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.

How to Tell if Your Bird is Sick

Does it seem like your feathered friend is not him or herself lately? Maybe they are acting odd or not wanting to eat? When birds get sick, it can be hard to tell if you don't know what to look for, and as bird owners, it's our responsibility to ensure that they don't get sick or that we get them to a doctor when they are. To help you protect your friend, here is a list of tell-tale symptoms that every bird owner should know about and be watchful for when they are taking care of their birds:

Unusual Droppings: The color of your bird's droppings will vary slightly depending on what you feed him. Nonetheless, you should watch out for droppings that are yellow, rusty brown, or tarry black. These can be indicators of internal bleeding, amongst other serious problems. You should also notice if there is a major change in the consistency of your bird's droppings. If they are too runny or too firm, it can cause complications for your pet.

Ruffled Feathers: Birds that sit with their feathers fluffed out for prolonged periods of time are often affected by respiratory problems or other disorders. Ruffled feathers are also good at concealing weight loss, which can be life threatening for a bird. If you observe this behavior in your pet for more than a day or so, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.

Red, Inflamed, or Runny Cere: Your bird's cere is what we perceive as his nose -- the little patch above his beak that holds his nostrils. Pay close attention to your bird's cere. If you observe any redness, inflammation, or discharge, there is a very good chance that you pet could be seriously ill. Make sure to keep your bird wrapped up and warm on the way to the vet.

Cloudy Eyes: If your bird's eyes look cloudy or have a discharge coming from them, he may be affected by a respiratory, nervous, or muscular disorder. You should rush to the vet as soon as possible as your bird needs immediate treatment.

Reduced Appetite: Birds have extremely high metabolisms, so it is vital that they receive adequate nutrition every day. If your bird stops eating and begins to lose weight, it may be a sign of an intestinal blockage or impaction, in which case he could die very quickly without medical attention. Make sure to clean out the bottom of your bird's cage every day before you feed him. This provides an easy way to monitor food consumption, not to mention changes in droppings.

Open-Mouthed Breathing: Respiratory problems are among the most common bird illnesses, and unfortunately the most serious. If you see your bird breathing with his mouth open while at rest, there is a good chance that he is not only sick, but has been for quite a while. This is one of the most serious symptoms of illness in birds, and requires immediate veterinary attention, with probable hospitalization.

Dirty Feathers: Birds are, by nature, hygienic animals that bathe often and preen their feathers daily to keep them clean. If you notice feathers around your bird's face or rump that appear messy, clumped up, or stuck together, it is an indication that your pet could be sick. Food consumption and droppings should be monitored closely for a day or so, and any changes noted and relayed to your vet as soon as possible.

Weight Loss: Many sick birds ruffle their feathers when they don't feel well, effectively concealing any changes in body mass and loss of weight. Weight loss can be devastating to a bird's health, not only in terms of reduced strength, but inhibition of organ functions as well. Weigh your bird regularly so that you will know if your pet is having trouble maintaining his weight.

Tail Bobbing: As with many common signs of illness in birds, prolonged and repetitive bobbing of the tail can be indicative of a respiratory infection. Unlike people, birds lack a diaphragm to separate the chest cavity from the stomach. The muscles located at the base of the tail help birds breathe by playing a part in expanding the lungs to take in air. If a bird is having trouble breathing, the tail muscles will work harder, causing the tail to bob up and down. Tail bobbing is often not noticeable until later, more serious stages of illness, so if you see your bird behaving in this manner, report to the vet immediately.

Changes in Vocalizations: Much like humans, birds who don't feel well often become less talkative than usual. Pay close attention to your bird so that you can learn his normal vocalization patterns. If you stay in tune with the way your bird behaves, it's possible to pick up on clues to that way that he feels. If you notice any changes in frequency or general tone of your bird's vocalizations, he should be monitored for additional symptoms for the next few days. It is always better to be safe than sorry.