Birdhouse Mobile Exotic Vet

25/08/2024

Pet loss is a difficult process and is often unseen and misunderstood. It's incredible how such small creatures can take up such a large part of our hearts.

If you've suffered pet loss recently or in the past, University of Tennessee is hosting a Pet Memorial Celebration through their Center for Veterinary Social Work on September 8th from 2-4p. Through the link, there are options to attend in person or to share photos and stories about your pet.

tiny.utk.edu/PetMemorialDay

01/08/2024

Important Update: UVB Lighting Ban featuring Thomas Griffiths.
Please review if you have reptiles (or birds) with UV lights!

Are reptile heat bulbs banned? Can you still buy reptile heat lamps? Why are reptile heat bulbs banned? All of these questions are discussed and answered in ...

28/06/2024

💛 Keep an eye out for Frybread 💛

17/06/2024

Attention those who care about Reptile welfare (AND birds- this will affect some UV lights made for birds!) please read and write your legislators!

(Copied from Reptile Lighting)
Light Bulb Ban
Read more information with contact details at https://usark.org/24doe/.

In 2022, the Department of Energy (“Department”) passed a regulation that banned certain incandescent light bulbs. Basically, light bulbs are deemed inefficient if they do not emit a certain amount of lumens per watt. This was meant to transition from less efficient bulbs to more efficient lighting, like LED bulbs.
Reptile lighting is a specialty item and is not used for general-purpose lighting in homes and businesses. However, certain bulbs were reviewed solely on how many lumens they produced per watt. H**p keepers know that halogen and basking bulbs are not used in household lamps for general lighting.

Reptile (and bird) lighting is a specialty item and is not used for general-purpose lighting in homes and businesses. However, certain bulbs were reviewed solely on how many lumens they produced per watt. H**p keepers know that halogen and basking bulbs are not used in household lamps for general lighting.
At least one lighting manufacturer has been sharing valuable data with the Department, and changes to this ban are being sought. The Department shows promising signs of being reasonable regarding the concerns expressed with its openness to communications from lighting manufacturers and experts such as veterinarians, zookeepers, and professional h**petologists. The Department’s willingness to engage with stakeholders is welcome and appreciated. A review has been requested, and we remain hopeful that reason will prevail.
While most specialty lighting for reptiles and amphibians has not been included in this ban, many commonly used bulbs have been, including the list below. Bulbs similar to those below, no matter the company, fall under this ban and will be pulled from the market if the Department does not change its standing.
An effort to reverse this decision seems to be moving positively with the Department. Currently, we are encouraging legitimate experts and concerned h**p keepers to contact the Department. Experts, please send any data supporting the need for the types of bulbs below for animal welfare and sound husbandry. The Department needs to be provided with information.
Remember to be civil and professional! Acting otherwise will only hurt our cause. You can provide science and input about your animal welfare concerns to this email address: [email protected]
List of bulbs currently subject to the ban by the Department (some, but possibly not all):

basking spot lamps under 125W
daylight bulbs under 125W
halogen lamps under 125W
UVB compact fluorescent lamps
UVA compact fluorescent lamps

Below is a basic sample message.
Please edit it and feel free to expand. Be polite! You can easily edit to include other concerns, such as if you own birds.

email address: [email protected]
Department of Energy,
As a responsible reptile owner, I am very troubled after learning that specialty light bulbs that I use to keep my pets healthy will be banned. The ban on certain basking, heat, and UVA/UVB bulbs will create extreme animal welfare issues. Pet reptiles and birds, animals in zoos and conservation programs, and many others will suffer. Please listen to the experts who have contacted you regarding this issue. These bulbs are not used for general lighting and are needed to keep most reptiles healthy. Several million American homes have pet reptiles.
I support and appreciate the Department’s work to improve our energy efficiency and help the environment. These bulbs for reptiles should not be included in the ban or considered GSLs, as they are used only for specialized applications and not for everyday lighting applications. I ask that you do what is right for the animals and for good American pet owners by exempting these specialty light bulbs. Have a good day.
YOUR NAME
(If you are a professional in an animal-related field, please include your job or professional title. This includes veterinarians, biologists, zookeepers, researchers, professors/teachers, h**petologists, conservationists, etc.)

Here's a link to our Buncombe County house representative, Chuck Edwards. An email can be sent from the link.
https://edwards.house.gov/contact

13/06/2024

VERY important notice for reptile welfare. Copied and pasted:
🥺
CALLING ALL REPTILE KEEPERS IN THE USA: VITALLY IMPORTANT NEWS
– DO NOT MISS THIS!!!
BASKING LAMPS ARE ABOUT TO BE BANNED FROM SALE ACROSS THE WHOLE OF THE USA! This is for real. It’s not a scam, it’s not scaremongering.
PLEASE DOWNLOAD AND READ THIS FILE to find out what’s happening and what YOU can do about it.
THEN SHARE THIS FILE FAR AND WIDE!
Let's make waves.... and we may even be able to turn the tide.

