Author: Shelby Deering

So, you’re thinking about bringing a parakeet into your life. And, like any responsible pet parent, you want to learn everything you can about your new feathered friend before adding them to your family. Parakeets are some of the best birds around (that’s why they made our list of the 13 best pet birds). Ahead, we’re here to help get you up to speed on this wonderful bird, with an overview of the most important information and supplies you’ll need to provide the proper care for a parakeet.

Whether you have a budgie, parrot, lovebirds or other type of bird, these common plants are safe to include in their cage.,Jump to section The 10 Best Plants for Your Bird’s Cage Other Bird-Safe Plants Poisonous Plants for Birds 6 Safety Tips for Birds and Plants

Just like in people and other animals, there are many types of tumors that can occur in birds. Avian tumors can be of the spreading, aka malignant, variety or of the non-spreading, aka benign, type. They also can be external or internal. And depending on the avian species, some tumors may be more common than others. Here’s the good news: Ttumors in pet birds are relatively rare. For example, a 2023 study from Australia found the incidence of neoplasia, or the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells, in companion and aviary birds to be only 2.45 percent. The types of tumors that exotic veterinarians tend to see more frequently in birds include: Kidney or testicular tumors in parakeets Preen gland tumors, found in the special oil gland at the tail base in birds, normally used for coating their feathers Xanthomas and lipomas, also known as fatty tumors, typically found in the skin. They are benign tumors but can cause large growths. Liposarcomas, a rare type of cancer that can form in the fat cells Less commonly, avian veterinarians find cancer in: the sinuses oral cavity lungs air sacs liver spleen kidneys bones vascular and connective tissues ovaries/reproductive tract thyroid gland brain Lymphoma, or lymphosarcoma, a specific type of cancer originating in the lymphatic system and/or blood, can affect multiple organs, given the widespread nature of the lymphatics throughout the body. As a result of lymphoma, the liver is the most commonly affected organ, then the spleen and kidneys. Additionally, squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, can occur on a bird’s skin and beak but can also be found inside the mouth, esophagus and crop (the muscular pouch near the gullet). Other types of avian cancers include: Fibrosarcoma: Cancer of fibrous tissues Papillomas: Growths caused by a virus that can affect various tissues Adenocarcinoma: Cancer arising from glandular tissues Hemangiosarcoma: Cancer of blood vessels Melanoma: Cancer originating in pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) Diagnostic tests such as imaging (that can include a radiograph) and biopsy are needed to determine the type of tumor as well as the extent of cancer in the bird’s body.,Jump to section Types of Tumors in Birds What Do Bird Tumors Look Like? Treatment of Bird Tumors How Much Does Bird Tumor Removal Cost? Other Symptoms of Bird Cancer