SINGAPORE – Owning birds as pets can be very rewarding – be it the forging of a strong owner-pet bond, a sense of companionship or a deep appreciation of the beautiful singing and appearance of songbirds.

However, most bird owners will also know that keeping their pet birds happy and healthy can be quite a task.​Birds have biological traits that set them apart from mammals. However, some physical adaptations that aid survival in the wild may work against birds in captivity.

Many bird species instinctively hide pain and illness to avoid predation, making it easy for bird owners to miss early signs of illness. By the time a bird displays obvious outward signs of poor health, it is often critically ill.​This is why regular monitoring of your bird’s health and condition, and a good understanding of what is usual for your bird are so important. Here are some common health issues in pet birds to look out for.

Feather loss can be part of a bird’s usual moulting process. However, it is also a sign of ill health, particularly if linked to destructive behaviours such as feather plucking.

Feather plucking is a complex issue and requires a thorough health check to identify an underlying cause. Potential causes of feather plucking include infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances, as well as behavioural issues such as boredom, stress or frustration.

Feather plucking may initially look innocuous, with only aesthetic concerns, but if left unchecked, birds can do serious damage to their skin and feather follicles. Do not wait for this to happen before seeking veterinary advice.

​Like other pets, obesity can lead to various health issues in birds, such as liver and heart diseases, and is often the result of a diet consisting mostly of high-calorie foods such as seeds. ​A wide variety of bird species are kept as pets and owners must cater to their birds’ diet according to what is appropriate for their age and species.

Most parrots, for example, require a nutritionally balanced diet of commercial pellets supplemented wit...