05/05/2024

Are you aware that Western North Carolina holds the distinction of being the global epicenter for salamander diversity?

It’s also interesting that they do bask for periods of time. Are you providing all you should for your h**ptile? Let us help!

22/04/2024

"Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." - Jane Goodall

Happy Earth Day!! How are you celebrating our planet today?

🌎🌱🦋



🎨 Art by Mother Clucker's Microsanctuary

30/03/2024

🌿🦜 Next weekend in Asheville! Don't miss this awesome opportunity to learn more about your avian companions. Our assistant, Delilah, will be there -- so be sure to say hi 😊

We are a week out from day 1 of our 7th Biennial Wellness Retreat! We officially have our schedule and are so very excited to share it with you too.

It's definitely not too late to register and we'd love to have you come learn with us.

https://www.phoenixlanding.org/retreat.html

02/03/2024

Thank you, Anissa, for your kind words and for being an amazing chicken caregiver ❤️

23/02/2024

🐔 Have you ever wondered why chickens seem like feathered gyroscopes? 🌀 It's all about their unique eyes and their secret superpower, Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR)! Unlike humans, chickens can't move their eyes independently, but their VOR compensates for this limitation.

When chickens move around, their VOR kicks in to stabilize their vision and keep their gaze steady. This helps them maintain focus on objects, making them seem almost gyroscopic as they move. 🤯 Next time you watch a chicken strut around, appreciate the incredible bioengineering at play! 🐓👀

03/02/2024

🐍❤️ Thanks for the shout-out, Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians! We're so glad to provide specialized and knowledgeable veterinary care for reptiles and amphibians in the Asheville area! 🎉

25/12/2023

🎄 Happy Holidays from Birdhouse Mobile Exotic Vet! Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with warmth and chirpy cheer! 🌟

05/12/2023

Is your feathered friend in need of some beak care? While most birds naturally maintain their beaks, sometimes health issues or previous injuries can lead to overgrown or misaligned beaks. At Birdhouse Mobile Avian & Exotic Veterinarian, we understand the importance of proper beak care for your beloved birds.

Beaks are crucial for more than just eating; they're essential for your bird's overall health and wellbeing. An overgrown or misshapen beak can cause discomfort, difficulty eating, and potential health issues. That's where our veterinary team can step in!

We provide gentle and precise beak trims for birds of all sizes and species (turtles too!). Whether your cross-beak chicken needs a trim or your cockatiel requires shaping due to an injury, our avian vet is here to help.

Our priority is your bird's comfort and safety. We work to provide a stress-free as possible experience while carefully trimming your bird's beak to the ideal length, promoting proper function and preventing potential problems down the line.

Give your feathered friend the gift of a well-maintained beak! Schedule an appointment with Birdhouse Mobile Exotic Vet today and let us keep your bird smiling with a healthy beak. 🦜✨

23/11/2023

🦃🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from Birdhouse Mobile Avian & Exotic Vet! 🍂🐦

On this day of gratitude, we're incredibly thankful for our amazing clients, and for the trust you place in us to care for your pets. Your love and dedication to your exceptional pets inspire us every day.

As we gather with loved ones to celebrate, let's cherish the joy and companionship these incredible creatures bring into our lives. From our flock to yours, have a warm and joyous Thanksgiving!

18/11/2023

Feathers looking frazzled? 🐓🌀 Dive into the molt! 🍂 Learn the ins and outs of normal vs abnormal molting with our guide. Birdhouse Mobile Avian and Exotics Vet offers backyard flock exams to keep your hens and roosters looking and feeling their best!

10/11/2023

Sprouting enhances nutrient bioavailability and reduces antinutrients, ensuring your bird gets the most out of their diet. This means improved digestion and a boost in essential nutrients! 🌱✨

08/11/2023

🦎🌡️ Understanding Reptile Brumation 🌡️🦎

As winter approaches, many reptile owners wonder about brumation, a hibernation-like state that some reptiles enter during the colder months. It is critical to ensure your reptile is in perfect health before allowing it to go into brumation. Regular check-ups are essential to identify any underlying health issues that might affect this natural process. Dr. Rhyne can provide insight into your reptile's health through physical examination, testing of UVB lights, as well as in-person habitat and husbandry review.

It's also important to note that brumation isn't a necessary phenomenon for captive pet reptiles and amphibians. In fact, replicating their natural environment through controlled temperature and light adjustments can often provide a safer and healthier alternative to brumation. Birdhouse Mobile Exotic Vet can guide you on providing the best care and environment for your scaly companions this winter season.

