How To Choose The Right Avian Vet

When it comes to your feathered friend, getting sick is just part of life. But what do you do when they get sick? How do you find the right vet that knows what they are doing and how to care for your bird? Since a bird's anatomy is very different than a normal cat or dog, you have to find a vet that can provide the specialized care that a bird needs. For new bird owners, you probably have a ton of questions about how to choose the right avian vet. So, here are some things that you can do find the right one for you:

1. Location: A lot of times, the hardest part about finding the right vet for your bird is locating one. Since the Internet is a major part of our lives today, it's much easier to find a vet that is close to you. One of the best places to start is to look at the yellow pages online for veterinarians that specalize in avian or even exotic medicine. Normally these vets will advertise that they do these types of animals so people can find them easier and they will also advertise their qualifications as well. You can also look at the Association of Avian Veterinarians' web site to find a vet near you that takes care of birds as well. They always maintain a list of vets that are qualified to care for companion birds and also have a great vet locator that will help you find one close by.

2. Preliminary Appointment: When you do find a vet close to you, don't just go in and let them work on your bird without finding out what you want to know - and don't wait until your bird is sick. Instead, schedule an appointment with the vet and take your bird with you to just talk to them and introduce yourself and your bird. This will also help your bird feel at easy and help them to know the vet before they are sick and might be a bit cranky towards new people.

3. Questions: Of course, there are some questions that you should ask the vet. Some of these questions include things like:

A. How long have you been treating birds? Keep in mind that experience is the best teacher and you want to find a vet that has a solid background in avian medicine so that you will know your bird is in the best possible hands.

B. How familiar they are with your species of bird? Make sure that you find out how much experience they have in dealing with your specific type of bird. Different birds are all treated and react differently to different medical procedures, so you want to know that the vet you have chosen is familiar with your species of bird, such as what treatment work and what don't.

C. Are they a member of the AAV? It doesn't hurt to ask this, and you want to make sure that the vet you choose is a member of the AAV so that they are held to a higher standard of care.

D. Do they have birds at home? While this might seem like a personal question, don't hesitate to ask it. Those that have birds of any type at home are more likely to know a bird's body language and how to look for signs of them being sick better than those that don't keep birds at their home.

E. Do they have emergency or after-hours care? Most vets offer this today, and you want to make sure that they one you choose for your bird does as well. After all, accidents can happen at any time - day or night.

F. How much do their services cost for birds? Since vet visits can be costly, you want to know in advance how much an emergency visit might cost and have that money set back just in case.

G. Do they recommend normal check ups? Many avian vets will recommend that birds have a well check at least once per year, so that they can help you keep your bird in shape and healthy.

A good vet will answer all of your questions and address concerns without hesitation and you want to make sure that you watch the way that they handle and relate to your bird during your first visit. You want them to be comfortable with your bird and make sure that their staff makes an effort to make things less stressful for your bird. If you or your bird isn't comfortable with them, they might not be the right vet for you.