Bird Health Awareness Week is celebrated on the last full week of February and this year it will run from February 16 to 22. This week-long celebration of birds aims to create awareness on how we can look after them better. Students, bird owners and enthusiasts, and those who just love and admire birds can learn to keep their birdies happy and healthy. The initiative is part of the USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Biosecurity For Birds campaign to raise awareness of bird-related diseases and infections, and the necessary steps to counter them.
History of Bird Health Awareness Week
Birds are enigmatic creatures and are interesting pets to own. It is easy to take care of birds, provided that one knows exactly how to care for them properly. Bird Health Awareness Week brings important health tips from avian experts that every bird lover should know.
When adopting or buying a bird, most people believe that birds require only dietary care and basic grooming. But there’s definitely more. It is important to be able to identify the changes in the appearance of birds and some signs of weakness such as odd sleeping patterns. There are other things to learn about keeping your feathery friends healthy. For starters, when purchasing an imported bird, make sure that it was imported legally. Check the bird for marks or spots which can possibly be signs of an ailment. If possible, bring along a vet who can take a look at it before you buy it. Safety and protection are the next steps. The website of the USDA Animal Health and Inspection Service lists details and tips on how to keep your bird healthy.
Different seasons call for different types of living space for your birds. If you have a spacious birdhouse, make sure the insulation is adequate during warmer seasons and that cages are kept clean and hygienic at all times. One other thing to consider is that birdhouses become targets for predators. Finally, being able to identify signs of infections in a bird and knowing who to contact for help is a must.
Bird Health Awareness Week timeline
Voyagers return from their expedition to the Canary Islands making canaries immensely popular in European courts.
Robert Havell Jr., an American landscape painter, engraves many of the plates for the book “The Birds of America” authored by John James Audubon.
This Society is formed for hobbyists to discuss bird-feeding and their experiences.
The first National Bird Day is celebrated, bringing birds into the spotlight.
Bird Health Awareness Week FAQs
What are the symptoms of illness in birds?
Some common symptoms of illnesses in birds include sneezing, excessive yawning, coughing, reduced appetite, and insomnia.
What are the signs of a healthy bird?
A healthy bird is active, full of energy and chirpy, has bright eyes, and has a glossy, shiny look.
What are signs of a dying bird?
Excessive wheezing, rapid breathing, and coughing are all signs that your bird is very sick and probably dying.
How to Observe Bird Health Awareness Week
Learn about bird diseases
The best way to learn about bird health is to know about common bird infections and diseases. Read up on these diseases and what can be done to timely treat them.
Watch a documentary
There are countless documentaries on majestic birds. Tune in to your favorite one.
Share new info on social media
Learned about some new information on taking care of birds? Share it on social media.
5 Amazing Facts About Birds
Birds have incredible intelligence
Birds are incredibly intelligent and need some playtime for mental stimulation.
Some birds enjoy living in pairs
Many birds kept as pets such as doves and lovebirds prefer to live with a companion.
Different birds have different diets
Not all birds eat the same seeds and treats.
Penguins walk upright
Penguins are the only birds that can walk upright.
The chicken is related to the T-rex
The Tyrannosaurus rex has a very close relative — the chicken.
Why Bird Health Awareness Week is Important
Birds are beautiful
Birds are interesting and quite exciting animals. Thousands of species have unique traits, that is why we love birds and everything about them.
Keeping a bird healthy is important
We love this week-long event dedicated solely to birds. Most bird owners often take for granted that there are ways to properly take care of their birds.
Birds and humans have a special bond
Birds and their owners share a special bond, which is strengthened when the birds feel they can rely on their owners for safety and protection. Information disseminated during this week enables bird enthusiasts to understand their pets better.
Bird Health Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 20 | Sunday |
| 2023 | February 19 | Sunday |
| 2024 | February 18 | Sunday |
| 2025 | February 16 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 22 | Sunday |
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