Avian Empire

20/01/2025

Penguin Awareness Day

Today we recognise the incredible bird that inspire so many of us… penguins! These remarkable birds are facing significant challenges, from habitat loss to climate change, and they need our help to survive.

Having been lucky enough to worked closely with these charismatic creatures, we’ve seen firsthand how special they are. Let’s use today to support conservation efforts and protect their future. 🐧

19/01/2025

A big thanks to all who donated/shared or commented! We have been able to add an extra 7 consultations to our tele-free service! 💛

Put a donation towards a 20 - 30 minute, Zoom Tele-free veterinary consultation for someone in need. You amazing human! Nobody wants money to be the reason someone can't afford vet care. You're buying a Tele-free veterinary consultations for someone in need. This will allow someone to have a free co...

18/01/2025

A beautiful day off in Wellington for Sam and I visiting Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne Ecosanctuary 🌿

16/01/2025

This month, we're shining a spotlight on some incredible groups doing outstanding mahi to protect our birds through predator control! 🌿🦜 Their efforts are vital in creating safer environments for our native species to thrive.
It’s time for the January Avian Charity of the Month giveaway! 💚
All you have to do to vote is put a like on the photo of the Avian Charity of your choice.
🪶You only get one vote so make it count
🪶Polls close 31st of January
🪶Whoever has the most votes wins the $500 giveaway for January + the donations accumulated from our site for this month.
The candidates:
Native Forest Restoration Trust
The Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust
Eastern Whio Link
Give a Trap Save a Bird + Forest & Bird

16/01/2025

Coxiprol or Baycox/Toltravet? Which to use and why.

Baycox/Toltravet (Toltrazuril)
Active Ingredient: Toltrazuril

Mode of Action:
- Toltrazuril works by targeting all intracellular stages of the coccidia parasite (Eimeria spp.), disrupting the parasite's ability to divide and reproduce.
- It eliminates the parasite at multiple stages, including schizonts, gametes, and sporulated oocysts.
- This broad action ensures comprehensive treatment, stopping the lifecycle of the parasite.

Coxiprol (Amprolium)
Active Ingredient: Amprolium

Mode of Action:
- Amprolium is a thiamine (Vitamin B1) analog that competes with thiamine uptake in the coccidia parasite.
- It interferes with the parasite's energy metabolism by blocking thiamine absorption, which is essential for their growth and reproduction.
- This action is more parasite-specific, as poultry have alternate ways to obtain thiamine.

Which to Choose?
The choice between Baycox/Toltravet and Coxiprol depends on your specific situation:

- Baycox/Toltravet is ideal for severe outbreaks where rapid and comprehensive control is needed. It’s particularly useful in young birds or during high-risk periods.
- Coxiprol is better suited for routine treatment or as a first-line treatment during mild to moderate outbreaks. It’s a cost-effective option for large flocks.

15/01/2025

CAN YOU HELP?

The past year, our Tele-Free Telemedicine Service—which provides free veterinary consultations for birds—has been busier than ever. We’re so grateful to be able to help so many of our feathered friends and their families!

But to keep this vital service going, we need your support. These free consultations are funded entirely through donations from ourselves and the community, and with the growing demand, we’re reaching the limits of what we can provide.

Here’s how you can help:
💛 Make a contribution to our Pay It Forward Fund. Every dollar goes directly toward helping birds in need.
💛 You can donate any amount—no donation is too small!

Your support means we can continue offering care to birds who might not otherwise receive it. Together, we can ensure that every bird gets the attention they deserve.

Put a donation towards a 20 - 30 minute, Zoom Tele-free veterinary consultation for someone in need. You amazing human! Nobody wants money to be the reason someone can't afford vet care. You're buying a Tele-free veterinary consultations for someone in need. This will allow someone to have a free co...

