When to see the veterinarian

Owning a pet bird is much different than owning a dog or a cat when it comes to veterinary care. People generally assume that since birds do not get yearly vaccines like dogs and cats do they don’t need to see a vet regularly. This is an incorrect assumption. Unlike dogs and cats, birds generally hide illness until they are very sick. It is generally recommended that pet birds have full exams every 6 to 12 months. It is important at this time to do routine blood work to check and make sure that your bird is healthy. The best way to check for disease is with blood work. Annual choanal cultures will detect bacterial overgrowth. Besides obvious emergencies, it is very important to take your bird to a vet if you notice any of the following:

Appetite:

When birds develop sickness, they become nervous, defensive, and fearful. In turn, their appetite and attitude towards food is affected. Understanding this, bird owners can detect important early signs that something is wrong by paying close attention to their birds at meal times.

Droppings:

Change in the character of droppings or a decrease in the number or volume.

Activity:

Change in activity: the bird becomes less active, talks less, sings less, and neglects beak and nail care.

Mood:

Change in attitude, decrease in friendliness, increased “grouchiness”.

General Appearance:

Change in the birds general appearance or posture. Seriously ill birds will ruffle their feathers up, begin closing their eyes in a sleepy fashion, and will sit low on the perch.

Breathing:

Any noticeable breathing while resting or heavy breathing after exertion, a change in character of the voice, or any unusual respiratory sounds such as a sneeze, wheeze, or click.

Lumps:

Any enlargement, even fat, is abnormal in birds.

Lesions:

Unusual crustiness, discoloration, or inflammation of the face, beak, feet, or legs.

Remember: Every new bird needs a complete physical!