LUBARP: Clagged Vents

The Liverpool University Budgerigar Ailment Research Project, sponsored by the Lancashire, Cheshire and North Wales including the Isle of Man Budgerigar Society, was started in 1984 and ran for 8 years.

In 1990-1 it was decided that we would investigate the condition of clagged vents in which large amounts of droppings accumulate around the vent and eventually block it and the bird then dies of an accumulation of waste products in the body. Unfortunately on this occasion the fancy let the research project down and the number of samples provided meant that only provisional results could be obtained.

While several causes of the condition were found it was predominantly due either to kidney disease or to malfunctioning of the lower part of the bowel. As yet nothing can be done for the former, which frequently rights itself if the vent is kept clear of obstructions. In some circumstances the latter is treatable.

Original text Copyright 1991, Dr John R Baker.

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