well as a few select presenting problems.
Avian Neonatology and Pediatrics
View the recording of the live webinar presented by Lorenzo Crosta, med Vet, PhD, DECZM, EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Zoo Health Management. The objective of this presentation was to assist the exotic animal practitioner, with little or no experience in avian neonatology and pediatrics. This presentation discusses the logical diagnostic plan in the young bird. The approach to common pediatric conditions, ranging from developmental and orthopedic problems to common traumatic injuries and infectious diseases, is also explored. Practical clinical examples are presented.
Avian Quick Links
LafeberVet’s list of avian medicine links will assist your navigation of some of the avian medicine resources on LafeberVet. Educate yourself before laying hands on the avian patient by reviewing the basics of avian anatomy and physiology as well as important principles of handling and restraint. Then explore content on the examination and history, behavior, housing and nutrition, as well as supportive care techniques, diagnostics, basic therapeutics, and common presenting problems. Start with content listed in the rows titled, “Begin with…”, then expand your knowledge with other sections, such as “Learn more…”.
Test Your Knowledge: Avian Neonatology & Pediatrics
The Avian Neonatology and Pediatrics webinar course was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education.
You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade of 75% or…
Basic Information Sheet: Pionus
The birds of genus Pionus are native to regions of Mexico, Central America, and/or South America. Pionus parrots are often described as “small Amazon parrots” because of their stocky builds and often short, square tails. This information sheet reviews natural history, taxonomy, and conservation status, as well as physical descriptions, husbandry needs, behavior, including the Pionus “snarfle or snuffle”, normal physiologic data and anatomy, restraint, and important medical conditions.
Avian Cardiology Essentials
Cardiovascular disease commonly occurs in companion birds and poses a serious threat to the quality of life and longevity of many avian species. This live, interactive, RACE-approved webinar was presented by avian veterinarian, Brenna Fitzgerald. Topics discussed in the webinar recording include key features of avian cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, risk factors, as well as specific clinical disease states, including atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and pericardial disease and effusion. This lecture also reviewed essential elements of a diagnostic workup, and current treatment approaches that can improve longevity and quality of life for these patients.
Test Your Knowledge: Avian Radiology
Test Your Knowledge: View the RACE-approved webinar recording on “Avian Radiology: Basic Principles, Reference Values & Clinical Cases” by Minh Huynh, DVM, MRCVS, DECZM (Avian), DACZM, then take the brief post-test to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit.
Ultrasound in Birds
Dr. Petra Schnitzer presented this distance-learning event for the veterinary medical students at the University of Georgia at Athens College of Veterinary Medicine as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program. View this webinar recording, RACE-approved for 1 credit hour.
The Importance of Next-Generation Sequencing in Avian Veterinary Medicine
Effective treatment of diseases requires accurate diagnose, and infectious diseases in avian medicine present special diagnostic challenges. Molecular diagnostic tools, such as DNA sequencing, are available to aid the urgent medical need to detect and identify all culprits that cause infections. Next-generation DNA sequencing offers the ability to diagnose infections using microbial DNA as the analyte, thus bypassing culture testing along with its deficiencies. This article briefly explains this useful laboratory technique as well as its applications in avian medicine…
Liberating Wings: The Possibility of Transformative Parrot Conservation
Dr. LoraKim Joyner of One Earth Conservation presented this distance-learning event on parrot conservation for the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife, Zoological, and Avian Animal Medicine Club as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program.
Avian Raw Whole Food Nutrition
Dr. Jason Crean of Saint Xavier University presented this distance-learning event on whole food nutrition in birds for the University of Minnesota College Veterinary Medicine ZEAW Club. This presentation was sponsored by the Lafeber Company Student Program.
Flight Mechanics, Parrot Welfare, & Ethical Concerns
Dr. Todd E. Driggers presented this live webinar event on Flight Mechanics, Parrot Welfare, and Ethical Concerns. The webinar recording begins with a discussion on grooming. Feather trimming birds in captivity has been a common practice performed for many reasons, including fear of loss, safety, and the ability to control and tame. If the gold standard for animal welfare is freedom and feather destructive behavior is a reliable indicator of scientifically studied animal welfare, feather trimming impacts how the animal feels, functions, and prohibits natural responses to positive or aversive stimuli. Perhaps it is time to reflect on the benefits and risks of feather trims through the lens of animal welfare. At a minimum, the degrees of severity of the current techniques need redressing when we consider the experience of the bird.
