What is Good Health?
The dictionary defines health as the general condition of the body or mind, being free from disease or ailment, while also possessing vigor and vitality. But how many of the birds under our care can actually be described as being completely free of the symptoms of illness and disease? Many holistic veterinarians have told me that their human clients readily accept mediocre to poor health as being normal in their companion animals. Everyone interested, in and actively using holistic and natural animal healthcare, must be mindful of the fact that healthy animals are symptom free and naturally resist disease and illness.
Healthy birds are free of beak abnormalities, have beautiful plumage, and a well functioning digestion and elementary tract. They are calm and confident, lacking nervous repetitive behaviors, unjustified fearful reactions and destructive feather habits. The endocrine system in a healthy parrot functions efficiently without glandular secretions being over or under active. Healthy birds do not succumb to parasites, chronic infections, or the usual degenerative diseases that often accompany old age - arthritis, atherosclerosis, cataracts, neurological disease, degenerative disk disease and muscle wasting. Healthy birds are symptom free on all levels, mentally, emotionally and physically. This state of ideal health for our birds is a goal for all of us to work towards, not a judgment or condemnation of a bird’s previous circumstances.
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