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Health Matters—Acupuncture for the Birds

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By Vicky Uhland

The Chinese have long used acupuncture on chickens, but Western vets are discovering that needling can also help even the tiniest Tweetys. According to the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists, acupuncture can be used to treat feather plucking, epilepsy, sinusitis, egg binding, wing droop, and a variety of other conditions in many types of birds.

Vets have varying theories as to why acupuncture is so effective for birds. Some believe because birds evolved from reptiles, they are younger and purer than mammals, making them more responsive to acupuncture techniques. Wendy Vere, a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in London, says birds react quickly to acupuncture because they have a relatively simple organ system and have fewer needling points than featherless patients.

Ancient Chinese texts detailed only a few acupuncture points used on domestic fowl, so modern-day avian acupuncturists have developed needling points based on those used on mammals. But before you envision a canary skewered with three-inch-long acupuncture needles, rest assured: Vere says the needles used on birds are only one centimeter, and treatment times are very short.

To locate a qualified bird needler, check the listings on the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society’s website, www.ivas.org.

Author: Vicky Uhland

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