Avian Anesthesia post test
The Avian Anesthesia webinar course was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education.
You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade of 75% or…
Avian Anesthesia Webinar
Dr. Lorenzo Crosta presented this live webinar on the clinical perspectives of avian anesthesia. View the RACE-approved webinar recording, then take a brief quiz to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit. After briefly reviewing clinically relevant avian anatomy and physiology, Dr. Crosta touches upon injectable anesthesia, then discusses in detail preanesthesia and inhalation anesthesia in clinical practice. The discussion then moves onto monitoring the avian patient, from vital parameters to capnography, doppler, electrocardiography, and pulse oximetry. Dr. Crosta also discusses analgesia, intra-operative fluid therapy, as well as specific concerns related to avian anesthesia, such as positioning the patient, hypocalcemia, air sac cannulation, as well as management of diving birds. This seminar concludes with practical tips for safe and uneventful patient recovery.
Clinical Avian Nutrition for Veterinary Health Professionals
Dr. Susan Orosz presented this live, interactive webinar event on the clinical perspectives of avian nutrition. How can veterinary health professionals best address the nutritional needs of the companion bird in the exam room? View the RACE-approved, non-interactive webinar recording, the pass the brief post-test to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit.
Avian Nutrition Basics
This 1-hour, R.A.C.E.-approved webinar recording is designed to impart a basic understanding of avian nutrition for the veterinary health professional as well as students in these fields. Viewing of this recorded is strongly recommended before viewing the recording of the live webinar event Clinical Avian Nutrition for Veterinary Health Professionals by Susan Orosz, PhD, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM.
A Guide to Avian Necropsy
The postmortem examination is a valuable part of the diagnostic work-up. Shared by a veterinary pathologist with a special interest in birds, this guide to avian necropsy provides comprehensive instructions for the avian postmortem exam. This article offers step-by-step guidance on avian necropsy with a variety of photographs and video clips that illustrate useful clinical techniques and normal avian anatomy. Feel confident in your knowledge of avian anatomy? You can also “Test Yourself” by identifying the structures shown in four separate images.
Reading Bird Body Language
Careful observation of avian body language can provide clues when a bird is receptive to play or handling. Download this client education handout to share helpful advice on interpreting psittacine bird postures and behaviors.
Post-Test: Minimizing Stress to Avian Patients
View the recording of this live webinar event, then take the brief quiz. With a passing grade of 70% or higher, you will receive a continuing education certificate for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize American Association of Veterinary State Boards Registry of Approved Continuing Education approval.
Minimizing Stress to Avian Patients During the Veterinary Visit
The recording of this live, interactive webinar was presented by Dr. Alicia McLaughlin, a certified Fear Free™ veterinarian who is spearheading the development of an avian-focused Fear Free™ course. This presentation explores the reasons stress should be minimized during avian veterinary visits and the challenges that must be overcome. Dr. McLaughlin also shares practical tips for clinical implementation as they relate to clinic design, staff training, client education, as well as tips for working with avian patients in an exam room or hospital setting. Alicia has also provided two client education handouts for download that she uses in her daily practice.
Capnometry in Exotic Animal Species
Capnometry measures the maximum value of carbon dioxide (CO2) obtained at the end of expiration or end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2). There is good correlation between ETCO2 and arterial CO2 in birds and mammals and capnography can be used as a reliable tool to evaluate the adequacy of ventilation in these species. Capnography can only be used to identify trends in reptiles because of cardiac shunting of blood past the reptilian lungs.
Monitoring Vital Signs in Exotic Animal Species
Even the most steadfast and seasoned veterinary anesthetist can find themselves intimidated by exotic animal patients. Standard veterinary anesthesia monitors are not designed to read the extremely high (or extremely low) heart rates and respiratory rates of some exotic animal patients. Despite these challenges, valuable information can be gathered from monitoring tools as well as hands-on techniques. Essential vital signs, such as heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate and depth, body temperature, and mucous membrane color should all be evaluated.
Blood Pressure Monitoring in Exotic Animal Species
Arterial blood pressure is a function of heart rate, blood volume, stroke volume, and arterial compliance. Indirect arterial blood pressure is most commonly measured by Doppler ultrasound or non-invasive oscillometric monitors. What are the limitations of indirect blood pressure measurements in exotic animal patients? How is this technique unique in exotic companion mammals when compared to dogs and cats? How is this technique performed in birds and can this procedure be used in reptiles?
