04/20/2023
WHEN THE NATURAL APPROACH WORKS WONDERS
I am passionate about helping angels with disabilities, diet related diseases & emotional trauma thrive. In order to do this, I believe that keeping an open mind is essential, as what helps one angel will harm another. Using natural (non- drug) methods to help Birds is often viewed as harmful, but when done with the input of an avian vet & with an in depth approach, it can work wonders. Birds have spent far less time in a domestic setting than other animals & as a result can respond badly to drugs, but absorb natural compounds from safe flowers, plants, herbs & spices better. This approach may not work for every Bird, but for those who need it, we should be open. In this article I will tell the story of 2 of my most elderly Budgie residents who lived with severe fatty liver disease. This article is to raise awareness & should not be used in place of avian vet advice. Lets get started!
CHARLIE- Charlie boy was a delightful character who came to us from an environment full of environmental toxins. He had lived on a seed only diet for his entire life & had chronic respiratory problems, early stage bumblefoot & advanced fatty liver disease. Once he had finished his nebulization sessions & the toxins had left his system, Charlie was put on my liver recovery protocol (an approach using natural Organic foods & nutrition that is adapted for each Bird). It started with Organic celery juice in his water & other things were added over time. 1 year later, Charlie had no signs of fatty liver disease at all & remained healthy for many years. One day in 2022, Charlie passed away suddenly. He was the perfect body condition, had soft & shiny feathers & looked so young. I thought he WAS young as I had never looked at his hatching band date. I was shocked when I saw what it said- Charlie was 19 years old! Birds with his stage of liver disease are not expected to live a year past diagnosis as it is so advanced, but natural treatments allowed him to get past the expected lifespan of a healthy Budgie.
CRIKS- Criks had far more advanced liver disease than Charlie. She could hardly stand any more. Her beak grew at a fast rate & needed to be trimmed every other day, she had large bruises on her beak, legs & feet due to internal bleeds caused by her liver disease, had severe muscle atrophy, green watery droppings that stuck to her vent & had regular seizures. We were told that she would probably be dead by the time we got her home & that all we could do was love her for her final days. That was 4 years ago. Criks passed away a few days ago with no signs of avian fatty liver disease at all. She had been seizure free for 3 years, hadn't needed a beak trim for 4 years & had normal droppings. She passed away under her heat lamp in peace & cuddled up to her best friend Ernie. She was (at least) 20 years old.
In both of these cases, there was nothing to lose when trying natural treatments as it was too late for medication. It is so easy to hear that there is no medication that will help & just give up on them, but if we gain knowledge about other methods, there is no end to what we can do. It may not work for every Bird, but for those who need natural medicine, we should never be scared. Research in depth from trusted sources, scientific studies & vet papers, chat with open minded avian vets & rescues & never be afraid to listed to what your angel needs. Follow your instincts for every Bird & never be afraid of being judged by others. With love & determination, incredible things can happen.