15/01/2025

We've created a new guide for those moments when you're in a pinch and need to whip up a bird recovery formula using ingredients you already have at home. This guide covers the essential basics of understanding what your bird needs when they’re not eating or drinking, helping you provide temporary support until professional care is available. 💛
https://www.avianempire.co.nz/pages/diy-first-aid-formulas-you-can-make-at-home

14/01/2025

Poultry Worming Guide NZ🪱

07/01/2025

We've created a new guide for those moments when you're in a pinch and need to whip up a bird recovery formula using ingredients you already have at home. This guide covers the essential basics of understanding what your bird needs when they’re not eating or drinking, helping you provide temporary support until professional care is available. 💛

https://www.avianempire.co.nz/pages/diy-first-aid-formulas-you-can-make-at-home

04/01/2025

Poultry Supportive Care Guide 🩵

02/01/2025

Happy New Year, everyone!

We’re a little late with the December Avian Charity of the Month draw, but in the spirit of fresh starts, we’re excited to announce that the funds will be awarded to a Wellington-based start-up rehab, Flock, Birdcare Wellington.

Nyssa, who owns and operates this incredible rescue, has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to help birds in need. Her dedication and hard work truly deserve recognition, and we’re thrilled to support her mission.

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to check out her website at www.flockwellington.com and show her some love!

A huge thank you to our amazing friends and clients for all your support – we couldn’t do this without you! This year, we have some incredibly exciting projects in the works, and we can’t wait to share them with you. Stay tuned for what’s to come! 🐦

Whether you want to volunteer in person or lend a hand online, there's a way for everyone to contribute to saving Aotearoa's precious taonga 

22/12/2024

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing clients and their feathered friends for your support and trust throughout the year!

Just a quick note to let you know that Sam and I will be taking a couple of days off over Christmas and New Year to recharge.

We’ll be closed on:

❤️ 24th & 25th December
💚 31st December
❤️ 1st January

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you and your feathered companions a wonderful holiday season!

PS To help us get into the spirit, show us your best Christmasy birds!

21/12/2024

🖤🧡💛🤍

16/12/2024

The High Court has ruled that DoC failed to protect marine species like dolphins and seabirds from fishing bycatch for decades. A major step toward accountability and safeguarding NZ’s marine wildlife.

A High Court judge has ruled DoC acted unlawfully by failing to follow its own laws.

03/12/2024

Congratulation Predator Free Wellington for being named Avian Charity of the Month for October! Keep up the amazing work! 💚 $515 is coming your way.

30/11/2024

Last chance to get your votes in 💚

22/11/2024

The Gape worm Myth: Rare and Misunderstood

If you’ve noticed a chicken gasping or breathing with its mouth open, you might be worried about gape worm (Syngamus trachea), a parasitic worm that infects the respiratory system of birds. However, gape worm is quite rare in New Zealand poultry.

Why is Gape worm Rare in NZ?
1) Climate Factors: New Zealand’s temperate conditions are less favorable for the spread of intermediate hosts like earthworms and snails.
2)Good Practices: Modern farming and backyard biosecurity measures significantly reduce the risk.
3)More Common Causes: Respiratory infections, poor ventilation, or tracheal injuries are far more likely to cause similar symptoms.

Preventing Gape Worm
While the risk is low, you can take steps to protect your flock:

- Quarantine new birds.
- Maintain clean and well-ventilated housing.
- Control slugs and snails in free-range areas.

If your birds show persistent respiratory symptoms, consult a vet to rule out other causes. While gape worm is often suspected, it’s rarely the culprit in New Zealand poultry.

19/11/2024

This month, we're shining a spotlight on some incredible groups doing outstanding mahi to protect our birds through predator control! 🌿🦜 Their efforts are vital in creating safer environments for our native species to thrive.
It’s time for the November Avian Charity of the Month giveaway! 💚
All you have to do to vote is put a like on the photo of the Avian Charity of your choice.
🪶You only get one vote so make it count
🪶Polls close 30th of November
🪶Whoever has the most votes wins the $500 giveaway for November + the donations accumulated from our site for this month.

The candidates:

Predator Free Wellington
Give a trap, save a bird / Forest & Bird
New Zealand Conservation Trust
Whakatipu Wildlife Trust