Why taking your new pet to an Avian Vet ?
As an Avian vet we try to enhance the quality of life of the pet birds that we examine. Striving for happy, healthy and well adjusted pets that are bonded and well socialised with their human family . To reach that goal we encourage a visit to the bird veterinarian, with all family members, within the first few days of getting a new pet bird. The cost of the first visit to an avian vet, with post graduate bird qualifications is around $80 dollars. The following article will give you a better understanding of the importance of the initial veterinary bird examination.
Getting a new bird is really exciting; most species of pet birds have a long lifespan and most owners expect a long term and rewarding relationship with their pet bird. The initial veterinary examination is important to ensure the pet bird purchased is firstly going to survive in the short term and longer term to stay happy and healthy. So many birds die soon after purchase, from diseases that could have been treated. Unless one has grown up with pet birds, their needs, behaviour, signs of illness and husbandry are neither obvious nor intuitive. Unfortunately most pet birds die prematurely, and often at a young age , because they did not have the initial avian vet exam. Every day we have clients saying "if only I had known".
Most pet owners are accustomed to visiting the local vet clinic with their new puppies and kittens. This concept also applies to pet birds. Birds have an innate instinct of hiding the fact that they are sick or unwell. When a bird is unwell most of the time it is usually critical, thus leading to the reason that birds have a poorer survival rate at vet clinics - they are simply presented late in the course of the disease.
New Bird Health check - Firstly the "bird vet near me" will try to diagnose and eliminate the common problems and diseases that affect the avian species in question, and to educate the owners about them. This will help ensure that the new pet will not die unexpectedly, often after a lot of time and effort and "LOVE" that has been put into to the new companion. But, finding an avian veterinarian is not always easy. Do this by searching the internet, speaking to local breeders or bird clubs or asking a regular local veterinarian for a recommendation. ( see the Bird Vet list in Talking birds Newspaper).
The physical examination by a vet that specialises in birds-The advantage of taking your pet bird to an avian vet is the diagnostic equipment is often specially designed for birds. The Bird veterinarian also has a broad knowledge of avian specific diseases and illness and most importantly how to handle your pet gently and confidently. Dr Phil has a standardized 20 point check list that is systematically followed when doing the physical exam on a new bird.
The new bird is observed from a distance either in its carrier or on a perch and the temperament, alertness, general appearance, ability to grip and perch are recorded. The bird is then carefully, gently, usually with very little stress, restrained in a soft towel for the physical exam where observations of a number of things are noted; some of which are the health of the sinuses, eyes, ears and the mouth including choana and choanal papilla at the back of the throat, (fig 1 examining the back of a bird throat using an speculum specifically designed to open a beak.) respiration and air sacs, mucus membranes, crop condition, crop palpation , cloaca and vent, feather condition , muscular system, skeletal system , nervous system etc. The droppings are visually looked at.
The patient is weighed usually to 1/10th of a gram and the body condition is evaluated in light of the pectoral muscling. Bird Vet Melbourne see birds routinely and are able to perform a thorough clinical exam quickly and efficiently. Most owners are pleasantly surprised by the clinical exam, many impressed as to how relaxed their bird is.( Figure 2 - A birds having a pedicure after the clinical exam).
During consultations bird owners are also educated, by the avian vet, on the importance of a nutritious balanced diet. Current recommendations for ideal nutrition are discussed and a handout or web site is given for further reading.
Avian behaviour is complex and discussed very briefly during the first visit due to time constraints. Food and environmental enrichment, the pros and cons of wing trims as well as nail and beak care are also discussed. For new bird owners a second vet visit may be recommended to address proper socialization and behavioural issues. To help bond chickens for example we supply reusable chicken nappies, so that the pet Chook can be indoors and a real part of the family. A surprisingly high number of chicken owners go home with a $22 Nappy. (Picture 3: An indoor chicken rescued from a layer cage now with a diaper - living indoors with her owner!)
The cage setup and layout - cage "furniture" and cage placement is discussed. This is a so important so that the bird can have an ideal living space; a place to retreat into to "get away from it all", having sleeping and roosting perches that are comfortable and relaxing. This helps maintain a low stress environment. Many pet birds are often inadvertently highly stressed in their regular cage. We often do a "cage makeover".( Maybe we can start a TV show!), The patient's cherish and appreciate the "new" cage and owner are often astounded at what a difference the good cage set up makes and usually very proud of their modern"ideal" cage setup.. We also sell ready to move in "furnished" canary and Budgie cages for $150.00.
Diagnostic testing is offered and discussed and treatments are recommended. Even if some diagnostic testing results are found to be normal they can be a valuable reference for subsequent visits.
The initial visit is lasts about 30 minutes and judging by the positive feedback we get - good value. After the initial consultation avian trained staff and bird vet nurses assist and reinforce the vet recommendations. The nurse discuss and recommend a range of bird products including perches - chicken nappies - bird toys - and nutritious bird foods etc.
This is really rewarding for the veterinarian as the positive outcome for the pet and owner is so appreciated. See also
Chicken vet
