Historically, canaries were taken down into the mines as an early warning of the presence of poisonous gases in the air.

This week Bobby, my daughter’s canary, had an unlucky encounter with a cat and ended up with a long gash right across its throat.

Bobby had flown in through the window as if seeking help. In fact, its injury was shocking: the skin on its gullet had been completely severed with a gaping wound that had totally exposed its wind pipe and the rest of its neck anatomy.

Thankfully, none of Bobby’s vital organs or major blood vessels were damaged. Adult canaries are tiny birds, and Bobby is still a yearling. So, after removing bordering feathers and disinfecting the neck area, we slowly and gently stitched it up with the tiniest needle and thinnest suture I had available.

Birds are popular pets in Malta. There are many bird enthusiasts who keep and breed birds in large numbers and there are also many people who keep just one or two birds. Canaries, budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds or parrots… all birds can offer great enjoyment. If well cared for, canaries and budgerigars can live up to 10 or even 15 years, while birds of the parrot family can live even up to 50 years and longer.

One of the most important factors to remember when caring for birds of any type is cleanliness: this means a clean cage, clean food and clean water. Historically, canaries were taken down into the mines as an early warning of the presence of poisonous gases in the air. Since they are susceptible to bad air, they were the first to suffer the consequences of poisonous gas and their symptoms of distress would alert miners.

Air quality is another important factor to consider; dusty conditions, excessive cooking fumes as well as cigarette smoke are detrimental to canaries’ health. Because they are such delicate birds, you should also avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or damp conditions and keep them away from draughts.

Like all animals, canaries too need a balanced diet. First of all, it is important that whatever bird food you buy, it must be fresh, of good quality and appropriate for the particular species.

If well cared for, canaries and budgerigars can live up to 10 or even 15 years

Pelleted bird food, which deters your bird from selecting only favourite seeds from the mix, is available. Seed mixtures must look shiny and free from dust; if your seed mixture is starting to clump together, then pests have got into it and it is no longer good for your bird.

Grit is a supplement most birds need in small amounts and canaries are no exception. Birds have no teeth. To compensate, part of their stomach has developed a thick, muscled wall where, with the help of small stones, food and seeds are ground down inside the gut.

This muscular stomach, called the gizzard, is just after the glandular stomach; food in the process of being digested is passed to and fro until the digestive process is complete. Grit is the term used for the small mineral stones that are sold as a digestive aid.

Seed sticks, vitamin supplements and special treats for birds are easily available. Whether or not these should or could be used would depend on the species, condition and food you offer your bird on a daily basis. These products are generally manufactured with the specific needs of the species, so you can’t go wrong.

All birds, including canaries, need that extra boost during molting time. Molting is a natural process birds go through, mostly in early autumn, to prepare for their winter plumage. Your vet will prescribe the appropriate vitamins, which are generally mixed into your bird’s water.

Cuttlefish bone is an important supplement that should always be present in your bird’s cage. Not only is it important for your bird to be able to keep its beak in trim, but it is also an added source of calcium and minerals. Any sign of an overgrown beak should be dealt with without delay by your veterinarian.

A starving bird will quickly become weak and death can happen quickly. Overgrown claws are also something to look out for to avoid them getting trapped on their perch or cage grid and falling over.

Egg binding is another reason why birds are often taken to the veterinarian. It is when an egg gets lodged in the oviduct and the female bird does not manage to lay it, with the obvious resulting distress. This should be treated as an emergency.

Birds can suffer from many other ailments. Mites are external parasites that may cause itching, scaly beak and claws; ingrowing feathers can cause lumps just under the skin. There are various internal worms and parasites that may affect birds.

Diarrhea may be a symptom of either of these or of a bacterial infection. Respiratory conditions are also possible including, for example, psittacosis, which particularly occurs in parrots. This is an important disease to look out for because it is classified as a zoonosis and can therefore be transmitted to humans.

For this reason it is important that when purchasing a parrot, you obtain it from a reputable breeder with knowledge of the origin of the bird. Any abnormalities should be immediately referred to your veterinary surgeon, who will advise you on the best way to proceed.

Different birds have different requirements and a little reading on the management of your species can go a long way in preventing problems and getting started in the right direction. For example, the type of cage and perches, as well as toys or activities you give your bird depend on the species.

Highly intelligent parrots that do not get maximum interaction and activity will indulge in destructive self-plucking purely out of boredom. Budgerigars are very sociable birds and love company; they are also strong climbers and appreciate having a little ladder to scale inside their cage.

I have known many that have been trained to go in and out of their cage at certain times of day. However, this is not something you should do with a canary, as the chances are that you will lose it.

With canaries, your best option is to provide them with a large cage and keep that as the limit of their available space. The cage must be solid enough not to fall or topple over with the movements of the bird inside. The largest cage your room can afford would be best – so that the bird can extend its wings fully and fly short distances.

Bobby is recovering very well. The stitches have held and there is no sign of secondary infection. For such a young and tiny bird, it has certainly had its fair share of excitement. Let’s hope that, from now on, it will be plain sailing.

thisweekwiththevet@gmail.com

Dr Martin Debattista is a veterinary surgeon.