Do I Need to Take My Pet Bird to the Vet?

Around 5.7 million U.S. households own pet birds, making them one of the most popular pets in the United States. If you've recently joined this growing number of bird owners, you probably want to know how you can keep your new friend happy and healthy.

To many people's surprise, birds, like all other pets, need veterinary care to thrive. Below, we'll explore four reasons why you should take your bird to the vet.

Scheduling a New Bird Visit

The most important veterinary visit you and your bird will make is the first one. Like a "new puppy" visit, new bird visits should be scheduled immediately after bringing your pet home. This will ensure that your bird is healthy and that you understand how to take care of your new pet properly.

During the visit, your vet will perform a physical exam and check to ensure your bird doesn't have any diseases. Your pet's weight, appearance, and mobility will be recorded. If there are changes in any of these areas between your initial visit and your bird's yearly checkup, diagnostic testing may be required.

Diagnosing Illnesses

All animals get sick at times, and birds are no exception. Often, it's hard for owners to know if their bird is ill since birds try to hide signs of sickness. This is why regular trips to your veterinarian are so important. If you suspect that your winged friend isn't feeling great, your vet will probably run a series of diagnostic tests to help determine what's ailing them.

The types of diseases your bird is at risk for vary across pet bird breeds. A few of the most common conditions include:

• Proventricular Dilatation Disease

• Polyomavirus

• Candida

• Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease

• Psittacosis

General Care

While it's easy to find information on dog and cat care, learning how to keep your bird healthy can be more challenging. Since birds are exotic pets, there isn't as much information available on how to best care for them. This is where your vet comes in.

Your vet can provide useful guidance on a variety of bird care topics, including feeding, bird safety, housing, and grooming. Although veterinarians are equipped to provide all the information you need to keep your pet healthy, it can be helpful to spend some time thinking about questions beforehand. This will help ensure that you have all the information you need to care for your pet properly.

Behavior Issues

Like dogs and cats, birds can occasionally display behavior problems that are harmful to themselves or their owners. Screaming, biting, and feather plucking are all common issues that even the best pet birds can exhibit. Before treating the behavior, your vet will examine your bird to rule out any illnesses or health concerns that could be causing your pet to act out. If your pet isn't ill, your veterinarian can provide care guidance to help mitigate these undesirable behaviors.

Birds don't misbehave just to bother you. Typically there is a cause behind their behavior. A few of the most common causes include:

• Stress

• Boredom

• Loneliness

• Wrong size of birdcage

• Nutritional deficiency

How to Bring Your Bird to the Vet

Now that you understand why you should take your bird to the vet, you're probably wondering how to get them there. It's never a good idea to bring your bird in an unenclosed box or on your shoulder since even birds with trimmed wings can easily escape the office. Instead, use a carrier or cage to comfortably and safely transport your bird. Wire cages with viewing doors are especially handy because they allow the vet to see your bird's breathing and posture prior to handling them. Before placing your bird in the cage, line the bottom with newspaper. This will allow the vet to check your bird's droppings easily.

Bringing home a new bird is exciting, and you want to make sure your new friend has a long, happy life with you. If you're wondering, "Where is a vet near me, for birds?" Consider booking an appointment with Forever Vets. From emergency care to diagnostic treatment, Forever Vets has experience working with a variety of exotic pets and would love to meet both you and your winged friend!