Yeast and Fungi
By Malcolm Green
Only about half of
the infections experienced in cage birds are caused by the old enemy -
bacteria. Many are caused by protozoans, viruses, fungi or yeasts. These
last two can be particularly difficult to treat especially if they are
in the respiratory system. The spores of fungi and yeasts are everywhere
in the air so your birds are always exposed to them.
Good hygiene will
help.
Enviroclens is effective against both of these groups of germs
and
Saniclens is very effective at preventing the spread of these
bugs through the drinking water.
The most
vulnerable birds are hand-reared chicks of all species. Candida, a
yeast, is the most common cause of "slow crop". The veterinary treatment
is an anti-fungal drug. A valuable alternative is
Potent Brew. This powerful probiotic is quite acidic
(yeasts don't like acidic environments) and the bacteria it contains
compete very effectively with the yeasts so exclude them from the crop.
It is possible that Colloidal Silver may be effective but we have no
experience of this as yet.
Prevention is
better than cure and
Potent Brew is very effective if given to hand reared chicks
every day.
For some reason
cockatiels (including adults) are also very prone to Candida infections
though almost any species can be affected.
Saniclens is the best defense in collections of these birds.
Although cockatiels are particularly vulnerable many other species can
succumb.
The fungus
aspergillus is also a very common cause of bird disease. Again good
hygiene is the best prevention. Use of Wheeze-Eeze regularly in
the bird room will help keep it in check along with
Enviroclens and
Saniclens. If you suspect aspergillus you should contact your
vet for an accurate diagnosis.
Prevention is the
best defense. Good nutrition (Daily
Essentials to provide the necessary vitamins to help your bird
fight infections) and Flourish herbal nutricines to stimulate the immune
system.
Flourish is available in a stand alone supplement or as part of
ProBoost SuperMax or in
Feast egg food. For already sick birds it is incorporated in
Survive and
Special Needs Diet as well as the product
Flourish.
Copyright © 2000-2005
The Birdcare Company
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