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
I'm a dog lover who believes that every dog owners... Read More
Do you have a puppy that jumps on you, company... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More
A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful... Read More
Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your... Read More
Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More
None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and... Read More
Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of which were first... Read More
Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave... Read More
Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide... Read More
In horse training or natural horsemanship, Approach is nothing more... Read More
Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
Part1: There is Actually a "Wrong" Way to Crate TrainCrate... Read More
I'm sure you're aware of the bad reputation Pitbulls have.... Read More
I was talking to a friend of mine today and... Read More
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More
Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
I would like to write a few words about my... Read More
Breeding tropical fish can be a lot of fun. Try... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..Witnessing your precious dog or cat having a seizure can... Read More
When I first started my interest in reptiles I was... Read More
Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More
If you are having behavioral issues with your dog that... Read More
My dog has fleas. That one statement is enough to... Read More
Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
Westies dogs' owners delight in the companionship their dogs give... Read More
Parachromis managuense has a bad reputation, just like many of... Read More
So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More
The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping... Read More
Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More
For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More
In the animal kingdom there is a pecking order. Richard... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
Do you really get the fullest amount of enjoyment out... Read More
Opening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More
The West Highland White Terrier or Westie, has it's origin,... Read More
There is a lot of talk going on about what... Read More
As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
Pet |