Keeping exotic birds can be a lot of fun as long as you know what you're getting into.
Like any pet, a bird needs consistent care and-depending on its type - a little or a lot of attention. When buying birds to train, look for ones that have been hand-reared, which makes them easier to train and much more comfortable around humans.
There is a whole range of species that can be kept some smaller species such as Budgies and Cockatiels make good household pets. Parrots also make colourful, interesting and enjoyable pets however it must be remembered that Parrots live for a very long time often well over 50years of age and keeping them is therefore a long term commitment. They also need considerable stimulation.
Vetark is lucky to have access to our MD, Peter Scott has been one of the UK's leading exotics vets for over 25 years. He is the only currently practicing vet to receive a Fellowship of the RCVS in Psittacine Medicine & Surgery and has been an RCVS recognised Specialist since 1991! He has pioneered exotic veterinary medicine in UK and assisted its growth to current high levels. Peter developed the original formulations of all of our products and still keeps the scientific literature under close expert review to make sure that our products always reflect the best knowledge available.
Vetark has products that are useful across the whole gamut of bird species. From our vitamin supplements (even used in the wild, with Magpie Robins in the Seychelles) to breeding African greys and pet budgies.
Vetarks Avimix vitamin supplement is a very effective multivitamin powder for including in the food of any or all birds. It is high calcium for breeding birds (only Vetark Nutrobal for birds is higher!) but aso contains enhanced levels of vitamins A, C and E plus many other vitamins and minerals.
For very picky birds we have our water soluble liquid BSP vitamnin supplement, this contains lots of essentia vitamins. We always encourage the use of powdered vitamins whenever possible as a more effective combination is possible and all vets prefer this route. The liquid calcium and D3 source Zolcal D is a superb calcium/D3 supplement in liquid form which can be put on, food, in water or given directly to birds needing more calcium.
Our life-saving products Avipro probiotic and Critical Care Formula liquid food are vital for the birdkeepers emergency chest. Many parrot owners find Avipro helpful with 'overheated' feather pickers - although we don't understand why!
The cleanser sanitizer disinfectant Ark-Kens has been proven effective against flu viruses but is recommended for all domestic bird situations. It kills psittacosis organisms and common bugs like Salmonella and E.coli and is superb at removing anything that it doesn't kill.
You can download our bird information leaflet at the foot of the page. This contains information on birdcare, disinfection of the aviary, probiotics in birds etc.