Avian Emergency & Critical Care Summary Page
Although the principles of emergency medicine critical care are universal for all species, this approach must be balanced with an understanding of the unique aspects of avian medicine. Use this summary page to review the basic approach to the avian patient and select additional links to supplement your knowledge base.
What Parrots Want: The Importance and Use of Foraging and Environmental Enrichment for Birds
This webinar recording is RACE-approved for 1 hour of continuing education. Despite parrots being popular pets, much of the information regarding their nutritional and behavioral needs is still unknown. Unlike dogs and cats, most psittacine species are not domesticated and have therefore likely retained most, if not all, of their wild instincts and behavioral needs. In captivity, however, most parrots have little to no opportunity to perform these species-typical behaviors. This will not only reduce their welfare, but can also result in the onset of abnormal repetitive behaviors, including feather damaging behavior, and oral or locomotor stereotypies.
Feather Destructive Behavior in Psittacine Birds Post Test
Categories: Avian, Parrot,
The Feather Destructive Behavior in Psittacine Birds webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (R.A.C.E.) program for 1 hour of continuing education, in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB R.A.C.E. approval….
The Parrot Brain On Shapes: Similarities with Human Visual Processing
Objects are often not fully visible in everyday life. Human beings are capable of processing the complex visual information related to “incompleteness” because our visual environment is primarily composed of opaque objects that can overlap and partially hide each other. Scientists believe that many nonhuman species are also able to deal with “incompleteness”…
External Coaptation in Birds: Bandages and Splints
Traumatic orthopedic injuries are relatively common in the avian patient. Although bird bones are strong when intact, they tend to shatter on impact as the cortices are thin and brittle. A lack of abundant soft tissue coverage often leads to open fractures…
Anatomy and Physiology of the Avian Gastrointestinal Tract: Clinical Applications
As a part of the Encore ICARE 2015 Lafeber Symposium Lecture Series, Dr. Susan Orosz provided an introductory presentation on anatomy and physiology of the avian gastrointestinal tract. View a recording of this webinar today.
Medical Management of Psittacines with Bornavirus Ganglioneuritis (PDD)
Did you attend the Lafeber Symposium at the 2015 International Conference on Avian heRpetological and Exotic mammal medicine in Paris? View a recording of this encore, web-based seminar: “Medical Management of Psittacines with Bornavirus Ganglioneuritis (PDD)” by Susan Orosz, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian). This presentation on avian borna virus contains medium to advanced level content. The novice is encouraged to view the first hour of Dr. Orosz’s presentation “Anatomy & Physiology of the Avian Gastrointestinal Tract: Clinical Applications”, which includes a helpful review of avian gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology.
Wait For It…A Grey Parrot Demonstrates Self-Control
“Griffin”, a grey parrot in Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s animal behavior and avian cognition lab, could wait up to 15 minutes for a better quality reward, even though both treats offered were preferred food items. Griffin displayed delayed gratification for longer than any previously tested avian subject including Goffin’s cockatoos. Fifteen minutes was the longest time evaluated, not necessarily the longest length of time Griffin could wait.
Explore the history of similar research in children and animals as well as the specific results of the study led by Adrienne E. Koepke of Hunter College and Suzanne L. Gray of Harvard University. Also learn more about Dr. Irene Pepperberg and the fascinating work of The Alex Foundation.
Feather Destructive Behavior in Psittacine Birds Webinar
This webinar recording was made by Lynne Seibert, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl. American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Feather destructive behavior, also called pterotillomania, is one of the most common and frustrating behavior problems seen in captive psittacine birds. The disorder is characterized by feather removal, feather chewing, or self-inflicted trauma to soft tissue, limited to areas that the bird can reach. Behavioral history-taking should include information about the bird’s background, early rearing environment, caregiver expectations, composition of the household, air quality issues, changes in the environment associated with onset of the behavior problem, exposure to chemicals, the cage, toys, and photoperiod, nutrition, and social interactions.
Exotic ICU: Nursing Care For the Avian Patient
It is 10 p.m. in your veterinary emergency hospital and a dreaded call comes in. A panicked owner is in tears because their beloved pet is in crisis. In most cases, your team will quickly gather supplies and move swiftly to prepare for the emergent patient. This patient may strike fear in many veterinary professionals, however, because it is the dreaded avian patient presenting to a general veterinary practice.
Released for National Veterinary Technician Week 2014, Tips and Tricks for the Avian Patient is part of an Exotic ICU series that provides advice on the management of birds in a critical care setting.