Observations of basic diagnostic profile patterns seen in some common disorders of backyard poultry species.

Poultry species--chickens, ducks, geese--are becoming increasingly popular as pets. As such, requests for accurate diagnoses and treatment are being received by the veterinary community from the public. Unlike the food animal and production-oriented aspects of poultry medicine, success with these pet birds is contingent on preserving the human-pet bird bond, as defined by the individual client. This article presents some of this author's observations in diagnostic profiles on some selected disorders of backyard poultry.

Management of avian flock emergencies.

Managing avian flock emergencies requires a thorough history, physical examination, and record review before instituting appropriate therapy. Although the general thought processes are similar between approaching a sick individual bird and a "diseased" aviary, the actual steps are different. Infectious diseases are often a component of aviary emergencies but are rarely the primary cause of flock "disease." Managing flock emergencies typically goes beyond addressing individual pathogens. Recognizing, evaluating, and treating flock emergencies are discussed with the intent to provide a better understanding of flock health medicine principles.

Avicultural medical management. An introduction to basic principles of flock medicine and the closed aviary concept.

The purpose of this article is not to set out definitive management protocols for breeding flocks. These protocols must be individually designed and executed by the aviculturalist and attending veterinarian. The success of an avicultural medical management effort depends on the enthusiasm and competence of the veterinarian, the management expertise of the aviculturalist, and demonstrable progress through improved performance. The responsibility for avian veterinarians to enter this field with proper orientation beyond the individual bird and to document their individual management programs as they evolve is immense. Documentation and publication of successes and failures allow a more accurate and factual evolution of the discipline of avicultural medical management. As a profession, we as veterinarians hold one of the keys to the future success or failure of many avicultural efforts. It is sincerely hoped that these basic principles serve to orient and focus better our efforts in the future.