Stay informed and keep your reptiles happy and healthy! If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

🌿🐍🔬

20/10/2023

I love our clients and I love the fact that they appreciate our wonderful assistant 🥰😘!!

It's National Vet Tech Appreciation Week.

We are so grateful for you Delilah!

Thank you for always being so kind, caring and compassionate with our crew here and thank you for putting up with all my questions. 😊

We all adore you. ❤️🐓

27/09/2023

Foot toys are smaller toys that are not attached to the cage. These toys can be easily held and manipulated by the bird. In addition to providing mental stimulation, foot toys also help birds build dexterity and balance.

https://www.aav.org/blogpost/1778905/493925/Foot-Toys

20/03/2023

Happy Spring! Today marks the beginning of Spring and many wild birds have started their migratory journeys from now until May. It's an important time to become aware of the impact window strikes can make on our wild bird populations. Lights Out! Asheville is an effort that began last year to make our city more bird-friendly. Learn about steps you can take to protect wild birds from window strikes and make the pledge to turn your lights out from midnight-6AM here:
https://www.birdsafeavl.org/lightsoutavl

The Coalition for a Bird-Friendly Asheville encourages all business owners, residents, and building managers to extinguish non-essential outdoor lighting between Midnight and 6AM during the Spring and Fall. Lighting that cannot be safely extinguished should be addressed and modified to meet bird-fri...

23/02/2023

😂

Featuring Hilda the sassy lovebird from Birdhism!

17/02/2023

The Great Backyard Bird Count is this weekend! Join in on an opportunity to get outside, observe our wild birds, and help with conservation efforts through citizen science. You can learn more about how to participate here: https://www.birdcount.org/

Each year people from around the world come together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds. Join us in February!

05/01/2023

Happy National Bird Day! What was the first bird you saw in 2023? Unfortunately, wild bird populations are in decline but there are ways you can help! Did you know -- in North America, 1 in 4 birds (about 3 billion) have disappeared since 1970.

You can help by planting native plants, eliminating pesticide/insecticide use, keeping cats indoors, preventing window strikes and doing citizen science like the the Great Backyard Bird Count coming up in February. Learn more about how you can help with avian conservation efforts here https://bit.ly/2teALCp and about the bird count here https://bit.ly/2TomYl1

Every February, count for as little as 15 minutes in your own backyard to help expand our understanding of birds.

01/01/2023

We look forward to helping your exotic pets have a healthy 2023!

22/12/2022

Happy Holidays! We will be seeing appointments next on Wednesday, December 28th. We wish you a merry weekend with your loved ones - including those who are feathered or scaled! 🎄

22/10/2022

🍂

We need your leaves! If you live locally to the Asheville area, the wild ones would love your dried and bagged leaves for their outdoor winter enclosures. Please consider raking this weekend and contacting our hotline to set up a drop-off time at our facility.
Hotline Number 828-633-6364 ext 1

19/10/2022

🥰

The chickens told me that it's Vet Tech Appreciation week and that they'd like to give a shout out to Delilah.

Well I'm more than happy to do that for them!

Delilah is so good with the chickens here.

She comforts them, baby talks to them, treats them with respect, is awesome with Dr. Rhyne, is gentle, kind, hands out treats and has even comforted me when I've needed it.

Everyone here is always in good hands when they are with her, and they know it.

They are very comfortable during their vet appointments, thanks to Delilah.

Thanks to Delilah, and to Dr. Rhyne (of Birdhouse Mobile Exotic Vet), I'm comfortable at their appointments too.

I don't trust anyone to handle the chickens, the way that I trust them.

They are a great team.

Thank you Delilah for taking good care of the kids here, and for being so kind, compassionate and gentle with them.

We adore you and we hope you know how much we appreciate you. ❤🐓

24/06/2022

Temps are in the 80s this weekend! Keep your flock cool with these tips from the . Chickens also enjoy frozen fruits and veggies but keep it in moderation for a balanced diet!

Summer Tips for Chickens: As the temperatures heat up, you may notice your backyard flock looking hot and inactive. Birds are unable to sweat. In order to cool down, chickens will open their beaks, spread their wings, and pant. To help your flock cool down, offer extra waterers, and place waterers in a shaded area. Add ice blocks to the waterer to keep the water cool. Also, ensure your run has a shaded area for your birds to cool down.

https://www.aav.org/blogpost/1778905/473601/Summer-Tips-for-Chickens

19/04/2022

Please keep your birds safe- and away from wild birds as much as possible for now!

HPAI continues to spread within Washtenaw County bird populations and around Michigan.

04/04/2022

Everyone please be safe out there with your birds! If you have any ponds or streams or anything where waterfowl congregate please take precautions!

A statement from McMurray Hatchery regarding highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).