I know there are differing opinions on the subject of well-bird check ups. Some people believe in having your apparently healthy parrot checked out once a year by a qualified avian vet, while others claim that taking a health bird into a vet office exposes them to "germies" they might not otherwise be exposed to. I am not going to lecture you on either. That is your choice. I am lucky enough to have a mobile avian vet that visits my house and I do have my parrots checked out once a year. But, you do what you think is right.
If you do take your bird in for a well bird check-up, here are some things that should be included:
Visual check: Looking at the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, etc. and making sure things appear as they should.
The touchy feely test: Feeling the bird to see if there are any lumps or other abnormalities the vet can feel.
Weight: Weight should be taken, in grams, every time.
Grooming: Wing and Nail trims, if needed.
Gram stain: The poop test ? to make sure there are no bad things in the poopie.
Blood Work: Maybe. Possibly a chlamydia blood test and a complete blood panel. You don't have to have these done every time. Ask your vet their opinion. Sometimes the vet may recommend more specific tests. And, just for the record, the bird does not have to be given anesthesia or "put under" to take a simple blood sample.
Ask Questions: Be sure to discuss any changes in behavior, health or diet related issues.
If your bird is not acting right, is tired a lot, lethargic, isn't eating like normal, has a nasal or eye discharge, or just sits there all "poofed" out, you need to get to an avian vet as fast as you can. I mean today ? not tomorrow. Better to be safe than sorry. So, repeat after me, "If my bird looks or acts sick, I will RUN not walk to my avian veterinarian." Birds generally do not look or act sick until they are REALLY sick. They can take a turn for the worst very quickly.
Finding a vet
If you do not already have an avian vet, look in your local phone directory. Give them a call and see how many birds they treat. I know of several that advertise that they treat birds but only see a few per year.
You can also use these site to find an avian vet in your area.
The Association of Avian Veterinarians - Searchable http://www.aav.org/vet-lookup/
The Association of Avian Veterinarians ? more complete listing http://www.aav.org/activemembers.html
or
The directory at Birds n Ways American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Certified in Avian Practice: http://www.birdsnways.com/articles/abvpvets.htm
Your Parrot Place
Taylor Knight is President of Your Parrot Place, providers of the highest quality parrot food, toys, cages and supplies available. yourparrotplace.com - Only the Best for Your Parrot!
Free Parrot eBook
140 pages of parrot tips, information, nutrition advice, safety and more! yourparrotplace.com
Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More
One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More
For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More
The 4th Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long... Read More
Ever since the beginning of time there has always been... Read More
Some say it started with the Taco Bell dog. A... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet... Read More
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human... Read More
"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More
Most people who have horses would like to develop a... Read More
Glassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More
Scientific Name: Botia macracanthus Other Scientific Name(s): Cobitis macracanthus, Botia... Read More
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More
Training your dog to "sit" is probably the first thing... Read More
Why should you use the dog crate training method?Is the... Read More
Some sources seem to indicate that living with a serval... Read More
In order to add love and affection to their lives,... Read More
Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your... Read More
Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
Let's face it ? Fido and Fluffy are an important... Read More
For those pet owners who do not know what a... Read More
If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy,... Read More
Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird... Read More
Knowing how to feed your betta is fundamental, because doing... Read More
Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & TraditionalFlea Bite Treatments***Chemicals that... Read More
Pet |